any sort to the humors of the inhabitants but proceeded still with all rigour in the end they concluded and promised one another to embrace this businesse with affection and to assist and ayd one another with their counsell meanes and persons as much as in them lay to the aduauncement of the kings seruice the preseruation of the countrey and tranquilitie of the people Whereupon Francis Baudwin who had beene banished from Arras for the Religion was sent for out of Fraunce by the prince of Orange to heare the difficulties that were there presented who after the reuocation of his banishment by the chamber of Arthois at the instance of the Archbishop of Cambray he went to the prince to Brussels where hauing conferred with him and the other noblemen hee drew a discourse in forme of an aduice concerning the apparent troubles for matters of Religion the which was sent to the king of Spaine and deliuered to his owne hands wherein is set downe the true meanes to preuent all troubles and to root out sects and heresies Which discourse although it be somewhat prolixe yet to make them the more inexcusable before God and men which stopped their eares at so good holesome aduertisements I haue thought good to insert it in this place As all wee which liue vnder one King are bound to seeke the preseruation of the publicke good and quiet and the entertainement of the kings greatnesse and prosperitie who is the head of the bodie whereof we are members I haue thought that I was not to be taxed of arrogancie if according to that small talent which I haue receiued from the Lord I endeuour to discourse briefely of the meanes that might be held in these times in the which there is such great diuersitie of opinions to preuent all troubles and tumults that may rise as wee haue learned by the example of our neighbours and withall satisfie as much as is possible the will and pleasure of the king our lord whom by Gods commaundement wee are bound to obey and serue to the vttermost of our powers Seeing then that as well here as in Fraunce England Scotland and Germanie although there be some small difference a great part of the people are mooued by the exhortation and doctrine of those which they call Gospellers for that as they say they make profession to receiue nothing but what is expressely contained in the doctrine of the Gospell and of the Bible reiecting the auncient and accustomed manner of seruing God as to goe to Masse to confesse to receiue the Sacrament fast for certaine dayes goe on pilgrimage and other like exercises to ioyne themselues to a new doctrine and Religion which they call Reformed the question is how according to the kings will and pleasure the people may bee maintayned in the auncient faith without seeking any innouation And if happily the meanes seeme somewhat difficult or rather impossible how wee may preuent and shun many inconueniences which may arise or grow by the diuersitie that is among the inhabitants of the countrey First wee must consider That when any one speaketh of a Religion or Law it is to be vnderstood that hee speaketh of the faith and apprehension which men haue conceiued and imprinted in their hearts and minds touching God and his seruice and also touching the doctrine of their saluation or else they comprehend not by this word Religion but the exercise and outward profession by the which wee shewe outwardly what wee beleeue inwardly or at the least what wee should beleeue in our hearts As for the first it is most certaine That they which follow the new religion haue a constant persuasion and impression in their hearts that what they doe and beleeue is conformable to the word and commaundement of God and that they must aboue all things obey their creator and rather endure death and all the torments in the world than willingly to go against his word and commaundement Seeing then this Maxime is grauen in the hearts of men it is more than reason that God our Creator prescribe vs what law hee please and wee are bound to obey him without any contradiction or exception whatsoeuer Which Maxime it is not possible to root out of their hearts neither were there any reason to attempt it There must some other meanes then be sought to diuert them from their faith Many haue thought it best to proceed by force and terror by fire flames and all sorts of torments to the end that those which haue not yet embraced this faith might by this meanes be terrified to remaine in their auncient manner of doing but doubtlesse they are much abused as reason and dayly experience doth teach For how is it possible to force and commaund the conscience and mind by corporall violence How can any one persuade mee that that man hath a bad saith whom I see die constantly and ioyfully although I know not the ground of the one nor the other Euen as it is impossible for all the Monarchs of the world to keepe the fire from exercising his heat when it encounters an obiect fit to burne in like sort it is as impossible for all men how mightie soeuer to restraine and hinder the spirit of man from discoursing and iudging as he pleaseth and not to apply himselfe to that which he findeth best agreeing to his naturall impression the experience whereof is dayly seene For what hath it auayled to haue put to death so many poore soules for the faith Whereto haue serued the fires gibbets scaffolds tortures and torments which they haue vsed in Fraunce in England yea and in these countries Without doubt neyther the power nor authoritie of men nor the sharpenesse of all the torments in the world auayle any thing in this point The kings of Egypt were mightie but they could neuer commaund the consciences of the children of Israel The Romane Emperours held all the world almost in subiection who neyther spared fire nor flames crosses nor gibbets cords nor tortures nor any kind of torments that could be deuised and inuented to root out the Christian faith and to terrifie their subiects to diuert them and to retaine them in their auncient beliefe and Pagan Religion and yet they preuayled nothing in their desseignes but contrariwise did much hinder their entents So as the Christians were wont to vse a common prouerbe amongst them That the bloud of Martyrs was the seede of their Churches And indeed Iulian the Apostate Emperour a malicious and subtile man seeing that to root out the Christian Religion all his predecessours had aduanced nothing but contrariwise that it was much augmented by the meanes of the persecutions and that those which died for their faith tooke it as a glorie and honour from that time forward he would no more persecute them neyther by fire nor sword nor by any corporall violence although they hated him deadly but sought by gentlenesse and persuasions to draw them from their
heart of her owne kingdome As touching the loosing of friends the cause would bee so honourable and so good as shee should haue the kings of France Nauarre Portugal Denmarke Scotland other potentates her welwillers These reasons and allegations thus propounded and answered were communicated with the aforesaid deputies for the Estates who at that time made knowne vnto her Maiestie the estate and power of the Netherlands and what contributions the same were able to raise as also what the charges of an offensiue warre would be and what by loue and good gouernment might bee hoped for and gotten from such as were willing thereunto so as they might be maintained and kept in their freedomes lawes and auncient priuiledges for that it was well knowne and found to bee true that Holland alone since the pacification of Gant in 9 yeres besides their owne charges within the said prouince had contributed to the warres in the Netherlands in generall aboue 3500000 gulderns It was further declared how much it concerned the kingdome of England hauing beene long vnited to the Netherlands by many auncient contracts and bound to hold and maintaine the same in respect of the situations of both those countries for that the Netherlands had many great riuers and England an island lying right ouer against it who being enemies might doe great hurt one to the other and being vnited together might rule and haue the soueraigntie of the great ocean sea whereby they both get their liuings and without it could not maintaine themselues England hauing no strong forts but the high and steepe cliffes vpon the sea side the Netherlands many strong townes which liue most by their traffique by sea therfore are ful of ships sea-faring men whereby Englands steep banks might in time be made vnprofitable so easily assailed England also with the great store of good harbours hauens that are in it might greatly impeach and hinder the traffique of the Netherlands and therefore in times past these causes especially mooued them to make so many reciprocall contracts and alliances one with the other and not to suffer them to be inuaded or gouerned by strangers and that not onely betweene the princes of the said câ—…ntries but also with the Estates of the same as perpetuall friends and welwillers These things on both sides well weighed debated and considered had mooued the Netherlands once againe to make a motion vnto England and likewise had stirred England to heatken vnto their request and the rather for that now by meanes of the vntimely death of their prudent protector the prince of Orange the losse of many townes and castles and the refusall of aide to them made by the king of France by the procurement and secret practises of their enemies they were brought into a miserable and desperate estate and therefore it was now much to be feared that by their mistrust and diffidence the rather because they had many weake members amongst them which were continually suborned and solicited by the subtilties of their enemies they might fall into some treatie of reconciliation and peace or agreement with their enemies and afterwards inuade England with their helpe and meanes to the which they bare no lesse enuie and hatred in their hearts than vnto the Netherlands as it not long since plainely appeared by the arresting of diuers English shippes in the hauens of Spaine without any speech or cause of breach of peace cruelly handling and hostilly tormenting the marchants and sailers of the same The Queene of England was herewith not a little in minde perplexed and troubled being a matter that much concerned both her owne person and her kingdomes and dominions and therefore could hardly be resolued therein The reasons why the Queene tooke not vpon her the soueraigntie and chiefe command ouer the prouinces of the Netherlands for an inheritance to her her heires and successors all wise men persuaded themselues to be these first that shee was a princesse in yeares past hope of hauing any children and that shee had not any man within her kingdomes fit in all respects to take vpon him the command and authoritie of so absolute a gouernment and to execute the same as it ought to be done that shee was not mightie enough to rule ouer both places because shee did not beleeue nor could be persuaded that the power and contribution of the Netherlands was so great and so much as it was affirmed to be wheras for good considerations they made it not knowne to bee so much as it was but to the contrarie shee thought the Netherlands beeing compelled by extremitie had made it much more than it was and that her counsell had not taken sufficient information of the estate thereof that shee would not put her selfe wholly to the hazard and aduenture not onely fearing the great pride of the king of Spaine but the inconstancie of France knowing her owne might and that her subiects were not accustomed to the warres and vnwilling to contribute any great summes of money for the same especially to aide and assist a forraine nation Thus did this wise and prouident Queene aduisedly measure and weigh her owne meanes and affections and yet shewed her care and commiseration shee had of the Netherlands in their miseries with the assurance of her owne estate first and chiefly to be respected and after that to aide and assist the Netherlands as time and occasion should offer opportunitie These and many other like reasons mooued both parties to the conclusion of a prouisionall succour for the releeuing of Antuerpe which at that time was besieged and much distressed and thereupon it was contracted concluded and agreed between the Queene of England and the deputies of the Netherlands by a contract made the second day of August that the Queene should send foure thousand men to releeue the towne of Antuerpe and disburse all such summes of money as should be paid for the presting and imbarking of these troops and to be paied them monthly for three moneths together from the day of their mustering which together with the transportation and other things necessarie was accounted to amount to the summe of fortie thousand gulderns and the three moneths paie to be 184600 gulderns which summe should be repaid againe within sixe moneths after the raising of the siege from before Antuerpe and if it were not done then to be paid within twelue moneths after the first daie of their muster for assurance whereof it was agreed by the deputies that the towne of Oostend or Scluse should within one moneth after bee deliuered ouer to the Queene with all the prouision of munition ordnance and other marshall furniture therein and that shee should take seauen hundred of the said foure thousand men and place them in garrison in the said towne alwaies reserued that the said town should continue concerning the ciuile gouernment vnder the iurisdiction of the Estates of the said prouinces and not bee burthened
would some secretly some openly forsake the religion and so stay within the country The King of Spaine being once receiued and acknowledged for Lord within three moneths he will haue most of the officers and magistrates of the townes and prouinces at his deuotion to doe what-soeuer he should command them The chiefe of the Estates of Holland shall be the Earle of Egmont the Earle of Aremberg as Baron of Naeldwike the Earle of Ligny as Baron of Wassenare and many such Lords of the enemies faction These and such like wil draw the other noble-men and gentle-men vnto them and the Magistrates of townes will depend vpon them as it hath beene alwayes seene time out of minde In the first three moneths there will be a hundred occasions offred to reuenge themselues for matters past as well vpon the inhabitants of these countries as vpon her Maiestie and her subiects to the apparent ruine of religion not only in these countries but also in England and in other nations And the warres continuing the affaires in France concerning religion may be the better secured The King of Spaine may dye and after his death a better peace may happily be obtained In maintaining this iust and vpright cause we ought aboue all things to relie vpon the grace and assistance of God maintaining his honor glory and holy word and the rather for that we haue so often felt his gratious helping hand during these troublesome warres Besides these reasons there was at the same time a booke set forth in Print intituled A necessary consideration upon the treatie of peace with this sentence as a most assured meanes to deale with the enemie to haue him in Iealousie Vna salus victis nullam sperare salutem In which booke the Author besides many ancient Histories produceth the examples of our time of the Protestants in Germanie the Duke of Saxonie and the Lansgraue of Hesse and of the Protestants in France all which were circumuented by their too much trust and confidence on the contrary side they which opposed themselues valiantly in armes trusting in the power of God and the equity of their cause as those of Magdebourg and of Rochell not onely held and maintained their religion but also were the causes of the restoring of religion both in Germanie and France He shewed likewise that kings and Princes do not easily forget nor forgiue such as haue borne armes against them and these Prouinces haue not only borne armes against their King but haue reiected and wholy forsaken him altered religion and haue dealt with other Princes against him with many other reasons which hee set downe to disswade them from all treaties the which for breuities sake I ommit councelling the Netherlanders in his conclusion to be true and vnited among themselues and not to trust any man but to pray constantly vnto God and so to hope for a good issue About the same time the Estate minted a certaine coyne for a perpetuall memorie vpon the which there was a Lion grauen tied to a piller whereon stood the image of the Duke of Alua with a coller termed the inquisition the which a Mouse gnawed in peeces with this inscription Rosis Leonem loris mus liberat that is the Mouse sets the Lion at liberty On the other side stood the Pope and the King of Spaine with signes of peace flattering him to stand still vntill he were tied againe but the Lion refuseth it with this Motto Liber vinciri Leo pernegat which is the Lion wil be no more bound the armes of the Netherlands being most Lions of diuers collours These declarations afore sayd notwithstanding the Queene of England prest the Estates very earnestly by Sir Henry Killegry to haue their resolute answere who desired them on the second of March to send their deputies to Ostend to meet with her Maiesties Ambassadors who were already gone thether to treat with the Duke of Parma he shewed them likewise that her Maiesty tooke their long delaies in euil part for that she could not with her honour protract it any longer nor excuse her selfe any more vnto the Duke of Parma as if shee had mocked him Shee gaue her Ambassadors expresse commandement to treat of a good peace for the sending away of forraine souldiars the permission of Religion and the continuance of the preuiledges and liberties of the countrie And this was her resolution and although the Estates sent not their deputies thether yet would shee discharge her conscience and honour therein both before GOD and the world The Lord Willoughbie also gaue them to vnderstand on the fifteenth of March that if the Estates would liue in vnitie among themselues and leaue to molest them of Medenblick and others well affected to her Maiestie who did but make shewe of their thankeful mindes if the King of Spaine would not yeeld to a good and an assured peace as well for those countries and the inhabitants thereof as for her selfe then would shee continue her aide and fauor to wards them as she had done from the beginning Thus was the Queene of England resolued to treat of a peace mooued therevnto by certaine perswasiue reasons and it may be doubting of the countries abilitie together with the dislike shee had of the diuision that was betwixt the Estates and their soldiars who peraduenture made their case more desperate then it was finding also that the charge would grow very great to continue her aide hauing beene in hope at the first by a good defensiue warre to make a speedie end of their troubles On the other side the peace which shee should make would bee profitable for the trade of marchandise and shipping in her countries But the chiefest reason that mooued her therevnto was the earnest motion made vnto her by the Duke of Parma with whome she had proceeded so farre as she could not with her honour refuse to giue him audience The Duke for his part like a good practitioner in the art of dissimulation sought to lull the Queene a sleepe and to make her secure land carelesse to prouide her forces to resist the King of Spaines great armie or els through the feare thereof to force her and her subiects to drawe the Netherlands to a peace against their wills hauing foure principall sea townes in his hands with the assistance of the Hauens vpon the coast of England which hee ment to vse for the releefe and harbour of that great fleet for the conquest of the vnited Prouinces but to treate of a particular peace with England alone it was no part of the Duke of Parmaes meaning as holding the conquest of England easie light and assured the which was contrarie to the Ambassadors deseigne who sought rather to make a priuate peace for England The English sought to sound the Duke of Parmas meaning so by a parle of peace to alter their deseigne for the sending of this great Armado or at least to stay the proceeding
marquesse of Denia And as the prince and his sister were before the kings bedde he said vnto them I recommend vnto you Dom Christophel de Mora for the best seruant I euer had and all my other seruants vse them well and so embracing them againe and taking his last farewell his speech failed him remaining two daies in that estate vntill the 13 of September at three of the clocke in the morning when hee gaue vp the ghost being 71 yeares old and about 4 moneths Hee had not beene much subiect to infirmities in all his life time hee was but of a meane stature and of a faire complexion flaxen haired which grewe white resembling rather a Dutch man than a Spaniard hee had a high and a broad forehead with somewhat a thicke lippe the hereditarie marke of the house of Austria he had not the quicknesse of spirit which his father had but very vigilant and laborious spending both the day and night in affaires yea sometimes whole nights And notwithstanding his deuice which was Nec spe nec metu yet hee still aspired to great designes which hee conceiued in his imagination the which did trouble him much more than was needfull or that hee could beare Withall hee was alwaies doubtfull yea fearefull so as sometimes matters succeeded ill by his timiditie the which hauing beene vndertaken with a couragious resolution had beene farre more succesfull By nature hee was close and counterfeit seeking to couer his faults rather with the preiudice and disgrace of another than of himselfe and whosoeuer had once offended him was not easily receiued againe into fauour yet hee was more bountifull than couetous and more staied than well aduised Hauing such great power and meanes both in lands men and treasure hee effected very little and except the conquest of Portugall hee lost more than hee wonne hee was deuout in his religion nay rather superstitious giuing great credit to Iesuits yet not so much but that he would haue the clergie yeeld vnto the temporall command The paper which the king deliuered vnto the prince his sonne beeing an instruction to gouerne his kingdome contained this discourse which followeth or the like in substance My sonne I haue beene often in care to leaue your Estates in peace but neither my many yeares of life nor the helpe of other princes could euer effect it I confesse that I haue disbursed in lesse than three and thirtie yeares aboue fiue hundred ninetie and foure millions of ducats the which haue bred me nothing but griefe and care True it is I conquered Portugall but as France did lightly escape mee so may this be wrested from me I would to God I had followed the counsell of my deceased father of most happie memorie or at the least that you would beleeue and follow mine I should then beare my crosses more willingly and should die more contented leauing you in this vale of miserie Behold therefore what I leaue you for an euerlasting testament ouer so many kingdomes and states to see as in a glasse after what manner you shall well gouerne your selfe after my decease Bee alwaies verie vigilant of the alteration and change of other kingdomes to make your profit thereby according to occurrents Keepe good guard ouer them that are most inward with you in counsell You haue two meanes to entertaine your realmes of Spaine the one is the present gouernment the other the traffique to the east and west Indies As for the gouernment you must either depend vpon the nobilitie or vpon the clergie if you fauour church men bee sure to keepe the other still in awe as I haue done but if you strengthen your selfe with the nobilitie curbe the clergie as much as possibly you can If you seeke to entertaine them equally they will exhaust you and withall you shall disturbe your kingdomes and neuer come to any certaine resolution the ballance shall rather bee on the other side If you will leane to the nobilitie then hold friendship with the Netherlands for that they are friends to the French English and some prouinces of Germanie neither Italie Poland Sueden Denmarke nor Scotland can assist you therein The king of Scotland is poore Denmarke drawes his reuenues from forraine nations Sueden is alwaies diuided and besides ill situated the Polonians are alwaies their kings masters although Italie be rich yet is too farre off and the princes are diuersly affected On the other side the Netherlands are populous in men rich in shipping constant in labour diligent in search hardie to vndertake and willing to suffer True it is I haue giuen them vnto your sister but what imports that there are a thousand escapes which you may vse when opportunitie serues The chiefe are that you alwaies maintaine your selfe guardian to her children and that they change nothing touching religion for these points taken away you haue quite lost those countries and soone some other kings will present themselues who by meanes will bind them vnto them whereby you may be vndone If you thinke to fortifie your selfe against this with the clergie you shall prouoke many enemies I haue tried it yet keepe good correspondencie with the popes be bountifull and courteous vnto them be great with such cardinals as are most inward with them and seeke to haue a voice in their conclaue Hold friendship with the bishops of Germanie but trust not the distribution of their pensions to the emperour let them knowe you they will serue you the more willingly and receiue your gifts more thankfully Doe not countenance such as are of base condition neither respect the nobilitie and commons equally for seeing I must now speake the truth their pride is great they are very rich they must haue what they desire they will be burthensome vnto you and in the end will be your masters Make vse of nobles of the chiefest houses and aduance them to benefices of great reuenues the vulgar sort are not so needfull for they will cause you a thousand crosses which will consume you beleeue not any of them if they bee not of qualitie Discharge your selfe from English spies and French pensions imploy some of the noblemen of the Netherlands whom you shall haue bound vnto you by fealtie As for the nauigation of the east and west Indies therein consists the strength of the kingdome of Spaine and the meanes to bridle Italie from the which you shall hardly rerstaine Fraunce and England their power is great their mariners very many their sea too spatious their marchants too wealthie their subiects too greedie of gaine and their seruants too faithfull I haue excluded the Netherlands but I feare that time and mens dispositions may change by reason whereof you must doe two things change your officers at the west Indies often such as you call home imploy them in the councell for the Indies and so in my opinion you shall neuer be circumuented but the one or the other will make knowne the benefit
if it fell out that their aduersary should not hold his word neither yet how to pay the great debts of the countrie the paiement whereof is commonly raised by the warres nor how they that were in gouernment should bee armed against the Spanish corruptions which were already discouered with diuers other things these were the discourses and reasons of those that were of best and deepest iudgement In the meane time the Netherland fleete was still vpon the coast of Spaine which men sought to comprehend in the treaty of agreemēt that they might be called home that so the fleete in Spaine might freely passe too and fro from the East and West Indies for that they had beene forst to vnlade some of their shippes which had beene laden for the Indies and to set them out for men of warre for the defence of Spaine against the Hollanders which could not be comprehended in the act of the first of Iune but it was then consented and granted to countermand the said shippes as soone as the King of Spaines approbation should be sent and that in the meane time they should not be releeued with any new supplies or victualls which was in effect as much as if they were countermanded for that want of victuals wold bee an occasion to make them deminish their number and come home againe not regarding the doubt and suspition which men had in all places that the King would not fully yeeld to that which had beene concluded and the rather for that they made readie shippes of warre in all places of Spaine as at St Lucars Cadiz Lisbon and the Groine the straights of Gibraltar being full of Gallies which bred great iealousie as if they ment to attempt some thing against Ireland England the Netherlands or Embden others thought they would goe into Barbarie or to Alarach At Duynkerke in Flanders they made great hast to build the ten great shippes part of the thirty which they had vndertaken to make whereon they set fiue hundred men on worke being Spaniards Italians and Netherlanders each man his seuerall worke some of them beeing of 200. tonne the least was of a hundred and fiftie tonnes but by the answere of the eight day of August it was consented to countermand the aforesayd fleete and that after the time then set downe they should take no more prizes and therefore many men thought they would soone come home The mutinous souldiers vnder the Archdukes made many incursions in the country the Archduke seeking all the meanes hee could to pacefie them and in August hee got grant of sixe hundred thousand duckets to bee paid by a hundred thousand duckets a month for the space of sixe monthes which had long beene promised to pay the souldiers withall the Archduke also sought to discharge all his vnnecessary troupes as Wallons and others The Spaniards and Italians were put in garrison in seuerall places and a great part of them at Dornick where they were some what strictly lookt vnto and might not increase their numbers for that when they were desirous to goe out of the towne euery one had a token of lead giuen him without the which noman might enter into the towne at Cortrick also there were two or three hundred more in other places the richest townes gaue money to be vnburthened of garrisons the vnited Prouinces also discharged many of their souldiers such as they might spare as Englishmen and some high Duches which wanted many of their number they also discharged many ships of all sorts but they beganne to prepare some ships for the East Indies thereby to continue and assure that trade This yeare many shippes sailed out of Embden to Italy and Spaine which in Spaine and Portingall were most staied and arested vnder some pretence either that they were partners with the Hollanders or els rebels against their Earle from whom notwithstanding they had letters of lycence testimonialls or atestations but that would not serue their turnes vnlesse they brought particular letters from the Earle otherwise they were esteemed to be gotten by force and fauour of the Hollanders or Englishmen some of them notwithstanding were set at libertie but the rest to the number of thirty which were many for one towne were hardly intreated and the men put into the gallies others were compelled to serue the king there in his warre or in his shippes which went to the Indies and Bresill These newes caused a great vprore in Emden amongst the common people for the losse of their sea-faring men whereof many had wiues and children in the country which made a great assembly of women and children about the magistrate The Earle himselfe came thether with certaine Lords his friends which bred a suspition that he sought to cause some tumult his bretheren Earle Christopher and Earle Iohn being both with him with the garrison of Linphen where-vpon the vnited Prouinces sent about two thousand men thether the which were lodged in the suburbes of Emden and there abouts and withall they sent a trumpet to the Earle with a letter as followeth Right Honorable our actions haue giuen a sufficient testimonie with what a sincere intention wee haue euer laboured to our great trouble and charge and doe still continue to reconcile all controuersies and dislike betwixt your honorable father Earle Edsard your selfe and the Estates of East-Friseland when as in the yeare 1595. by the contract made in Delfzile at the request of your said father your selfe and the Estates of East-Friseland wee had vnder-taken and bound our selues to bee Vmpiers therein your Lordshippe knowes that in the yeare of our Lord 1603. at the making of the contract at the Hage at the instant request of the Deputies of the towne of Emden by your Lordshipps consent and good liking we once againe bound our selues to maintaine the same and to oppose our selues against all contradiction and also that in the treaty at the last meeting of the Estates of Germany vpon the last of Nouember by the intercession of Sir Ralfe Winwood Ambassador for the King of England and our Deputies in the behalfe of the said Kings Maiestie and vs it was agreed that if any thing were done contrary vnto the same that some order should presently bee taken therein Know yee therefore my Lord that wee beeing certainely informed that by your honors meanes and directions not one penny of money will bee had towards the payment of the garrison within the Towne of Embden that through want of pay the garrison might bee brought into a mutine and so the Towne of Embden fall into a tumult besides that by your Lordshippes meanes the contributions which are willingly granted by the country are not come to the hands of the appointed rent-maister for the causes where-vnto they are assigned according to the generall resolution That your honor also hath made many enterprises and caused them to bee executed without the consent of the country contrary to the Emperors resolution and the
were carried away with the violence of the streame and drowned Some will say That the Batauiens made themselues fearefull by reason of the brightnesse of their armes as in truth it is a commendable thing in a souldier whereas contrariwise by reason of the waters which they did vsually passe armed they were more rustie than any others not caring to keepe them cleane desiring rather to be valiant indeed than to make a shew with the brightnesse of their armes The Roman writers as Tacitus Orosius Suetonius and others write That among all the nations of Germanie the Batauiens by the which was meant the Hollanders and Frisons haue alwayes beene the most strong and able men the most valiant couragious and apt to armes more vigilant actiue laborious and moderat in all their actions than any other of their souldiers whereof the emperors Otho Galba and Vitellius had made triall and had well obserued when as they had them in their armies They say also That the emperour Caligula and Claudius who built the castle of Britt◅n neere vnto Catwick vpon the sea for there are two Catwicks to serue as a lanterne for such as did saile from the riuer of Rhine into England had most commonly the Batauiens neere vnto his person as the archers of his guard Which emperors would not assaile England without the Batauiens for that Iulius Caesar had bin infortunat in that enterprise hauing lost in a maner all his horsemen many of his footmen and a great number of his ships And whensoeuer there grew any mutinies or factions against the Roman emperors or princes they were assured that he was victor and preuailed which had the Batauiens Frisons on his side as Vitellius did when he made war against Otho for when Varus Alphenus cōmander of the Batauiens of that place which at this day they cal Alphen in Holland went to succour him with his Hollanders he defeated Otho and put his armie to rout And in succession of time the Batauiens were so practised in armes so famous and in such credit as they persuaded themselues that they had power to create a Roman emperour or to displace him Once the Batauien horsemen did vaunt That they had done more at the last battail than any other nation that did serue the Romans hauing ouerthrowne foureteene legions and taken the chiefest part of Italy from Nero vaunting That all the fortune of the battail had bin in their hands and consisted in their forces as if they would say That hereafter whosoeuer were on their side should be sure to preuaile These proud presumptuous speeches were troublesome to heare and hard to disgest for the captaines and souldiers of other nations which were in the campe Whereupon Flaccus Valens generall of all the Roman armie resolued to ◅perat the Batauiens beeing such bold speakers from the rest to auoyd all iealousie and tumult The which they of the armie hearing the legions began to mutine and to bee discontented for that they would take from them the ayd and support of their valiant men meaning the Batauiens whom they could in no sort want seeing that whensoeuer there were any matter of danger to bee put in execution they were still the first that presented themselues whereof there were three hundred of them on horsebacke verie heauily armed whereof fortie or fiftie with their horses barded and all their armes did swim thorough any riuers who hauing won so mady goodly victories by their industrie dexteritie and valour now sayd the other Roman souldiers being so neere the enemies there were no reason disioyne them and to withdraw them from their companie wherefore if their generall did loue the safetie of the Roman empire he should not seperat that generous and valiant nation from the bodie of their armie By which speeches we may well conceiue that the Batauiens haue alwayes beene great defenders of the Roman empire For which consideration and for their fidelities they haue alwayes beene free and exempt from all tributes and taxations of the Romans being onely receiued to serue them in the warres with their persons armes and horses at the charge of the emperours or the Roman commonweale So as this prouince of Batauia and the rest adioyning did serue the Romans as a storehouse for men of warre in all occurrents when they had need finding them both readie and resolute as wee may see at this day of the Switsers when as there was any cause to leuie men and that the Romans demanded succours from all places vnder their obedience Writing to the Gaules Germans English and others they did signifie what pay they should receiue monethly but writing vnto the Batauiens and Frisons they made no mention of pay for that comming to the armie they gaue them what they demanded That the Batauiens by reason of their fierce count◅nance strange maner of habits and arms were terrible not onely vnto strange nations but also vnto the Romans themselues it appears by these verses of Martial in the time of the emperor Domitian MARTIAL Sum figuli lusus ruffi persona Bataui Quae tu derides haec tim◅t ora pater This potters clay presents the Dutch and know Your fathers fear'd them though you scorne them now This was spoken by the image of a Hollander made of potters earth the which a citizen of Rome had caused to be set before his house whereat the children in the street did make a iest and yet their fathers were afraid to looke on them He did paint him red for that the Batauiens as well as the Germans were delighted in that colour the poets among others Silius Italicus giuing them the epithite of Auricomes that is to say golden locks And if by nature they had not their haire somewhat red or flaxen the which Plinie in his 2 booke and 78 chapter saith doth happen by reason of the temperature of the ayre and that their children both sonnes and daughters do vsually goe euen vnto this day bare headed they made them red or yellow of purpose with lye which the Mattiaque Zeelanders were accustomed also to vse with certaine little pills which they dissolued in vineger the which the Romans called pilas Mattiacas and the lye spumam Batauam as the said Martial sayes in his Epigrams MARTIAL Et mutat Latias spuma Bataua comas The Dutchmans oyntments dye the Italian locks And by reason of the fierie force which is in the ashes whereof the lye is made they gaue it an epithete of Caustique that is to say burning by these verses MARTIAL Caustica Teutonicos accendit spuma capillos With Caustique drugs the Dutchmen scald their haires The which the Romans did so imitat after the example of the Batauiens as the emperor Antonius was not ashamed to put on a periwig ofred haire to imitat the colour of the Germans according to the saying of Herodian as in like maner Domitian did as Martial writes Tacitus writes That the Germans and Batauiens had blew eies and shining
Harlem Gerard Spisdraeger Floris Ruysch Allard of Egmont Bruyn of Castrichom Gerard of Monstre the yonger and Euerard of Nortwick all knights who were buried at Egmont The yeare following 1169 the Frisons returned againe to Alcmar but the Earls garrisons with the countrey-men of Kennemerlandt pursued them by water and by land and slew some thirtie of them the rest retired for that the Earle sent his Flemish forces against them Soone after the Earle marched himselfe in person with an armie hee burned Winckell and Nieuvoort and subiected vnder his obedience the islands of Texel Wyernighe and Flie the inhabitants whereof he did ransome at foure thousand markes of siluer and then he returned a conqueror into his countrey of Holland About the same time that the Frisons were reduced vnto reason Cont Floris demaunded the isle of Walchren in Zeeland of Philip Earle of Flanders the which his predecessors had detained some yeares vniustly and without any lawfull title Philip answered That hee would defend and keepe that by force which his fathers had left him and whatsoeuer he held comming from them Cont Floris called to his succour the Earles of Cleues Geldre and Bergh who came to assist him in this quarrell with ten thousand men the which being ioyned vnto his armie they entred the countrey of Alost in Flanders which they spoiled and from thence went to besiege the towne of Armentiers the which they did assault with such furie as the besieged were at the last gaspe sending vnto their prince That if he came not presently to succour them they should be forced to yeeld vp the place Cont Philip being assisted by Mathew earle of Bologne his brother leuied an armie of Piccards Artesiens Hannuiers Flemings with the which he went to charge the Earle of Hollands campe where there was a verie sharp and hard incounter but in the end these three earles were defeated their armie put to rout Cont Floris much grieued at this defeat fought still and would not yeeld vntill that he found himselfe wounded almost to the death The earle of Flanders hauing taken him prisoner receiued him with all courtesie and humanitie as his cosin germaine and neerest kinsman and causing his wounds to be drest he led him with him into Flanders The newes of this defeat being divulged in all places the archbishop of Cologne and the bishop of Liege came into Flanders to reconcile these two great princes so as remaining good friends for euer it was concluded That Cont Philip should enioy to him and to his heires for euer the land of Waes which is one of the best quarters of Flanders the which the Earles of Holland had formerly held and that Cont Floris besides his libertie should be restored to his island of Walchren and moreouer he should send vnto Cont Philip a thousand men expert in making of ditches to stop the hole which had beene made neere vnto Dam or the Sluce whereby the countrey was drowned round about at euerie high sea the which the Flemings could by no meanes fil vp neither with wood nor any other matter for that all sunke as in a gulfe without any bottome whereby in succession of time Bruges and all that iurisdiction had been in daunger to haue bin lost by inundation and to become all sea if it were not speedily repaired Cont Floris hauing taken possession of the isle of Walchren returned into Holland from whence hee sent the best workmen he could find in all his countries into Flanders to make dikes and causeies and to stop the hole neere vnto this Dam or Sluce and to recouer the drowned land These diggers being come to the place they found at the entrie of this bottomlesse hole a Sea-dog the which for six dayes together did nothing but crie out and howle very fearefully They not knowing what it might signifie hauing consulted of this accident they resolued to cast this dogge into the hole There was a mad-headed Hollander among the rest who going into the bottome of the dike tooke the dogge by the taile and cast him into the middest of the gulfe then speedily they cast earth and torfe into it so as they found a bottome and by little and little filled it vp And for that many workemen came to the repairing of this dike who for that they would not be far from their worke coucht in Cabines which seemed to be a pretie towne Cont Philip gaue vnto all these Hollanders Zeelanders and others that would inhabit there as much land as they could recouer from Dam to Ardenbourg for them and their successors for euer with many other immunities and freedoms By reason whereof many planted themselues there and in succession of time made a good towne there the which by reason of this dog which they had cast into the hole they named Hondtsdam that is to say a Dogs Sluce Dam in Flemish signifying a Sluce and Hondt a dogâ—… and therefore at this day the said towne the which is simply called Dam carrieth a dog in their aâ—…es and blason About the same time the emperour Frederic Philip king of Fraunce Richard king of England with many dukes earles and Christian princes went to besiege Damiette in Soria that they might haue a port at sea and a safe harbor for the Christians ships but at the entrie of the hauen there were two great towers the which hauing great chaines of yron drawne acrosse stopt the entrie so as no ship might enter William sonne to Cont Floris of Holland concluded with his Hollanders of the towne of Harlem to arme the forepart of his ship with a long and strong saw of steele made of purpose expecting the first strong gale of wind that should blow into the hauen the which they effected vpon the first occasion so as through the violence of the wind the force of the ship and the cutting of this saw they brake the chains in peeces and gaue entrie to all the whole fleet of the Christians into the hauen of the citie of Damiette by which only meanes it was taken The emperor Frederic knowing that through the Valour and wisdome of yong Cont William and his Hollanders he had conquered this citie which was almost inuincible he made William knight honoured him with his royall bountie and receiued him with the other princes vnder the imperiall standard And for a testimonie of the vertue of those burgesses of Harlem betwixt the foure stars which they carried in their ensigne being the armes of the towne he added a sword and the Patriarke of Ierusalem a crosse aboue it for that they had fought so valiantly for the faith in Palestina at the taking of this citie Which armes the towne of Harlem carries vnto this day the which before was a withered tree of a russettish colour in a field argent as is to be seene in a portrait lately cut in copper of their enterprise and successe In the time of this Cont Floris they
Friseland 16 Guilielmus Primus This WILLIAM by great policie did breake the chaine Which crosse the Hauen of Damiet the Sarasins had layne Whereby the Harlemers great honour did obtaine Record whereof within their Towne as yet doth still remaine Two wiues he had whereof one out of Geldre came The second MARY called was a princely English dame Full nineteene yeares he rul'd and peaceably possest His countries and in Rhynsburgh died whereas his bones do rest WILLIAM the sixteenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland hauing as we haue said in the time of the Contesse Ada expelled the earle of Loos remained in quiet possession of the said prouinces He had by his wife Alix daughter to the earle of Gueldre Floris who succeeded him in the said Earledomes Otto bishop of Vtrecht and William who was lieutenant of Holland the which was father to the lady Alix married to Didier lord of Brederode and two daughters whereof the one was Abbesse at Rhynsbourg and the other at Delft This Cont William did homage to the Emperor Frederic the second for his Counties of Holland Zeeland and Friseland Afterwards vpon a priuate quarell he went and besieged the castle of Aspren hauing taken it he rased it to the ground Cont Gerard vander Are brother to Didier bishop of Vtrecht in reuenge therof went and besieged the town of Dordrecht into the which he cast wild fire which burnt almost halfe of it Soone after Cont William and the bishop were reconciled together and they made an accord by the which Cont William should pay vnto the bishop a thousand pounds and restore vnto Henry of Craen all that he had taken from him for that as wee haue said before he had once put him in prison by the cōmandement of Cont Thierry his master brother to the said Cont William Item that all the Earles subiects being in the bishoprick of Vtrecht should from that time forth be vassales to the bishop as well as all his vassales remaining in Holland Item that Cont William with a hundred knights attired onely in linnen cloth and bare-footed should present themselues before the Cathedrall church of Vtrecht and being there the Earle should aske him forgiuenesse for that he had before laid hands vpon him and taken him prisoner although he were rescued in the Abbey of Staueren All which articles the Earle did accomplish fearing his excommunication and from that time the Earle and the bishop continued good friends Behold the simplicitie of Princes and the pride of prelats in those daies brauing all the world with their thundering threats At that time died Henry king of Scotland vncle by the mothers side to cont William of Holland leauing no children There was a great nobleman in Scotland who with the helpe of the king of England got possession of the realm The Earle of Holland pretending a title to the Crowne as the neerest kinsman son to the deceased kings sister imployed all his friends for the obtaining thereof and to bring it to effect being imbarked with a goodly armie he landed in Scotland where at the first he tooke many townes and castles In the meane time Lewis earle of Loos knowing Cont William to be absent and that he could not easily come out of Scotland although he had wholly conquered it leuied men secretly to make a new conquest of the Earldome of Holland but Cont VVilliam being aduertised thereof desiring rather safely to enioy his owne inheritance which he had gotten with much paine than to striue to make a doubtfull conquest in a strange countrey and farre off he returned speedily into Holland The earle of Loos hearing of his returne proceeded no further for he feared him much hauing made so good triall of him who afterwards gouerned his countries peaceably during the remainder of his dayes In the yeare 1218 the lady Alix wife to Cont VVilliam died hauing left the children aboue named and was buried in the church of the Abbey of Rhynsbourg Afterwards the said earle maried with Mary daughter to Edmond of Lancaster son to Henry the third king of England by whom he had no children About that time the inhabitants of Ziricxee in the Island of Shouven in Zeeland began to build great shippes for marchandise to traffique throughout al seas as well North as South and to make their towne famous as it was for a time by reason of their nauigation hauing fit and conuenient hauens and rodes the which haue since beene much stopped with barres of sand so as of late the inhabitants of that towne haue made a new hauen going directly to the sea before Noortbeuelandt The Earles of Zeeland who were also Earles of Holland had a palace in the towne of Ziricxee the ruines whereof are to be seene at this day It is the second towne of Zeeland We haue in the life of Cont Thier◅ the seuenth and of his daughter Ada rela◅ed briefely the deeds of this Cont VVilliam the first of that name FLORIS THE FOVRTH OF THAT name the seuenteenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland Florentius Quartus My daughter in one day as many children bare As daies within a yeare complete by vs accounted are Twelue yeares I liued Earle Mars durst me not defie But iealous loue was cause that I was murthered cruelly My wife grieu'd at my death and her so hard fortune At her owne charge for women built the cloyster of Losdune VVithout the towne of Delft my sister edified Another which le champ royal she nam'd wherein she died FLORIS the fourth of that name by the death of Cont William was the seuenteenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland his brother Otto was made Earle of Friseland in his fathers life and William the youngest was hereditarie gouernour of Kennemerlandt this William had one daughter called Alix the which was married to Didier lord of Brederode who had by her Alfart father to William of Brederode who was General of the Horse to the king of the Romans the eighteenth Earle of Holland Cont Floris had to wife Mathilda daughter to Henry duke of Lothier and Brabant by whom he had the said king William his successor and Floris who was gouernour of Holland then Alix which was Contesse of Henault and Marguerite wife to Herman earle of Henneberg who had that great number of children whereof we shall speake by and by In the time of this Earle Floris there was neere vnto the towne of Arckel a little castle vpon the place of Wolfard belonging to Iohn lord of Arckel about the which there liued some poore fishermen at which place the riuer of Meruve began to ebbe and flow for that the riuers of Meuse and Wahal the which before the towne of Tyel in Gelderland was very narrow and could not enter into that of Linge fell into it These poore fishermen called themselues Gorreckens whereof the towne of Gorrekom now Gorrichom tooke the name This lord of Arckel caused all the houses of
returned with their prey through the iurisdiction of the Lord of Vianen The Lord of Arckel madde with rage to see his country so destroyed to haue his reuenge went to besiege the towne of Nyeuport on the opposite banke to Schoonhouen the which he tooke by force and burnt to the ground After that the Earle of Osteruant had in many places spoiled the lands and seigniories of the Lord of Arckel the Earle of Holland to make a finall end resolued to goe and besiege the towne of Gorrichom the ordinarie residence of the Lord of Arckel and from whence he so much braued the Hollanders And in the yeare 1403. he leuied an armie out of his countries of Holland Henault Zeeland Friseland England and many other nations from whence he drew a great number of soldiers Adolph Duke of Cleues the Bishop and those of Vtrecht did also defie the lord of Arckel who seeing so many enemies ready to assaile him hee called to his succors the Earle of Vernenburch and the Earle of Dalhem the siegniors of Steenwoerde of Rheyda and of Hoemoel brethren to the Earle of Catzenellebogen the seigniors of Vrericke of Berghen and of Dyckelen the seigniors of Cryekenbeeck of Boetselaer of Ranst and his brethren of Ysendoorn of Zeelen and his brethren of Schonhauwen of Lyenden of Vayrick of Nyenstein Bastard of the house of Arckel of Soelen of Auesart of Myllinck and of Vueren all Knights and many other Gentlemen of the countries of Iuilliers and Geldres Cont Albert pursuing his first resolution caused his armie to marche into the country of Arckel and to besiege the towne of Gorrichom where he tooke his quarter vpon the north dike betwixt the village of Arckel and the towne Adolph Duke of Cleues with Walrauen of Brederode and those of the townes of Holland and some English camped on the East side of the towne and Castell Those of Vtrecht planted themselues towards the North in a place called Tuistschild The Hannyuers and South-Hollanders lay lodged vpon the South the Zelanders and Frisons had their quarter vpon the West dispersed here and there The campe being thus diuided the Engins of battery were planted against the Castell the which was battered in such sort as the greatest tower was beaten downe and the besieged were much annoyed with arrowes which came as thicke as haile into the towne many houses were beaten downe with the violence of their engins of battery shooting confusedly to breed a terror among the inhabitants The Noblemen Gentlemen and soldiers defended themselues valiantly at all assaults repulsing their enemies and doing their best indeauours to repaire their walles and fortifie themselues within One night among the rest the siegniors of Reyda and Hoemet with some Gentlemen and choise soldiers made a sallie vpon the Zelanders and Frisons whom they charged so sodenly and so furiously as they disordred them and troubled all their quarter at which charge there was taken of the Zelanders and Hannyuers Floris of Borssele Floris of Aubeau Nicholas Reytwyinck of Romerswael the siegniors of Lodyke of Bauduin and Floris of Borssele brethren William of Reynts Philip of Eueringhen and Iohn bastard of Borssele with ninety soldiers and William of Romerswael was sore wounded whereof he dyed soone after and was buried in the church of Gorrichom Soone after some Captaines Gentlemen and soldiers made another sally vpon the Duke of Cleues quarter where there was a furious fight and many died on either side yet they of the towne carried away with them Walrauen of Brederod and Gilles Schenck Knights Steuen of Berenbrooke Iacob Schicker Peter Potter Hugh Post and many other Gentlemen and soldiers An other time there issued forth William of Ysendorne and Arnold of Schoonhauven Knights Ihon Hopper Thomas Westerdale Iohn Croextough Dauid Carmerdin and Thomas Herfort Captaines with many Gentlemen soldiers who on Saints Iohns day fell vpon the Hannyuers quarter but they were brauely receiued and with-stood so as they were forced to retire and were pursued into their Ports During this siege the Earle of Osteruant sent some troopes into the iurisdiction of Schoonreuoert the which the more to vexe the Lord of Arckel he caused to be burnt carried away many peasants prisoners This siege hauing continued three moneths Iohn of Bauaria bishop of Liege sonne to the Earle of Holland Arnold of Leydenburch and Haeke of Outheusden Knights came to the Earles campe the which did mediate an accorde betwixt him and the Lord of Arckell by the which it was said that Albert Earle of Holland and Cont William of Osteruant his sonne should enter into the towne and the Lord of Arckel should kneele downe before them and aske them forgiuenesse besides that the Banner of Holland should be planted a whole day vpon the castell of Gorrichom which conditions being fulfilled the campe did rise and euery man went to his owne home At that time there was a great tempest at Sea with exceeding high tides the which did drowne many villages in Friseland and Holland by which tempest there came a Sea-woman swimming in the Zuyderzee betwixt the townes of Campen and Edam the which passing by the Putmerie entred into the straight of a broken Dike in the Purmermer where she remained a long time and could not finde the hoale by which she entred for that the breach had beene stopt after that the tempest had seased Some country-women and their seruants who with Barkes of Edam did dayly passe the Pourmery to milke their Kine in the next pastures did often see this woman swimming vpon the water whereof at the first they were much afraid but in the end being accustomed to see it often they viewed it neerer and at last they resolued to take it if they could Hauing discouered it they rowed towards it and drew it out of the water by force carrying it in one of their Barkes vnto the towne of Edam When she had been well washed and cleansed from the sea Mosse which was growne about her she was like vnto another woman she was apparrelled and began to accustome her selfe to ordinary meates like vnto any other yet she sought still meanes to escape to get into the water but she was straightly garded They came from farre to see her Those of Harlem made great sute to them of Edam to haue this woman by reason of the strangenesse therof In the end they obteined her where she did learne to spin and liued many yeares some say fifteene and for the reuerence which she bare vnto the signe of the Crosse wherevnto she had beene accustomed she was buried in the church-yarde Many persons worthy of credit haue iustisied in their writings that they had seene her in the said towne of Harlem For the rarenesse whereof for that the Chronicle of Holland doth also make mention thereof we would not here omit it About this time through these tempests swellings of the sea the entries of the riuers of
towne accompanied with the Earle of Moeurs and the Earle of Heynsbergh nad Iohn his sonne the lord of Bâ—…ren Prouost of Aiz and about 300. horse besides his ordinarie traine The Duke attended at the Port the Bourgeoises hearing thereof held a councell where it was agreed that the Duke should enter with his ordinarie traine of 120 horse and no more Seuen of the Bourgesses went vnto him who hauing opened the Port the first entred and the rest thrust forward in a prease the Duke entring with the last into the towne The Reuward went with him to the court the next day the Duke came vnto the Towne-house and let the councell vnderstanâ—… that his comming thither was to to entreat some good accord with his brother and the Barons But the Reuward was gone to Louvaine to the Assembly of the Nobles The Duke fearing that hee should returne with him into Brusselles and seaze vppon his person demaunded of the magistrates that if it should so happen wheâ—…her they would open him the gate or not They to assure him said that if hee had any doubt thereof they would deliuer vp the Keyes of the gates into his handes wherewith he remained satisfied But the inhabitants were not in quiet to see those strange soldiers bragging in Tauernes with their swords in their hands that they should be all rich before they went out of Brabant so as the night following they assembled in Armes vppon the market place being aduertised of some dissein of the Earle of Heynsberg and others who should seaze vpon the Market place that night at the sound of a bell and then of the whole towne some soldiers were also found armed vppon their beddes The inhabitants therefore sent in all haste for the Reuward who came posting from Louvaine with all the Nobilitie and Deputies of townes Entring into Brusselles he thanked the Bourgesses for that they had so constantly preserued the towne and day being come hee went to the Court to the Duke where hee caused most of his houshold seruants to be apprehended dismissing others that were not prisoners and soone after hee suffered them to depart that were come into the towne with the gentlemen strangers but the masters as the Earles of Moeure and Heynsbergh with other gentlemen to the number of 150. were deteyned prisoners The lord Reuward seazed vppon all the horse and armes of the Earle of Heynsberg and others and disposed of them to whom he pleased The Emperor Sigismond writ for these Noblemen that were prisoners to the states of Brabant for their libeâ—…ties threatning them with a proscription of the Empire The like letters were written by the Princes Electors to the Reuward to whom he made no other answer but that hee had caused them to be iustly stayed according to the custome of the Countrey as they themselues had required and therefore their cause remained doubtfull vntill they had wonne the fauour of Gerrard vand Zype chiefe counsellor and most familiar with the Reuward who by the perswasion of the saide Vande Zype freed them out of prison vpon certaine conditions All things being thus past and the troubles ended the Earle of S. Pol Lord Reuward resigned vp his office of Reuward which is a dignitie which the States of Brabant haue power according to their Priuiledges to giue vnto whom they please to reduce their Dukes vnto reason when they stray from their duties into the hands of duke Iohn his brother who was by the said Estates confirmed in the gouernment of his Countrie Before that the Earle of S. Pol went out of Brabant there were beheaded Euerard of Tserclaes knight Steward to the duke Adolph of Coudenbergh William of Pipenpois and some 14. of the cheife of Brusselles who had beene the cause or at the least had wincked at the dessigned treason and trouble of Brusseles and there were 600. Crowns promised to him that should bring in the signior of Asschen aliue or dead for that hee had beene the motiue of the unkindnesse and quarrell betwixt the Duke and his wife Then the Earle of S. Pol retyred into France the Contesse and her mother remaining still at Quesnoy discontented still with duke Iohn for some of the said Ladyes councell found not the Bull of her marriage lawfull hauing not been allowed but held it to bee fraudulent and of no force By reason whereof in the yeere 1423. she went into England from whence she sent to cyte duke Iohn to the court of Rome to heare his marriage declared voyde according to the Canons Pope Martin referred this businesse to two Cardinals to determine thereof who assigned a day for the Duke to appeare before them and he appointed certaine Proctors at Rome to defend his cause The Countesse Iaqueline hearing that the Processe would be teedious and long without attending a definitiue sentence allyed her selfe by a promise of mariage to the Duke of Glocester vncle to King Henry the sixth of England then raigning vppon condition that the marriage with the Duke Iohn being declared vnlawfull shee should obtaine a dispensation from the Pope to marry againe Soone after the duke of Glocester came with the Contesse Iaqueline his betrothed Spouse vnto Calais with a great Army marching toward Henault and therefore hee diuided his Armie into three battailions The Lady Marguerite of Bourgongne mother to the Countesse requested the Nobilitie of Henault to accompany her and to goe and meet them and so by assistance and fauour of the lord of Haures Lieutenant to Duke Iohn they entred into Henault The duke of Brabant demanded succors from the duke of Bourgongne and Iohn of Bauaria who promised him all assistance The Duke of Bourgongne sent him the lords of Croy Lisle-dam and Mailly with good troupes of souldiers In the yeare 1423. Iohn van Vlyet had his head cut off at the Hage in Holland being accused by some of the Cabillautin faction that he had poisoned Iohn of Bauaria whereof he had been sick and recouered for the which hee was quartered and his quarters hung at the entrance of foure of the chiefe townes in Holland Iohn of Bauaria hauing receiued letters from the duke of Brabant demanding succors sent him word that if his health would giue him leaue hee would come vnto him with good Troupes within three weekes But hauing his armie readie to march he fell suddenly sick it may be the poison had not been well purged and dyed at the Hage on Twelffe day and was buryed there in the Iacobins Cloister Hee being dead all the Noblemen that had been of his faction called in Iohn duke of Brabant and receiued him for their prince notwithstanding that Iaqueline their Contesse was married againe to the duke of Glocester who hearing how hee had beene receiued held a counsell with her friends by what meanes she might seaze vpon some townes and castles in Holland and to that end she sent Floris of Kifhoeck with men to surprize the
to bring him to the duke These two came to Wyke for the lord of Brederode and the Baylife Amerongen before they were deliuered the bishop would haue the lord of Brederode put againe to the Rack in the presence of Noblemen and that before hee was laied vpon it hee should take a sollemne oth to answere the truth to that which should bee demanded him wherevpon a Notarie and certaine witnesses were called this proceeding continued two whole daies hee was once stript and layed vpon the banke but seeing they could drawe nothing from him without greater torments nor from Amerongen they suffred them to goe with the sayd Comissioners who led them to Berghen vpon Some to the duke but they found him not there being gone to the seege of Amiens so as they conducted them to Ruppelmond in Flanders wheras they were detained almost a whole yeare At the dukes returne the processe beeing referred to the iudgements of the knights of the golden fleece to heare the sayd lord in his iustifications his Accusers were cited to bring proofe of their accusations seeing that by tortures hee did not confesse any of those crimes wherewith hee was charged But none of his Accusers appeering the duke sitting in his seate of iustice with the knights of the order among the which were Engelbert Earle of Nassau Barron of Breda the lordes of Crequy Lalain and others to the number of twelue Barrons the sayd lord of Brederode was adiudged free and absolued of all crimes imposed vpon him and was restored to all his Estates goods and honours to the great content of all these Noblemen and knights who complained much of the great wrong that had beene done him and he was honorably receiued of all men Hee liued not aboue two yeares after hee died in the yeare 1473. and was interred at Vianen let vs heereby consider of what force enuie is which spareth neither great not small Two yeares after Iohn of Amerongen was found innocent of the crimes that were obiected against him notwithstanding his confession vpon the Racke and in like sort absolued inlarged and restored to his Office of Baylife to the great content of the Bourgeses of Vtrecht As for Ghysbrecht Prouost Cathedrall brother to the lord of Brederode before hee could recouer his liberty hee was forced to resigne his Prouostship to an other and to sweare neuer to keepe his residence in Vtrecht the which hauing performed hee was set at liberty in the yeare 1470. and went to liue at Breda where hee died a yeare after and was buried at the Chartreux by Geertruydenbergh Duke Charles not satisfied with the annuall contribution or tribute which the Frisons payed him according to the last appointment writ vnto them that they should send their deputies to the towne of Enchuysen the seauenth of Aprill 1470. to heare what should bee propounded vnto them on his behalfe They sent their Deputies But the duke beeing troubled with the warres of France came not in person but sent Philip of Wassenare lord of Woerburch and others his commissioners There were many things ambiguously and doubtfully propounded and debated and so many cauillations found out to intrappe the Frisons as it did much displease the Noblemen of Friseland who retyred themselues and would not treate in that fashion desiryng to goe plainely and roundly to worke Yet the Clergie and Deputies of townes remayned who willing to haue a finall ende desired to knowe what the dukes demaunde was It was sayd vnto them that hee demaunded a siluer pennie of his coyne vpon euerie chimney for all the countrie of Friseland in generalll The Deputies demanding of what valour this penie should bee for that they had no charge from the Estates to yeelde to aboue three Liards or a soulz at the most the which the dukes commissionars would haue referred to the dukes discretion The Frisons in like sort demanded a day of aduise to make report thereof vnto the Estates The report made they would no waies yeeld vnto it but concluded that if the duke would force them they would defend themselues and hinder his entrie into the coūtry The duke at his returne into France came into Holland hauing heard by his Deputies the intention of the Frisons hee resolued to force them to his will by armes and therevpon caused a great fleete of shippes to be prepared to imbarke his men at armes and to land in Friseland But it fell out happely for the Frisons that Edward the forth King of England being expelled his realme came into Zeeland to the duke his brother in lawe to demande succors of him against the Earle of Warwike who had chased him out of his Kingdome The which the duke promised sending this fleete appointed for the ruine of the Frisons to succor the sayd King Edward the which carried him backe into England Afterwardes the duke had so great warres against the French Suisses and Lorrains in the which in the end hee was slaine as the Frisons remayned in peace without any further disturbance In the yeare 1470. Lewis the leauenth the French King had a great desire to bee reuenged of the brauary which the duke of Bourgongne had done him at Peronne practising vnder hand to haue the townes vpon the Riuer of Some reuolt the which being hard to effect by secret practise hee must attempt it by open warre true it is that hee had iust cause to apprehend the dukes affronts at Peronne who had forced him to make a peace and to go against the Liegeois that were before his friends yet hee beganne it some what fearefully although he had a great desire to it The Earle of Saint Pol Constable of France and the duke of Guiennes people desired warre rather then peace betwixt these two Princes for two considerations the first was for feare to loose their Estates the other was they perswaded the King that if hee had not some forraine warre he should haue ciuill dissention at home The Constable offred the towne of Saint Quentin pretending that hee had great intelligences in Flanders and Brabant where hee would cause many townes to rebell The duke of Guienne offred for his part to serue the King with fiue hundred men at armes The King meaning to beginne this warre with solemnity called a Parliament at Tours whereas many Iudges assisted there it was concluded according to the Kings intention that the duke should bee adiourned to appeere in the open Parliament at Paris The King assuring himselfe that hee would answere proudly or that hee would doe some-thing contrarie to the authority of the court hee should therefore haue more iust cause to make warre against him An Vssher of the Parliament went to Gand to adiorne him being vnder the souerainty of the crowne of France which he did at his comming from the masse whereat he was much amazed and discontented hauing caused the Vsher to be put in prison yet soone after he suffred him
the duke of Bourgongne beyond that of Collogne which was on the other side of the riuer of Rhine towardes Duisseldorp to cut of the Dukes vittells The Emperour beeing planted before Nuys hee presently sent to the French King to requier him to keepe his promise and to send the 20000. men But the King fearing the English would inuade France laboured to make a peace with the duke of Bourgongne brother in lawe to the King of England or at the least to prolong the truce The King of England on the other side did what he could to drawe the duke from Nuys and presse him to keepe his word and to make warre against the French King But the duke excused himselfe vpon his honour which hee sayd should bee interessed if hee should rise There was an Apostolike legate with the Emperour who went euery day from one campe vnto an other to mediate a peace The King of Denmarke came also himself in person and lodged at Greuenbrooke in the country of Iuilliers who labored what hee could But the duke would giue no eare to any contynuing still obstinate at this siege doing what he could to take it The Duke being thus obstinate there was warre attempted against him in two or three places One was by the duke of Lorraine who had sent to defie him at the siege of Nuse and did him much spoile in the Dutchie of Luxembourg but by the other side duke Sigismond of Austria with the helpe of the Swissee and those of Strausbourg tooke the contie of Ferret made warre in Bourgongne tooke Blaumont and besieged the castle of Hericourt belonging to the Marshall of Bourgongne of the house of Neufchastel The Bourgongnons went to succour it but they were defeated and the Swisses returned into their countrie laden with spoyles In the beginning of the year 1475. the Duke holding yet his siege before Nuise the truce ended betwixt him and the French King the which the King would willingly haue prolonged but seeing it could not be he made open warre in Picardie tooke the towne of Roye Montdidier Corbie the which after that he had spoiled he caused to be burnt as he did many other places betwixt Abbeuille Arras Those of the garrison of Arras made a Sallie vppon the French but they were repulst euen into their ports there were many slaine and of their chiefe men taken prisoners as Iames of S. Pol Brother to the Constable of France the siegnior of Contay heire to the old Lord of Contay the Lorde of Carenchy and other Gentlemen The French King had intreated the Emperour to make a mutuall promise not to make a peace with the Duke of Bourgongne one without another councelling him to seaze vppon all his landes which held of the Empire as Brabant Gelders Lembourg Luxembourg and that he would seaze vpon those that are held of the Crowne of France as Flanders Arthois Bourgongne and others Wherevppon the Emperor answered wisely to his Ambassadors telling a Tale of two companions which soulde the Beares skinne to their Hoste before the beast was taken as if he would say come as you haue promised wee will take the man and then diuide his goods The Constable was much grieued for the taking of Iames of S. Pol his brother but this mischance came not alone for at the same instant the Earle of Roussy his sonne Gouernour of Bourgongne for the Duke was taken and there withall dyed the Constables wife a vertuous lady and sister to the Queen of France who had been a great support to him After these three mischances he was neuer assured liuing in contynuall feare swimming betwixt two streames to entertaine himself equally in the King and Dukes fauor which these Princes could easily discouer The Duke hauing contynued his siege a whole yeare before Nuise 2. things prest him extreamely to rise the first was the warre which the French King made against him in Picardie the second was the goodly and great army the King of England made at his request hauing alwayes perswaded him to come into France and could neuer induce him vnto it vntill that time and now the King of England and his Nobles were much discontented for that the Duke stayed so long before Nuise and came not to ioyne with them vsing threates vnto them considering their great expenses and the approaching winter The Duke of Bourgongne held it for a great glory that this great armie of the Emperour and the Princes of Germanie which was the greatest that had been seene in the memorie of man or long before could not raise him from this siege The Legat past dayly from one Campe to another vntill in the ende he made a peace betwixt the Emperor the Duke of Bourgongne the Towne of Nuise was deliuered into the Legats hands to dispose thereof as the Court of Rome should decree the which had yeelded to his mercie through famine if hee had continued but tenne dayes longer but he was forced by the threatnings of the English to make composion and to raise his Campe. In the meane time the Constable of France was much perplexed thinking of the wrong he had done to the Duke of Bourgongne touching S. Quintin and hee was out of hope of the King who prest him to come vnto him which he would not do vnlesse the King would sweare vppon the crosse of S. Loup of Angiers for his safetie which he refused to doe which draue him into dispaire At this time the King of England past at Calais with his armie and the Duke of Bourgongne raised his siege from before Nuys and went to the English with a smale companie sending his Armie to refresh it selfe and to bee reuenged of the Duke of Lorraine in the countrey of Barrois what happened during the abode of the English armie in France vnto the conclusion of the peace of Piqueny and their returne into England I leaue to the Historie of France who relates it at large for it concernes not our subiect After the English beeing repast the Seas the French King retyred to Vervins vppon the fronters of Henault The Duke of Bourgongnes Chancellor and other his Ambassadors were at armes in Henault The King desired now to haue peace with the Duke and vppon some difficulties that were propounded would himselfe treat personally with the said Ambassadors in the ende a peace was concluded for nine yeeres But the Ambassadors beseeched the King that it might not bee so soone proclaimed to saue the Dukes oath and that it might not seeme that he had accepted the same Truce which the King of England had made This Truce beeing made the conclusions of Bouvines betwixt the French King and the Duke of Bourgongne against the Constable were reuiued where it was resolued that hee that could first lay holde on him should execute him within eight dayes or deliuer him to his companion Those which followed the Constable fearing these practises
his speech Frederic duke of Saxony spake next who hauing shewed that the French King was excluded by the lawe and that Charles was a Germaine Prince hauing liued in Germany and spake the language hee concluded that the common-weale had neede of a mightie Prince and that he knewe not any comparable to Charles Therefore it was most conuenient to choose him Emperour but with certaine lawes and conditions so as Germany might remaine at libertie and that they might anoyde those dangers which the two Archbships sayd were to be feared After that the rest had approued his speech the Archbishoppe of Treues sayd I fore-see the destinie of Germanie an alteration at hand yet seeing it pleaseth you I must yeeld vnto your willes And for that it was then late they retired themselues Pope Leo the tenth was much troubled and in a worde feared the election of one of these two Princes for both were alike suspect vnto him To the ende that hee might preuent both of them hee labored to haue a third man chosen Wherein hee sought to imbarke the French King putting him in dispaire euer to attaine vnto it himselfe But hee feared also this third seeing no man so apparent and likelie as Frederic duke of Saxony a fauorer of Martin Luther who was his mortall enemie yet all these deuises and practises turned to smoke and so did all the solicitings guiftes presents and promises made by the French King the election of Charles remayning firme and constant The next day after the sayd election the Princes Electors beeing assembled they beganne to treat of the conditions they should giue and prescribe vnto Charles the which was debated some daies togither and in the ende all beeing concluded they sent the lawes and conditions in writing to Charles his Ambassadors remayning at Mentz After they had receiued them they put in writing the voices of euery Elector according to the custome with his hand and seale The day before the sayd Election they had presented the Empire to Frederic duke of Saxony but hee refuzed it with a Noble resolution excusing himselfe vpon his age hauing as wee haue sayd alreadie giuen his voice vnto Charles This done the Noblemen were called and admitted in then the Bishop of Mentz going vp into the pulpit in Saint Bartlemewes Church declared that Charles the fift of that name Archduke of Austria duke of Bourgongue c. Earle of Flanders Holland Zeeland c. and King of Spaine was chosen King of Romains in the place of the Emperor Maximilian deceased Then the Ambassadors which were come within a league were sent for Beeing come a councell was held for the gouernment of the common-weale and the charge was giuen vnto Prince Casimir to leauie men and to put them in garrison for feare of some Innouation The Electors did write vnto Prince Charles and sent an Ambassage vnto him to certifie him of all that had beene done the chiefe of which Ambassage was the Pallatin Frederic who arriued in Spaine in the end of Nouember with Letters intreating him to accept of the Empire which they offred him and that hee would make hast to come into Germanie King Charles hauing setled his affaires in Spaine hee gathered together a great fleete of ships and gallyes and taking leaue of his Princes and Citties hee imbarked and landed in England where hee was ioyfully entertained with great state by King Henry the eight and by the Queene his Aunte and by the French Queene married to the Duke of Suffolke the Kings sister who had beene promised to him in marriage she gaue him a very kinde and louely welcome Hee was very honourably intreated there for some dayes then being imbarked againe with a prosperous winde he past soone ouer to Flessinghe and from thence into Brabant where he was ioyfully receiued by all his subiects The Princes Electors hearing that hee was arriued in Brabant they sent other Ambassadors vnto him to haue him prepare to receiue the Crowne of the Empire with the accustomed ceremonies MARGVERITE OF AVSTRIA PRINcesse widow of Castille Dowager of Sauoy Aunte to the Emperour Charles the 5. Gouernesse of the Netherlands MARGARITA AVSTRIACA DVCISSA SABAV GVB BELGICAE From Daughter to an Archduke I became An Emperors Daughter to King Lewis sonne I first was promised with pompe and Fame But my place in his bed another won The Prince of Arragon was my first Pheere But being left a widdow I did wed For second Duke of Sauoy he being dead I from my Nephew did the gouernment beare THe Lady Marguerite of Austria daughter to the Emperour Maximilian and to the Lady Mary of Bourgongne was first married to the Prince Don Fernando of Arragon the onely sonne of Don Fernando King of Arragon and of Isabella Queene of Castile which Prince died soone after leauing no children Afterwards the said Lady was married againe to the Duke of Sauoy with whom she liued not long before he dyed Returning into the Netherlands after the death of her brother Philip King of Castile in the yeare 1508. she was by prouision admitted by the Emperor her father during his absence in Germanie and the warres in Italy to the gouernment of the Netherlands with George Duke of Saxony So as this yeare 1520. King Charles her Nephew went into Germanie to receiue the Crowne of the Empire leauing the said Lady his Aunte Gouernesse in his absence The Emperor elect parted from Brussells with a great and honorable traine came the 20. of October to Cologne where the Princes Electors did attend him and from thence they came to Aix la Chapelle At his entry into the towne the Knights of the order of the Golden-fleece marched first euery one in his ranck according to his antiquitie in the said order After followed the Princes Electors first the King of Bohemias Ambassador the Archibishop of Ments either of them with 700. horse The Archbishops of Cologne and Treues either of them with 600. horse the Cont Pallatin of Rhine the Duke of Saxony and the Marquis of Brandebourg euery one of them with 600. horse There were besides other great Princes which followed to do him honour and homage for their Seigniories being accompanied with many Nobles and great traines As the Duke of Iulliers George Duke of Saxony the Marquis of Baden the Dukes Henry and Erick of Brunswick brethren euery one of them with 600. horse the Bishop of Leege the Duke of Lunebourg father to the Duchesse of Geldre the Earle of Emden and his sonne the Lord of East-Friseland the young Prince of Cleues who was alwaies with the Emperor the Earle of Saint Pol and many others with a stately traine Then the Ambassadors of the Kings of England Poland Hongarie and Denmarke of the Venetians the Dukes of Sauoy of the Knights of Rhodes and of the great Maister of Prussia The Lady Marguerit his Aunte was in the traine with a goodly company of Princesses Countesses Ladies and Gentlewomen euery
dispairing of succours yeelded it also and the Castell was presently razed Doctor Hubert Chancellor for the Duke of Gelders in Friseland and Wyard of Bolswaert captaine of a ship who had bin shut vp in Sloten hauing their liberties vpon the yeelding vp of the place thinking to goe to Steenwike which was contrary to the capitulation they were pursued and taken and for that they had broken the accord Captaine Wyard lost his head in the towne of Leewaerden the Chancellor for that hee was a Priest was sent to the Lady Marguerite Gouernesse who lodged him in perpetuall prison at Rippelmonde where he dyed This being thus performed by the Lords of Schenck Wassenare Castre they went to besiege Steenwyck which they tooke without any resistance the soldiers that were there in garrison for the Duke of Geldres hauing abandoned it as soone as the Earle of Maeurs was departed not daring to attend the Bourguignons whom they did see winne all where they came This towne thus wone the gouernor with the aduice of the said Noblemen caused a fort to be built there Afterwards the lord of Wassenare died in the towne of Leewarden of the wound which he had receiued before Sloten for the which the Frisons did mourne greatly He was buried with a great funerall pompe after the maner of a martiall man and greatly lamented of all men carried into Holland and buried in the Cloister of Preaching Friars at the Hage by his ancestors There remaines little to write of this warre of Friseland for through the valour and diligence of the said Noblemen all the country was in quiet and reduced vnder the Emperors obedience from Gheerskersbrugge vnto Staueren hauing all taken the othe and the Gouernor dismissed his soldiers with thankes yet for that the Geldrois did yet hold the towne and country of Groningen which were neuer quiet nor satisfied with any reason we will relate here-after what they did and how Groningen was yeelded vnto the Emperor This yeare the Geldrois entred with a small troope into Holland euen vnto the ports of Leyden spoiling all the villages thereabouts euen the Hage it selfe whereas the court remaines and from thence they past into South-Holland into the iurisdiction of Dordrecht where they did not much lesse returning brauely from whence they came without any losse or aduenture The Emperor Charles hearing the bad newes of the alteration that was in Spaine against the Gouernors which hee had left there after that he had consulted with the Princes Electors and taken his leaue of them and of the Noblemen Netherlanders hauing disposed of his affaires there hee parted towards the Iland of Walchren being accompanied with a great number of Noblemen Knights of the Order and others where finding a prosperous wind he set saile and toucht first in England where hee concluded an alliance with Henry the 8. King of England to marry with Mary his Daughter being then but seauen yeares old when she should come to age but it succeeded not as we shall see from thence he set faile towards Spaine where he arriued in few dayes without any aduenture only one great ship of the fleete was burnt by chance with the men and many horses that were in it After the Emperors departure out of the Netherlands hee returned not in eight yeares being much troubled to keepe those realmes in peace vntill hee had left them an heire Male his successor to the crowne Philip the second father to Philip the third now raigning The Emperor being parted for Spaine there fell out great troubles in Germany the Pesants rising against the Nobility abused with grosse errors who being assembled in great numbers did spoile many Abbayes Cloisters and religious houses stealing all they could lay hand of and committing a thousand outrages and insolencies without any subiect or reason but onely stirred vp and seduced by certaine false Preachers who said they had a reuelation from God that they should roote out that tyranous Nobility and enioy their full liberty But God would not long suffer the brauery of these villaines for the Cont Palatin the Archbishop of Mentz some other bishops made a great leuie of horse and foote and charged these poore miserable abused Peasants whom they defeated and put to rout Their leader being taken was publikely executed and the poore wretches that could escape from the battaile returned euery one home to his house The same yeare the Geldrois entred into the Mairie or iurisdiction of Boisleduke whom they forced by their spoiling and burning to pay a contribution vnto the duke of Geldres They of Boisleduke were not in the meane time idle but soone after entred into the Iland of Bomel and by their exploits reduced it vnder the Emperors obedience wasting and spoiling that quarter as much as the Geldrois had done their Mairie Then the Geldrois did labour to enter into Stellingwerff in the country of Friseland to waste it But the Gouernor Shenck although he had but newly dismissed his troopes taking some number of Pesants who were presently in armes he cut off their passage and forced them to retire without any exploite doing After that the Geldrois had thus played the gallants in the Mairie of Boisleduke and they on the other side for their reuenge in the Iland of Bomell there was a truce made betwixt the Emperor Earle of Holland and Charles of Egmont Duke of Gelders vpon condition that the money promised for contribution vnto the Duke should be payd in the towne of Arnhem and that which was promised vnto the Emperor by the Geldrois should be paid vnto a receiuer appointed for that purpose at the Hage in Holland In the yeare 1526. Collonell Martin van Rossein made warre for the duke of Geldres in Rydderlandt against the Earle of Emden and began to fortifie Iemmingen the country-men seeking to hinder it and running without order contrary to their Earleâ—… will and pleasure were defeated then with 4000. men hee besieged the Towne of Gryet the which at the end of three weekes the Drossart yeelded vp vnto him without any force for the which hee was afterwards prisoner at Emden and had not escaped without the losse of his life but by the meanes of his good friends The Duke of Geldres affaires standing vpon these termes the sayd Collonell did write vnto them of Groningen to send him some supplies of men and munition the better to maintaine himselfe But the Gronningeois nor their neighbours would by any meanes yeeld to it saying That the Earle of Emden was their very good friend and had not deserued any such vsage So as for want of succors from the Groningeois the Geldro is were forced to make an accord with the East-Frisons by the which the Duke of Geldres did restore the towne of Gryet to the Earle of Emden The Duke of Geldres did not easily forget the succours which the Groningeois had refused him but sought some occasion to bee reuenged
the Protestants armie being deuided the Prince Elector went with his troopes against Maurice and recouered all that he had taken from him The Emperour seeing the Protestants army thus dispearsed vppon no occasion and that the Landtgraue was retyred to his owne home he writte letters full of threates to the duke of Wirtembourg who sent to sue for pardon by his Ambassadors and so in a manner did all the Protestant townes whome he did ransom for money and many peeces of Artillery The warre beeing thus inflamed betwixt the two Noble couzins of Saxony and the Emperor hearing in what estate duke Maurice was hee sent Albert of Brandebourg vnto him with some troupes who was taken at Rochlick and brought vnto the Prince Elector and soone after the towne was also taken Ferdinand the Emperors brother King of Hungary Bohemia by the Lady Anne his wife would haue forced the Bohemians to serue against the Prince Elector of Saxony the which they refuzed to do by reason of the old leagues betwixt the Saxons and Bohemians and seeking to force them they rise in armes against him The Protestants had sent their Ambassadors to the French King and to the King of England to shewe the equitie of their cause and that they had taken armes against the Emperor for the defence of their liues goods religion and the liberty of Germany who hauing had audience of the French King past into England whereas they found King Henry the eight verie sicke so as hee died in the end of Ianuarie 1547. The French King had sent by these Ambassadors two hundred thousand crownes in lone to the Protestant Princes to ayde them in this warre And as the King of England died whilest the Ambassadors were there so at their returne into France they found King Francis extreamely sick who died at Rambouillet It was a happy chance for the Emperour among many other good fortunes that two so great and mighty Princes which had the meanes and as manie thought a desire to crosse the Emperor in his enterprises and high disseignes died both in a manner at one time In the same yeare 1547. Adolph of Bourgongne Seignior of Chappelle and Wackene Ierosme Sandelin Seignior of Herentont Receiuor of Bewesterscheldt in Zeeland and some priuate gentlemen did recouer and wall in about Sheerenskerke and Heinkensandt in the country of Zuydbeuelandt otherwise called the I le of Ter-Goes the old inclosure or Polder which is a land wonne from the sea the which before the Inundation was vsually called Zeeshuys so as it remayned a long time vnprofitable but since that it was recouered they call it Cray at this present a most fertill country whereby those that haue thus defended it from the Sea with their bankes haue made great profit The Emperor hauing an intent to ruine Iohn Frederick Prince Elector past the riuer of Elbe with all speed to fight with him on the other side which done the Prince hauing not all his armie in one bodie as the Emperor had was there forced to make head against him and to giue him battaile in the which the duke beeing verie greatly wounded in the cheeke was ledde by the duke of Alua Lieutenant of the armie to the Emperor The duke Ernest of Brunswyck was taken with him The Emperor and King Ferdinand vsed the Prince Elector very roughlie in wordes giuing sentence of death against him the which hee bare verie patiently but the Emperour durst not proceede to the execution thereof yet hee propounded heauie and rigorous conditions vnto him taking from him the greatest part of his Seigneuries the which hee gaue to Maurice his couzine with the dignity of the Electorship As for the Landtgraue of Hessen vpon the assurances which the duke Maurice and the Marquis Albert of Brandenbourg his sonnes in lawe gaue him he presented himselfe vpon his knees vnto the Emperor crauing pardon for all that was past wherevnto answere was made him in obscure tearmes which did not shew an absolute pardon Yet this Nobleman thinking that all went well with him thanked the Emperor and for that he suffred him to kneele too long he rose of himself He was led to supper with the duke of Alua when after supper thinking to retire with the two Noblemen his sons in lawe he was stayed prisoner the which ministred great matter of discontent who not-with-standing all the Protestation which duke Maurice and Brandebourg could make was detained and put into the gard of Spaniardes The two Noblemen charged the Emperour with his promise that hee would not keepe him in pryson his aunswere was that hee had promised not to keepe him there in perpetuall pryson wherevpon the Duke of Alua sayd vnto them that if in steede of foureteene daies the Emperor should restraine him 14. yeares he should not breake his word So the Landtgraue remained a prisoner being carried from place to place alwayes garded by the Spaniards of whom he receued a thousand indignities and he was not freed but by constraint no more then the Duke of Saxony which was the cause that the Emperor was chased out of Germany as we shall here-after shew The 23. of December in the said yeare 1548. died that valiant Captaine Maximilian of Egmont Earle of Buren after that he had arriued so happely to serue the Emperor in his warre of Germany of an extraordinary death for being fower daies before his death abandoned by all his Phisitions who had foretold him the day of his death hauing called all his houshold seruants and made them goodly exhortations giuing to euery one some thing by his testament he died speaking and appareled in his chaier Maximilian of Austria eldest sonne to Ferdinand hauing married the Lady Mary eldest daughter to the Emperor Prince Phillip 21. years old being sent for by his father began his iorney to come into the Netherlands leauing his cosin and Brother in law Maximilian to be Gouernor of Spaine in his absence and hauing set saile the 25. of Nouember with a goodly fleet of shippes and Galleis commanded by Andrew Doria he landed at Genoa accompanied with many Princes of Spaine among others by the Duke of Alua and the Cardinall of Trent from thence hee came to Milan and passing by Mantoua and Trent hee came to Ausbourg and Spyer so crossing the Country of Luxembourg hee arriued at the Emperor his fathers court at Bruslelles Duke Maurice went to meet him intreating him to moue the Emperor for the Landtgraue of Hessen his Father in law who was Prisoner the which he did It were tedious to make particular relation of his stately entery into Brusselles whereas the Lady Elenor the French Queene and the Lady Mary Queene of Hongary his Aunt 's receiued him and conducted him to the Emperor his father The fourth of Iuly the Emperor with his two sisters and the Prince his sonne went to Louuaine the most ancient and cheefe towne of the Duchy of Brabant to
the Viscontes of Turene and Martigues the Lord of Reoux and many other Gentlemen and Captaines which had beene beseeged within Mets and two thousand soldiars horse and foote The towne was furiously battered and in the end taken by assault where all the said French Noblemen were taken prisoners except Duke Horatio who was carried away with a Cannon and some gentlemen about him The towne was raized like to Teroane The French King assembling his Army about Amiens and Picqueny the nineteene of August some Noblemen of the Netherlands among others were the Prince of Espynoy the Duke of Arschot the Earle of Egmont the Earle of Bossu and others made a roade into Picardy to discouer the Kings campe without anyfootemen but only their bands of ordinance aduancing vntill they came before Amiens vnto the forward of the French who hauing intelligence of their comming layd an Ambuscado of foote and charged them with their horse who making their retreat still fighting for the space of a League the Prince of Espynoy was slaine and the Duke of Arscot taken prisoner and the rest put to flight with the losse of about sixe hundred men and aboue three hundred prisoners This defeat was called the Incounter of Talma The Prince of Espynoy was carried to Bethune and intered in the Gloister of the Anonciadoe founded by the house of Melun of the which he was The Duke of Arschot being prisoner in the Castell of Bois de Vincennes escaped with the helpe of a poore Preest and a couerer of slate by the vent or socket of a priuy without paying any ransome The Magistrate of Brusselles made a stately banket to the Emperor and the two Queeneâ—… of France and Hongary his two Sisters whether were inuited Cardinal Poole an English man and the Cardinall of Bourgos a Spaniard the Prince of Piedmont and many other Princes marching to the state house where the Banket was prepared there fell great contention for the precedence and place of honor betwixt the Ambassadors of England and Portugall either of them striuing for the place the which grew almost to a tumult which Queene Mary the Gouernesse espying being come into the great Market shee commanded them both to retyer and soe neither of them was at the banket In the Spring the French King made three Armies against the Emperor the first in Vermandois vnder the Prince of la Roch sur yone The second towards Crecy led by the Constable and the third was commanded by the Duke of Neuers The first Army entred into Arthois spoyling and burning without all mercy The Duke of Neuers army entred the Ardennes tooke the Castel of Orchimont by composition burnt a great number of Villages and forced the garrison of the Castell of Fontaines to yeeld vpon composition then he entred into the Country of Liege hauing opened and assured the passage of the riuer of Meuze by the taking of strong places and forts along the riuer of either side The Constables army beseeged Mariembourg the which was yeelded and he fortefied it with the Towne of Rocroy comming out of the Ardennes those of Dinant were somoned to declare if they wold not perseuer in neutrality whervnto they made a proud answer shooting at the Duke of Neuers herald and trompet who tooke the Castell of Agimont and the towne of Bouuines by force where almost all the Inhabitants were slaine or executed for that they would defend a palâ—…rie weake place against a royall armie Dynant after some resistance yeelded the Inhabitants had their lyues saued the towne was not burnt like vnto Bouuines but wholy spoyled there was a cruell Combate of the French against the Germaines who would haue rauished certaine women and maides taken in a Church the which the King did pacefie The Castells was yeelded some fewe dayes after by composition During these executions in the Countries of Liege Namur and Henault the Prince of Roch-Sur-Yone defeated two companies of Bourguignion horse in Arthois and sent the Cornets vnto the King who hearing that the Prince of Pâ—…edmont gathered together his army with a resolution to fight if the French did aduance Hee past the riuer of Sambre beeing followed by the Duke of Neuers and entring into the Country of Henault hee spoiled wasted and burnt all where he came some troops ranne to the ports of Niuelle which is the first Towne of Brabant where they sette them on fire and burnt all the villages round about carrying away great spoiles The army marched afterwards to Bins a Towne in Henault leauing behinde it nothing but fier smoake ashes and miserie in the Country The French beeing camped beefore Bins kindled greater fiers then before burning all the Castells and houses of pleasure in the Country The stately house of Mariemont belonging to the Queene of Hongary was not forgotten Bins beeing assailed the two and twentith of Iuly was yeelded to the Kings mercy the which hee caused to bee burnt in reuenge of the ruine of Folambray and of the Townes and villages of Picardie which the Emperors army burnt They also fired Baâ—…ais and the Castell of Roeux The army parting from thence went and lay betwixt Mons in Henault Landrecy Auesmes Quesnoy and Valenciennes and Cambray The Prince of Piedmont did all hee could to haue his reuenge of so great a losse But hee could not effect any thing the French King beeing so strong and so well ledde Who in the end went and planted their Campe before the Castell of Renty in the midst of Arthois The which hee batterd furiously day and night without cease hauing discharged eight thousand Canon shot Those within it whereof the Seignior of Brias was Gouernor answered them with the like The King hauing battred downe almost all the Towers caused them to bee summoned to yeeld but they made no answer but with their shotte The Emperor had sent to them to bee of good courage and to hold out but three daies longer within the which time hee would come in person to releeue them and to raise the siege Wherein hee failed not for comming with his army which was very faire and great hee camped within a quarter of a League of the French to see if hee might draw them to fight But they kept them-selues quiet and fortified more within their trenches The two armies lying thus neere together and prouoking one an other by diuers skirmishes the French knowing that a gentle retreat would be more safe for them before the passage were stopt they departed secretly in the night without sound of any Trumpet or Drumme leauing their chiefest Artillery behinde them The Emperour hearing of their flight pursued them with his Light horsmen and charged their reer-ward beating them euen vnto the gates of Monstreuill whereas they saued them-selues Then the Emperour entred into Renty and thanked the Gouernor Captaines and soldiars that had so valiantly defended the place for hee saw well in what danger they had beene through
the furious battery of the ennemy There were siue companies in the place the Emperor made the fiue Captaines Kinghts giuing vnto the soldiars as hee had promised them three monethes pay extraordinary and all they that were banished or charged with murthers or other crymes had their pardons The Emperor hauing the yeare before razed the Towne and Castell of Hesdin hauing obserued a place fitte to bee fortified a League from thence more towards France hee resolued to build a new fort and a Towne there and for that he would not be hindred in the xecution of this enterprise he entertained his armie the the which in Nouember burnt all the country about Amiens so as all the burthen of the warre fell vppon the poore Country-men After that hee retayned but two regiments dismissing the rest of his Armie and so he parted from Arras to come to Brusselles And in the end of October hee caused King Philip his Sonne to bee put in possession of the duchie of Milan by deputies the accustomed ceremonies therein obserued This yeare in August was a furious fight at sea betwixt two and twenty Merchants ships of Holland Zeeland and Westfriseland which came out of Spaine laden with sundry sorts of Merchandise and nineteene French ships of warre and sixe carauells appointed with Artillery souldiars and marriners for the purpose which attended for them and seeing them come vpon the coast of England neere Douer they began to assaile them and the others to defend themselues The French who were better manned made hast to boord them to auoide the furie of the Hollanders Ordinance and in the ende they grapeled fifteene French shippes to fifteene others thinking to vanquish them by force and the numbers of their men but those Hollanders shippes that were free shot continually at the French There was a fearefull fight for though the Dutch had fewer men yet their shippes were greater and higher and they knewe better howe to handle their Ordinance The fight continued so long that the French growing weary demaunded a truce but the noyse cryes and thunder of the Oâ—…dinance and small shot was so great as they could not bee heard and therefore they aduised for their surest remedie thinking that the Hollanders would let them goe to set fire of their owne sayles but the euent was not so as they looked for or expected But as these shippes could not so easilie vngraple themselues and the winde dryuing the fire from the sayles to the ships they fell all on fire so as they were forced to leaue the fight to quench the fire But some were fiered in such sort as there was no meanes to saue them the men casting them selues into the sea to auoyde the flames without respect to what shippes they went were they friendes or enemies seeking onelie to saue themselues in the first shippe they could get into which proued a strange victory vnto the French for there were so manie Frenchmen got into the Hollanders shippes before they perceiued it as after some small fight they mastred them and tooke both men and shippes The end of this furious battaile which had lasted sixe houres was there were sixe French shippes burnt and one sunke and of the Hollanders and others sixe were burnt and fiue were taken by the French with manie prisoners The number of the dead was different for the French lost aboue a thousand men and the others about three thousand men The seauenth of May Anthony Perronet Bishop of Arras was sent by the the Emperor to Graueling to conferre about a treatie of peace with the French King They met on both sides in a great plaine betwixt Ardres Calais and Graueling vnder pauilions where there was a great circuit compassed in with cloath in the which they assembled The deputies had about it euery one his quarter apart and the English Cardinall assisted as mediator or vmpier betwixt them The demandes of either side were so excessiue as they could not agree and so the assemblie proued fruitelesse The ninth of the same month newes came to the Emperor of the death of the Lady Iane Queene of Castille his mother at whose funeralls which should bee made at Brusselles King Philip would bee present and therefore they were deferred vntill his comming On Whitsonday died that great captaine Martin van Rossen Seignior of Puydroyen who in his life time had serued many maisters the duke Charles of Geldres William duke of Cleues the French King and the Emperor The fifteene of Iuly the French passing the fronters came to victuall Mariembourg without any cartes but with horses laden onelie and at their returne thinking to surprize all the souldiars that were in the new fort whereof William of Nassau Prince of Orange was Generall beeing discouered there was a very hot skirmish the which continued from noone vntill night wherein there died many on eyther side A while after the Seignior of Aussimont Gouernor of Bapaulmes the terror of the French hearing that some garrisons of Picardie ioyned with fifteene hundred horse of the Arrierban of France which they call the companies of the Nobles and foure hundred foote did roade vp and downe the countrie of Arthois hauing spoyled the suburbes of Lilliers and the burrow of Saint Venant he went and charged them in their returne being Laden with spoyles and hauing defeated them in an instant made them abandon their pray la Iaille their leader was hurt and a boue fiue hundred taken prisoners with him some escaped and the rest were slaine vpon the place where of the Arthesiens made a Iest saying That the Bourguognons tooke the Nobles of France without waying them where-vpon it was called the Incounter of the Nobles The eight of September King Phillip came after his marriage with Queene Mary out of England to Brusselles accompanied with Emanuell Philibert Duke of Sauoy and fower or fiue English Noblemen Knights of the garter and the sixteen of the said moneth the funeralles of the Emperors Mother were celebrated with great pompe and state In October there was order giuen by the Emperor and Gouernesse vpon the complaint of the Bourgéses of Brusselles to the Alcaide Captain of the Court to the steuard of the houshould to the Amptman and to the Magistrate of Brusselles to deuise some meanes to discharge the great and excessiue debts which the Spaniards as well Courtiars as soldiars did owe throughout all the towne of Brusselles as well to Inkeepers as to Marchants to the end their might bee no tumult at their retreat seeing that the Bourgeses stood in some feare that they would goe away without paying them whereby some should bee much impourished and others vtterly ruined and therefore they must preuent an imminent danger before it falles About the end of October the Emperor sent his letters to the States and townes of the Netherlands to assemble in the towne of Brusselles and there to heare matters that should bee propounded vnto them in his behalfe to which
lord de la Garde and many others And after that the towne was ransackt and great part of it burnt from thence the king sent the earle of Arenbergh with three regiments of Dutch men to besiege Chastelet which was soone yeelded vnto him by the lord of Solignar who afterward being in Paris was for the same committed prisoner who made answere for his owne excuse That hee had but three hundred men therein whereof the one halfe was either dead or sore wounded by the batterie of the canon that brake the stones of the walls in such sort about the souldiers eares that they had no meanes to defend themselues and that the place was too little to hide the souldiers in These two places the king caused to be newly fortified and vnderstanding that the Frenchmen began to assemble new forces and to enter againe into the field he resolued to march no further into France but to besiege Han which after sixteene or twentie hundred canon shot was also vpon the twelfth of September deliuered vp vnto him which hee likewise fortified The meane time also he tooke and burnt Noyon Chandy and other places In Winter time the king returned vnto Brussels againe and there discharged the greatest part of his armie from whence also the Englishmen departed into England At that time Don Ferdinando Gonsaga an Italian died in Brussels being come with the king out of the campe an old experienced souldier and esteemed to be the best souldier in the king of Spaines armie and one that had done great seruice for the emperor Charles In the earldome of Burgondie the lord of Poleville had assembled eight or nine thousand men in the king of Spaines behalfe to inuade the territories of Bresse and therewith besieged Bourg in Bresâ—…e but finding it to be better prouided and fortified than he supposed it had been and hearing that the king of France had sent for his French souldiers out of Italy which were marching against him wherof 2000 harquebusiers conducted by the Vidasme de Chartres were alreadie entred into the countrey hee was forced disorderly to breake vp his siege The king of France in the meane time after the losse of S. Quintines and other places caused another armie of men to be raised in Campeigne by the duke de Neuers and to ioine with them had sent for the duke of Guise with his souldiers out of Italy with charge to take order for all things there in the best maner that he could Whereupon pope Paul doubting some further matter began to hearken to an agreement and to that end sent his legat to the duke of Alua with whom a peace was concluded vpon condition That the duke of Alua in the kings behalfe should do that homage and submission that a deuout son is bound to do vnto his holy father thereby to obtain grace pardon from him and so doing the pope should receiue him into his fauour againe and in regard thereof the king should deliuer the pope all the towns he had taken from him and the pope for his part should recall his curse and receiue all the rest of the princes and noble men that he had aided to make war against him into fauor Anthony Columne and Ascanius de le Cornia only excepted The French army being newly gathered together vnder the duke of Guise determined to enterprise something against Calis which was once before sought to haue beene done by the admirall monsieur Chastillion and then againe attempted by the marshall Strossy and to that end vpon the first of Ianuarie the duke of Guise came before it and presently woon the fort of Newlandbridge a fort that stood in the way betweene Calis and Bullen and lay in a marsh ground and likewise another fort called Risebanke and being master of those two forts the towne hauing but few souldiers within it which by means of the taking of the two forts aforesaid was narrowly beset both by water and by land vpon the fourth of Ianuarie they battered the water gate with a peece of ordnance and the castle with 33 canons so furiously that the shot was heard to Antuerpe being thirtie three Dutch miles from thence whereby they made a great breach and a fit place to giue an assault and at a low water gaue a fierce assault whereby they draue the English men out of the castle that fled into the towne where fir Anthony Ager captaine of the castle was slaine but the English men returning againe when the floud came and that they within the castle could not be aided by them that were without and for that there were but a few French men within the castle set valiantly vpon the castle again thinking to driue the French men out but by the lord of Daudelot the duke of Aumale and the marques Dalboeuf they were expulsed after that they sought by placing two or three great peeces of ordnance vpon the bridge of the castle and by vndermining to win the castle againe but many of them were burnt and blowne vp and being driuen from thence the gate was strongly fortified against them At last the lord Wentworth gouernor of the towne with others of the principall commanders perceiuing what danger the towne was in and that the castle was already woon and they very weake being not aboue 300 fighting men and hauing want of many things and wholy without any hope of reliefe by meanes of a great storme that as then was at sea the wind being North-east whereby no man could come out of England whereby it seemed as if heauen and earth were against them and held with the French men they thought good to parlie and the rather for that they durst not receiue any of the king of Spaines souldiers out of Flanders into the towne although such an offer was made for that they were in suspition that king Philip by that meanes would make himselfe master thereof and for that cause the kings aduice who at his last going out of England passing along by it perceiued the weakenesse thereof sent into England was not beleeued by the counsell there but rather was the cause of more suspition Cardinall Poole and two or three bishops more of the priuie counsell being then in great authoritie in England little knowing the scituation of the place making the queene and the rest of her counsell beleeue that the king of Spaines reputation the common opinion of the strength of the place and of the prouision therein together with the short passage out of England thither to serue the same specially in regard that they were masters of the sea would keepe the French men well ynough from thence as it after plainely appeared at the lord Wentworthes arraignment who being released of his imprisonment in France brauely cleared himself by law which I my selfe heard shewing what aduertisements he had sent ouer from time to time concerning the weakenesse of the place the want of men and the enemies secret enterprises
which aduice the aforesaid cardinal the bishops who then were the chief of the queenes counsell had little regarded making answer They would keepe the towne with their white slaues and that iâ—… hee were afraid hee might come home into England ageine with such like answers and so the towne of Calis for want of foresight was soone woon and by composition made by them within when wanting succours they could no otherwise chuse vpon the eight day of Ianuarie deliuered vnto the French men vpon condition of sauing their liues and no huâ—… to bee done vnto them to carrie their money and goods out of the towne at the discretion of the vanquishers the inhabitants to leaue the towne and good where they would whereof fiftie such as they liked should remaine prisoners The souldiers should depart for England without spoyling hiding or burning the houses victuals munition or canon shot but should leaue it all behind them which was likewise done From thence the French men went to Guynes wherein lay as gouernour my lord Gray an old souldier with twelue or fourteene hundred English men Walons and Spaniards and Montdragon a valiant captaine sent thither by king Philip where they planted fiue and thirtie canon shot wherwith in short time they had giuen ten thousand shot whereby they so battered the bulwarkes and other places that they were easie to bee assaulted which vpon the twentieth of Ianuarie with great slaughter of men on both sides was done at which time there was slaine at the least foure or fiue hundred men whereby the bulwarkes being woon the lord Gray with the rest of the souldiers got into the castle where they began to parlie and agreed That the souldiers should depart with bag and baggage leauing their ensignes victuals munition and ordnance behind them and the lord Gray with the rest of the captaines and gentlemen to remaine prisoners which beeing performed the French men finding the place to bee vnprofitable for them rased the castle at which time also the strong castle of Hans was forsaken by the English men And by that meanes the English men in few dayes lost that little which rested in their powers of their forefathers conquests and all that they as then held in firme land of Fraunce and for the space of two hundred and eleuen yeares before had peaceably enioyed the lord of Termes beeing made gouernour thereof by the French men that affirme to haue found therein two or three hundred great peeces besides the victuals munition for the warres and the ransome that they had of those that were prisoners At the first newes thereof brought into England there was great preparation of men and ships made for to releeue it but by meanes of the great tempest at sea they could not get ouer before they heard of the losse thereof which grieued queene Mary much at the heart that it was after a great part of the cause of her death which happened vpon the 17 of Nouember after The French men also at the same time by force took the castle of Herbimont in Ardennes And vpon the foure and twentieth of Aprill the Dolphin of France married Mary Steward queene of Scotland the onely daughter of Iames the fifth king of Scotland at which time the duchesse of Lorraine first began to motion a peace between both the kings This duchesse of Lorraine was the daughter of Christian king of Denmarke and of one of the emperour Charles sisters This yeare died duke Maximilian of Burgonie baron of Beueren of le Vere lieutenant of Holland Zeeland Friseland and Vtrecht after whom succeeded William van Nassau prince of Orange This yeare in Summer the king of France tooke vp foure or fiue thousand horse and foureteene thousand foot-men vnder the conduct of the duke of Lunenbourgh the colonell of the horse-men being Grombacke Risebergh and one of the Lantgraue of Hessens brethren the foot-men being commaunded by the earle of Rocquedolf Reycrogh and others who being mustered in Lorraine ioyned with the dukes of Guise and Neuers with their French men and so besieged Theonuille otherwise called Diettenhold in Lutsenbergh lying vpon the riuer of Moselle wherein Peter Quarebbe a gentleman of Louen was gouernour with about eighteene hundred men and vpon the fift of Iune began to batter it with 35 pecces of canons the earle of Horne seeking by all the meanes hee could to get into it with a hundred men but they were repulst The mean time the French men continued their shooting and mining vntill they saw conuenient time to giue an assault whereby they within being much weakened and hauing no assurance of releefe to be sent them were forced to enter into a parlie and vpon the two and twentieth of Iune deliuered vp the towne vpon condition That the souldiers should depart with their rapiers and poniards the horse-men with their armes and the townes men with as much of their goods as they could carrie At this siege there were many French men slaine and amongst other great commanders the marshal Pidue Strossy that was shot in his brest with a musket as hee stood speaking with the duke of Guise that leaned with his hand vpon his shoulder And so the strong town of Theonuille was lost which most men ascribed to the small authoritie that the gouernour bare ouer the souldiers as being but a meane gentleman of Brabant While this was done in Lutsenburgh the marshall de Termes gouernor of Calis had assembled certaine souldiers out of diuers garrisons and elswhere to the number of 8000 foot and 1500 horse-men with certaine ordnance and therewith marching into Flanders passed ouer the riuer of Ha where a number of countrey-men were slaine that thought to haue intercepted his passage so went along by Graueling Borborgh and from thence to Duynkerke a towne lying vpon the sea where he planted his ordnance vpon the downes and so battered the same and while the burgesses were in parly about deliuering ouer of the towne hauing no garrison within it they were by the French men assailed and the towne woon who hauing ransackt the same at the last burnt it which done they went to Berghen S. Winox which they also ransackt burnt and all the countrey as far as Newport King Philip being in Brussâ—…ls and hearing of the spoile that the French men made in Flanders and in Lutsenburgh assembled his souldiers from al parts and sent the duke of Sauoy generall of his armie into the earldome of Namure there to resist the duke of Guise and into Flanders the earle of Egmont with full power to take order for the safetie of the countrey before more forces could ioyne with the lord of Termes With which charge the earle of Egmont drew al the garrisons out of the places thereabouts and with him had the lord of Bingincourt marshal of the field and hauing other forces sent vnto him out of the duke of Sauoyes campe hee had in all eight or ten
thousand foot aboue 2000 hors-men besides many country men that fled from the places where they dwelt with this army marched towards the enemie who fearing his comming was already marching away and lay incamped in a strong place about halfe a mile from Graueling where the earle of Egmont found him The lord of Termes perceiuing himselfe to bee too weak dâ—…termined to march out of Flanders towards Calis which he did the next day passing along by the sea side when it was low water willing his men to set fire on Duynkerk and so to depart And in that sort passed he the small riuer of Ha beneath the towne of Graueling which the earle of Egmont the barons of Bingincourt the marques de Renti the earle of Reux the barons of Moerbeke Monichousen Fontaines Mewerkeet others perceiuing determined to intercept him and first to set vpon his carriage that they should not any more seeke to enter into Flanders cleane contrary to the prouerb which is That a man should make a golden bridge to an enemy that is going away and to that end passed ouer the riuer of Ha somewhat aboue Graueling without any ordnance Monsier de Termes perceiuing that they meant to set vpon him ordained his battaile in as good order and with as much aduantage as he could which was in this sort on the South side where the sandy downes lay he placed his wagons baggage and pillage on the North side he had the sea and at his back the riuer of Ha whereby they could not assaile him on no part but before and there he placed eight great culuerins and three falcons his horse-men standing between them and him and on each side of them certaine numbers of Gascoin harquebusiers behind them he planted the pikes both of French and Dutch men The earle of Egmont on his side against them set fiue troups of horsmen whereof three companies were light horse which were to giue the onset the troupes on the right side being led by the earl of Pontenels those on the left hand by Don Henrico Henriques and he himself in the middle the fourth troup were the Dutch swart Ruyters and the fiâ—…th the Netherlanders each vnder their owne leaders after them followed the foot-men being Netherlanders high Dutche and Spaniards led by their colonels Bingincourt Manichuysen Don Lewis de Carauagial and others and in this order the earle of Egmont vpon the thirteenth of Iuly brauely set vpon the French men first incouraging his souldiers to make them the willinger to fight The Frenchmen that stood resolutely ready to defend themselues receiued them with great courage and at the first onset discharged their ordnance therewith doing verie great hurt amongst them and at that time the earle of Egmonts horse was slaine vnder him and yet notwithstanding hee set most couragiously vpon them and for that the place was broad and euen vpon the sand brauely fought hand to hand man to man horse to horse and wing against wing which for a long time before had not beene seene in which fight the Bourguygnons had an vnexpected furtherance by meanes of certaine ships of England that lay at sea and kept along the coast before the townes of Douer and Graueling to free the same as also to hinder the French men from carrying the bootie that they had gotten from the towne of Duynkerke when they ransackt it by water which were most small ships beeing led by the viceadmirall master Malin who perceiuing the said battaile from out the sea went with his smallest ships as neere the strand as hee could and shot many bullets at the French men but because they were farre from the land they could doe them no great hurt and so by that meanes oftentimes failed and sometimes by chance shot amongst the Bourguygnons but that neuerthelesse as much discouraged the French men as it incouraged the Bourguygnons The meane time the earle of Egmont had sent certaine troupes of Dutch ruyters sidewayes which went closely by the downes and entred on the South side of the French horse-men assailing them valiantly whereby at the last the French horse-men beeing for the most part gentlemen and well mounted perceiuing the danger they were in began to giue backe which caused the Bourguignons to set the more boldly vpon them and thereby put the French men to flight first the horse-men and then the footmen to the great honour and commendation of the Bourguignons specially of the light horse-men and most of the earle of Egmont who at that time shewed himselfe both to bee wise and circumspect and also stout and valiant The like did the rest of the commaunders as Burgincourt the marques de Renti the earle of Reux Don Henrico Henricques the earle of Pontenels the baron de Fontains Don Lewis de Caravagâ—…al with his Spaniards and Manichâ—…ysen with the Dutch men The French men much blamed the marshall de Termes because hee marched not away the night before but it appeared that hee had charge to stay at Duynkerke there to strengthen himselfe and to stay for more aid as also for that hee stood vpon his aduantage and was well prepared to make resistance being scarce three Dutch miles from Calis with a number of good souldiers whereby hee was of opinion that no man could hinder his intent It was thought that there were about fifteene hundred men slaine in the field besides those that were drowned and such as were slaine in the flight by the pesants many were taken prisoners as the marshall de Termes gouernour of Calis beeing fore hurt the barons of Senerpont Annibault Villebon Morvilliers Chaulis and others The ordnance ensignes and the bootie was all taken Of the Bourguignons there was about three or foure hundred men slaine and amongst the rest the baron de Pelu This victorie greatly increased the honour of king Philip and the Bourguignons shewing by experience that they were too good for the French men in the field And at that time Duynkerke and Winoxbergh were both taken againe from the French men About this time Mary queene of England sent a great nauy of ships of warre to sea conducted by the lord Clinton admirall of England and by reason of the contracts made betweene England and the Netherlands as also for that the queene of England at that time held a regiment of Dutch men in the Netherlands in her pay vnder the conduct of an English gentleman called sir William Pickerin they of the Netherlands sent twentie or twentie two great ships of warre well appointed and furnished of all things whereof the admirall was monsieur van Wackene and Capelle viceadmirall to the earle of Horne and with him the lord of Cruningen and other Netherlanders with many souldiers to ioyne with them which two fleets sailed together vnto the coast of Britaigne and vpon the nineteenth of Iuly at Conquet landed their men burning and wasting the countrey all about and did them great hurt but monsieur de Kersimont
March 1564 during the which they past with horse and carts laden from Antuerpe vnto Flanders side vpon the riuer of Escaut vpon the which they did set vp shops tents pauilions in the which they sold meat and drink yea there were hogs singed vpon the yâ—…e The riuers of Rhin Meuse Wahal Leck and others were past ouer euerie where both with horse and cart yea vpon the sea from the islands of Tolen and of Goes vnto the said riuer of Antuerpe About the same season there grew some question mistaking betwixt the queen of England and the duchesse of Parma Gouernesse of the Netherlands from the yere 1563 by reason wherof the commerce was interrupted and the traffique did cease for one whole yere to the great preiudice of the poor people the which did more increase the alterations discontentments of the commons being sufficiently moued by the precedent occasions And that which incensed them the more against the clergy was that they did seeke to make them obserue the definitions of the counsell of Trent by the which was confirmed not only the ecclesiastical censures and the episcopal iurisdiction but also the Inquisition persecutions and many other points articles allowed which they knew plainly to be brought in abusiuely into the Christian church the which did directly contradict the liberties and freedoms oâ—… the countrey And although at that instant the matter was no fuâ—…ther prest yet these definitions articles were found so odious as they made many to forsake the Romish religion as soone as the counsel was published And although in this publication the king had yeelded vnto certaine exceptions and reseruations yet in many places they were not added when it was published at the least they were not well vnderstood Neither could they woâ—…ke so with the people but there remained still some apprehension and feare This yeare they did all they could to persuade them of Groningen Leeuwaerden Deuenter Ruremonde to like of and receiue their new bishops but they would by no meanes yeeld thereunto but contrariwise this hot puâ—…sute seeming suspect vnto them did incense them so much the more considering that those which had beene receiued in other townes were in quarrell with their chapters churches monasteries and other goods whereof they would haue full possession the others opposing themselues would not be depriued of their owne nor of their liberties and accustomed rights The prelats of Brabant and namely the 3 chiefe abbies aboue mentioned appointed to incorporation being destitute of abbots seeing that by no suit nor soliciting neither in Spain nor the Netherlands with the gouernesse they could free themselues from this feare of incorporation nor attaine to the election of new prelats they aduised to see if they might not obtaine that for money which they could not redresse by their good right and priuiledge Wherupon they made certaine offers of an annual pension wherwith they would furnish the king to the profit of the new bishops so as not only the said three abbies but the rest that were afterwards void were furnished with new prelats freed from incorporation vpon promise to procure them a 〈◊〉 from the pope The states of Brabant by many petitions made great instance to obtaine the like cassâ—…tion touching their new bishops vnto the yeare 1566 but they could not preuaile This deniall increased their discontâ—…nt and setled diueâ—…s imaginations in the heads of men murmuring that for money they could obtain the cassation of the incorporation of abbies but as for them it was visible and plaiâ—… that notwithstanding so many good reasons priuiledges promises from the king they had resolued to torment them by this Inquisition for that by no pursute they could not be freed from the feare of these new bishops which were so many Inquisitors so as the people continued their bitternesse more and more against the clergie and fell from their doctrine to the reformed religion And the more they did tyranize persecute them the more constant they were in their religion the more they increased And withall the famine which followed the hard frosts of Winter the which had killed all the graine throughout the countrey did increase the peoples perplexities and brought their minds otherwise much altered almost to dispaire so as so many bad accidents conâ—…ng together seemed to breed some strange and extraordinary alteration And at that time some theeues hauing spoiled the abbey of Ouwerghem a league from Brussels seeing they could not get the abbesse nor her nunnes who had saued themselues in a strong dortoir newly made after they had let go the wine and beere in the cauâ—…s and burnt all the ornaments books of the church they set fire on the cloister and hearing the bell ring out to cal in the countrey they retired laden with the bâ—…st goods they could caâ—… away The brute was that these theeues were set on by some who would lay the blame vpon them of the religion but it was the one or the other either pouertie and want which forced them or an inconsiderat zeale or meere hatred against the clergie which moued them to do it Hereupon the gouernors of prouinces and the knights of the order continuing in their good affection to the kings seruice and the preseruation of their country hearing the pâ—…rplexities of all in generall likely to turne to some popular tumult the effusion of bloud if it were not speedily preuented by some good means for the which they did often beseech the gouernesse they found that all these alterations murmurings sprong from these three points from the cruelties of edicts rigorous persecutions the new introduction of bishops the feare of the Inquisition of Spaine Wherefore euen the Gouernesse her self thought it expedient that one of the chiâ—…f among them should go to the king to informe him plainly of all these inconueniences apparent dangers with some other occurrents hapned in the state and in the treasure And that if his Maiesties meaning was to redresse them that it was most necessarie to proceed by mildnesse to yeeld some little to the humors of his subiects so much altered The eaâ—…l of Egmont had this legation wherin he discharged himselfe honestly was sent backe with good hope and promises that his Maiestie conformable to his instructions would send dispatches after him At his returne euerie man reioyced at so good an answer expecting with great deuotion that by the first paâ—…ket that came from Spaine the countrey should be quieted assured but there came not any thing all were but promises holy water of the court and this hope was the occasion of a miserable dispaire How could any good come seeing the cardinall a mortall enemie to the said earl of Egmont to the prince of Orange the earls of Horne Hochstraten to the lord of Brederode other chiefe noblemen of the said countries and the prosperitie therof was now
should bring in any innouation But they that vse such speeches discouer their grosseignorance or their insupportable malice If there bee any question to giue assistance to the Inquisitors to install the new bishops or to send garrisons into any townes then they can say That if they vse not extreame rigour and great diligence it will not bee possible to maintaine the auncient Religion importuning the Court with their continuall complaints how wonderfully the heretickes doe multiplie But if there be any question to find some mild and fit course to settle the countries quiet without any great effusion of bloud then they say there are so few Huguenots and of so base qualitie as nothing ought to be altered for them So as any man may easily see that their entent is to maintaine themselues onely in their greatnesse were it with the totall ruine of his Maiesties Countries And they that doe earnestly affect the kings greatnesse and the preseruation of his Subiects must reiect them as partiall and suspect and make diligent information and search of the number qualitie and sufficiencie of them that desire to bee the kings faithfull subiects so as they may satisfie and enioy their consciences and without doubt they shall finde a greater number than is generally beleeued Let them looke to the multitude of those that are retyred into England where they haue their publicke assemblies in infinite numbers then let them turne to those that are gone into Fraunce in as great numbers from thence let them muster vp them that are at Francfort Strausbourg Heidelberg Franckendal Cologne Aix Dousbourg Embden Geneua Hambourg Breme and other townes of the East countries without doubt in my opinion they shall find an hundred thousand And as for those that remaine yet in the countrey it is most manifest there are many more There haue beene sometimes seene at an assembly or preaching at Tournay foure or fiue thousand persons The like hath beene knowne at Valenciennes besides those that haue remained secretly in their houses else the garrisons had beene needlesse which haue beene sent thither if the multitude had not beene so great It is thought that Lille hath not many lesse who so will looke into the petie townes and neighbour villages shall vndoubtedly find an infinite number Come into West-Flanders the numbers are wonderfull great notwithstanding any search or pursute which the Deane of Renay hath made Haue we not seene at Messines as I remember seuen or eight hundred countreymen force the prison and deliuer a prisoner and they could neuer discouer who they were I leaue Eand Bruges and Ypre in which notwithstanding are good numbers What multitudes meet together at Antuerpe is apparent and at Brussels where the Court remayneth yet can they not by any meanes keepe them from assembling themselues together in good numbers What shall I speake of the Countries of Holland Zeeland Gueldres and Friseland where it seemeth they haue greater libertie and in truth the officers dare make no more searches nor executions by reason of the great numbers Haue we not seene at Vtrecht an â—…piscopall towne and sull of â—…ich chanons one called Thys or Steuen preach this doctrine publickâ—…ly for the space of a whole yeare in the view of the whole world in despight of all such as did oppose themselues and notwithstanding all their pursute yet could they neuer apprehend him for that all the people did accompanie him both going in and comming out of the churâ—…h so as sometimes hâ—… was carried vpon their shoulders and lodged sometimes in one house sometimes in another Whereby we may see that the number is not so small as some maintaine yea they complaine that they cannot furnish them with ministers and preachers ynough Without doubt if they were gathered together in one place as well those which are â—…tired as they which remaine there would be found at the least two or three hundred thousand If they will haue respect to them that are of the same opinion and yet dissemble attending some change or fitter oportunitie I doe certainely beleeue that all ioyned together would equall the number of the rest So as they which maintaine that the number is so small and that for them they should not alter nor change any thing shew that they haue no sence nor iudgement or else that they would raigne alone in the world Whereas they say That they be all people of base condition The contrary hath beene seene in Germanie France England Scotland and Denmarke whereas not only the common people but also princes and kings haue embraced this Religion and doubtlesse if they might discouer themselues without danger of life and goods they should also find here a great number of gentlemen and others of good sort that would declare themselues to be of their partie But although the number were not so great yea if there were but very few yet it were beâ—…itting the clemencie of a king to haue regard vnto the health of the meanest of his subiects The emperouâ—… Traian was wont to say That he had rather saue one citizen and subiect than defeat a whole armie of his enemies a speech worthy of a Monarch and Emperor Such then as thinke they should not spare to ruine as much as in them lies the bodies and soules of the kings poore subiects shew themselues ignorant what Christianitie humanitie or the clemencie of a king requires the very name whereof makes his fame more glorious than all the trophies and victories that he could obtaine of his enemies But some will say That these men are wicked and prophane and that they corrupt the rest Whereunto I answere That the point of Religion onely excepted whereon it is not my intent here to iudge you shall find that they are otherwise good men fearing God yeelding obedience to the king and magistâ—…ate and doing wrong to no man although there bee some that couer themselues with their name and are not so the which happeneth for that they are not suffered to haue the exâ—…rcise of their Religion as they would and as for the point of their Religion let it be what they please but so it is they are not all persecuted so much for that they follow heresie and errour but for that they are constant and faithfull in that which they thinke conformable to the word of God for they suffer them to beleeue what they please which indeed they cannot hinder so as they will be disloyall and hypocrites And seeing they submit themselues to be instructed by the word of God there is no reason to esteeme them so wicked Moreouer we must in despight of our selues confesse That the greatest and best wits and the most learned men maintaine their partie I will not disgrace the others But if we will lay aside all sauour and affection we shall sind that the most excellent wits haue beene and are of their profession yea the restauration of arts and sciences the which were buried in
magistrats and officers were inioyned to giue all aid assistance and fauour vnto the said Inquisitors in the execution of their charge whensoeuer they should berequired vpon the same paines c. Besides many other things directly repugnant to all right and the antient priuiledges and customes of the countrey Moreouer the most apparent as wel among the nobles as marchants and artisans and especially the richest were alreadie inrolled in these Inquisitors bookes to proceed against them as against men subiect to confiscation both of body goods at the least in case of repentance to great pecuniarie fines Thereupon was heard of all sides the brags and threats of Inquisitors priests and monks daring to desâ—…ribe yea to name in their sermons the most apparent Whereof not onely the people of Antuerpe which heard it and the magistrats which had been daily informed bare witnesse but also the townes of Lille Tournay Valenciennes and others of the countries of Flanders Brabant Holland and Arthois whereas these threats haue beene publikely heard from the mouthes of the priests and preachers Besides it was generally spoken of a leuie of â—…orse and foot made by duke Erick of Brunswick to plant the Inquisition as it was giuen out by force in the Netherlands as they had before designed yet could not effect it and that all this did tend to put it in execution that is to make a conquest of these Netherlands and by that meanes hauing abolished the priuiledges to conuert them to a realme as I haue said This leuie of men was confirmed by the entertaining of captaines to whom duke Erick had giuen in prest This did so amaze the people that many merchants yea of the most apparent had alreadie packt vp all to free themselues from such violence and oppression by a voluntarie exile many were alreadie retired and the trades were transported from all parts namely from Flanders Tournay Valenciennes and other neighbor places in such great troups as it was not onely apparent to the eye and they felt it in the decay of their imposts and customes but also it did plainly appeare that many good borough townes and villages were almost left desolat so as there was no good man that seeing this calamitie and decay of the countrey which had been so flourishing but was wonderfully grieued yea there were some officers and magistrats of great qualitie who considering of the one side the rigor of the commandement by the which it was expresly said That if any one of them should refuse to his dutie and assist the Inquisitors in the execution of their charges that they should be discharged and others put in their places and on the other side laying before their eyes the furie of an incensed multitude the which being moued by such extremities doe oftentimes fall into such rages as they neither spare officers nor magistrats or els it may be not able in conscience to become prouosts and executioners to the Inquisition in a cause so ill grounded spake openly of leauing off their charges and to resigne them into the kings hands in case he continued in this resolution rather than to pursue the said executions with such rigour On the other side the French neighbours to these countries who had long affected this estate as if the better part had proceeded from them were loth to let slip this occasion seeking by all meanes to sound the hearts of the inhabitants of the countrey giuing them to vnderstand by men suborned how insupportable this seruitude should bee vnto them by the which they should take from them their priuiledges immunities and liberties and bring in other lawes ordinances and customes after the Spanish manner that the Spaniards would come and seize vpon their lands houses wiues and children yea of all that was theirs and subiect the king of Spaines owne person vnto their Inquisition They did not forget to describe vnto them the great desolation which would bee in the countrey by reason of the retreat of the chiefe marchants who would carrie away with them the workemen artisans and their arts And as it is true that traffique is the nursing mother of these countries that being retired the workemen must needs retire or dye for hunger besides the subiection of consciences whereunto they would bring them comparing with all these discommodities and feruitudes the wealth goodly commodities and aboue all the libertie of other realmes and neighbour countries as Fraunce is the priuiledges of the French church beeing such as they doe not acknowledge the Pope for their superiour but as they please themselues England Scotland Denmarke the greatest part of Germanie with Bohemia And therefore it were an vnworthie thing that these good countries of the Netherlands lying in the middest of such neighbours so free should be made slaues vnder the yoke of a strange and farre-fet barbarous nation Whereunto did also serue diuers and sundrie brutes spred abroad here and there as in the neighbour countries of Germanie Gueldres Oueryssell Friseland yea in Holland and Zeeland where they said that they were confederats with the empire and therfore should enioy the priuiledges of the pacification made and past in Germanie at Passau and not endure the yoke of the Inquisition of Spaine repugnant to all antient lawes customs and priuiledges In Brabant and Flanders they obiected an accord made by the deceased emperour Charles the fifth with the princes electors of the empire making one circle the which in the Germane tongue they call Creyts by it selfe contributable as much as two princes electros Wherupon and to shew that it was true they pretended that they of Flanders had giuen a gratuitie vnto his imperiall Maiestie as an acknowledgement of the good which they pretended to haue receiued by the meanes of the said accord the which his Maiestie had taken in good part and that thereby hee was bound to the obseruation of the said treatie Moreouer for the Brabansons they did alledge their contract of Ioyous entrie the which they said was mutuall and reciprocall and could not be broken by the one but presently the other were freed and discharged from their othe Whereunto they added that the duchie of Brabant was fallen to the king of Spaines predecessors by right of election the which depended vpon conditions sworne of either side all which conditions they said were broken if they brought the Inquisition of Spaine into that countrey Those of Brabant did also produce six principall articles among others of their priuiledges whereof the first was 1 That the duke of Brabant might not augment the state of the clergie more than it had beene in old time and so placed by the dukes vnlesse the two other estates of the nobilitie and commons should consent thereunto 2 That the duke might not pursue ciuilely or criminally any of his naturall subiects or strangers dwelling there but by the ordinarie course of the iustice of the countrey whereas the accused may defend and iustifie himselfe
the lord of Brederode hath taken the charge To this answer of the duchesse there was a certaine replie divulged by the which among others the nobles laid all the blame of that whereof the duchesse accused them by her answere vpon the secret instructions which she had sent vnto the priuat magistrats touching the obseruation of the kings intention whilest on the other side shee caused the assurance giuen vnto the nobles and the Protestants to be published who notwithstanding knew well by the said answer that the gouernesse who was now armed would no longer dissemble but proceed by force of armes to the execution of that which she had for a long time kept secret in her bosome Besides they found that many of the nobilitie disbanded and that many for their greater assurance sought to mannage their affairs apart wherof they were aduertised from al parts Among others that cont vander Berghen had written vnto president Vigilius letters full of excuses with protestations to remaine a loyal and faithfull seruant vnto the king as also the seignior of Estambruges brother to the earle of Lygni had done the like and that many others sought to make friends in court to returne into fauour As these complaints of the nobles answers replies cares and distrusts continued among them they sought to prouide for their affaires as well as they could especially the Catholikes who made themselues to be feared by the forces they had leuied and by the kings authoritie The earle of Egmont running throughout all the townes of Flanders laboured to make the preaching to cease The earle of Megen being at the request of the Catholikes and by the gouernesse command entred into Vtrecht with his regiment of foot the next day hee fortified the garrison of the castle with three hundred men And to stop the courses of them of Vianen belonging to the lord of Brederode he built a fort vpon the riuer in a village called Vaert right opposite against it then he went to Nymeghen Harderwic and Elburch where he supprest the preaching caused the churches to be repaired and the armes to be brought into the state-house and in the end he chased away all the Protestants The earle of Arembergh did the like in the countries of Friseland Ouerissel and Groninghen as well by surprises of townes and places as persuasions and diuers accords past betwixt him the consuls and townes But the prince of Orange beeing in his gouernments of Holland and Zeeland going from towne to towne sought to pacifie the troubles by gentle meanes to the content of the estates of the said countries yet appointing the exercise of the religion to be without the townes especially in those of Holland who for a thankfull gratuitie for the paines which hee had taken to pacifie their trobles offered him a present of 55000 florins which hee honestly refused least it should haue been some blemish to his reputation to haue suffered himselfe to haue beene corrupted by them with money in his gouernment In the meane time the Gouernesse was counselled to propound a new othe to al gouernors of prouinces knights of the order counsellors of state and other noblemen by the which among other things they did promise swear to remain faithful obedient seruants vnto the king and with all their power and meanes to maintaine defend and preserue the Catholike Apostolike and Romish religion and to root out and helpe to root out all new doctrine and religion to punish and chastise all breakers of images and robbers of churches Which othe was taken before the duchesse by the duke of Arschot the earles of Egmont Mansfield Megen the lords of Barlamont Noircarmes and many others But the prince of Orange and the earle of Hoochstraten refused to take that othe saying That the othe of their order and of their gouernment was sufficient finding themselues much grieued that the duchesse should doubt of their loyalties The like was required of the lord of Brederode who made the like refusall to the secretarie Torre who was sent expresly vnto him to persuade him by many reasons Whereunto he answered modestly That the Gouernesse had no cause to doubt of his faith and loialtie and that he was content to go vnto her highnesse to demaund the causes of her distrust and to iustifie himselfe of all matters wherewith hee might bee charged This new othe was not offered for any other cause but to discouer who would refuse it who thereby should be taken for fauorers and supporters of the Protestants And also to curbe them that either for loue force or dissimulation had taken it and thereby to put a conceit in them that they were held for good Catholikes and the kings faithfull seruants The earle of Horne was at that time retired to his castle of Waert being resolued to return no more to court vnlesse the king commanded him expresly and therefore he was not required to take this new othe The duchesse being thus assured by this new othe and hauing all the towns of the Netherlands reduced by their gouernors vnder the kings obedience and the publike preaching abolished except in Antuerpe then she vnmasked her selfe and began to play her part openly All that could be taken and conuicted to haue carried armes broken images and spoiled churches were hanged Those that were absent were adiorned to appeare within a short time if not they were declared rebels and their goods forfeited the which made an infinit number retire into forrein countries and especially into England those that were most couragious kept the fields in great troups The seignior of Thoulouse hauing failed in his enterprise of the island of Walchren retiring into the riuer of Antuerpe he went and lodged halfe a league from the towne in the village of Austreweel whither men came to him from all parts who made no gentler war to the priests and monks than the Papists did to their companions The prince of Orange was then returned to Antuerpe with the earle of Hoochstraten who during the princes absence in Holland and Zeeland had done his best endeuour to conteine the people of Antuerp these two noblemen sent a gentleman to the seigniour of Thoulouse and his troups to will them to retire from thence the which they did passing into Flanders but the next day they returned to the same place whereupon hee had a second charge to retire and the seigniour of Thoulouse answered That hee was ready to obey yet he remoued not yea his people grew the more insolent seeing themselues fortified by two ships ful of souldiers which arriued that night from base Flanders and that howerly their numbers increased The magistratâ—… of the towne seeing this came vnto the prince where they conferred together with the earle of Hoochstraten how they might make these troups dislodge being of opinion to send their swornâ—… companies with such souldiers as they had in the towne to fight with them but the prince and the 〈◊〉 oâ—… Hoochstraten did
would not send it Wherefore they were forced to conduct the armie through Lorraine neere vnto Strausbourg where it was dispersed with small payment but what the prince could make selling his artillerie and equipage And thus this warre of the prince of Orange against the duke of Alua passed without any fruit with the losse of many good men and of qualitie which died in this voyage among the which the earle of Hoochstraten hauing hurt himselfe in the legge with his own pistoll died besides many gentlemen who hauing drunke together in a banquet of wine that was poysoned as it was thought dyed soone one after another few escaping The prince and Cont Lodowic hauing retained about twelue hundred horse of seruice ioyned with the duke of Deux Ponts with whom they entred into Fraunce And hauing exploited nothing in the Netherlands the duke of Alua bragging that he had chased him away stayed with all his armie at Cambresis where he diuided his troupes into the frontier garrisons cassiering a part which he held not necessarie most of them Germanes except the Regiment of the earle of Lodron who was put into Valenciennes and three hundred Spaniards into Breda the rest after that the frontiers were well fortified were sent into Holland Which done the duke returned to Brussels where he caused Te Deum to be sung and an Oration was made in his prayse by the deane of the church the which was commended by all the auditors From thence the duke retired to the pallace to take his ease The prince of Orange with his brethren Lodowic and Henry earles of Nassau retayning tenne or twelue hundred horse in their pay stayed and ioyned themselues with the duke of Swayeburg that gathered an armie in the behalfe of the prince of Conde and those of the religion with whom in Anno 1569 they went into Fraunce The duke of Alua hauing with small losse had the victorie ouer his enemies in all places and caused them to forsake the countrey vpon the twentieth of December came to Brussels with his sonne and placed his souldiers in diuers garrisons as his Spaniards vnder Alonzo de V◅oa in Mastrich Hertogenbush and Graue the regiment of Iulian Romero in Brussels and Mechelen the regiment of Dom Zantio de Londogno in Vtrecht and Bommel the regiment of Billi or Robles in Groninge the regiment of colonel Mondragon in Deuenter the regiment of high Dutches vnder the earle of Lodron in Valenciennes and Antuerpe discharging certaine Dutch horsemen and some regiments of Wallons And at Brussels he assembled the generall states after a certaine manner where he demaunded a reasonable summe of money for the king towards the great charges hee had beene at for the defence of the land the Christian faith and the Catholicke Romish Religion which they most willingly graunted vnto and withall gaue vnto the duke himselfe a present of one hundred and twenty thousand duckets for the good seruice that the Netherlands had receiued at his hands which at first he refused but after tooke it and from that time forth was in good hope of a peaceable gouernment intending to begin to effect his charge which was to reduce and bring the countrey vnder one absolute gouernment to which end hee brought in the new bishops and established the Inquisition in euery place for the which there was so much contention before in the countrey and from whence all the troubles first had their originall and proceeded with his bloudie counsell to persecute and execute all those that in any wise were found or knowne to be consenting vnto or partakers of the forepassed tumults or that had any bad opinion of the Romish Church and to that end vpon the two and twentieth of Ianuarie 1569 he sent forth a proclamation That no man should aid or assist the fugitiue people in any sort whatsoeuer and that no woman might depart out of the countrey to follow her husband nor that any man might visite those that were fled or banished for the troubles aforesaid and further caused many to be executed in euery place of the Netherlands Some he caused to be hanged and beheaded others to bee burnt which once againe caused great numbers of the people to flye out of the countrey hauing lost all hope of liuing quietly in their owne countries to get their liuings and with their households and families sought to liue in other places whereby they caried diuers kinds of handycrafts that were only knowne and vsed in the Netherlands into other countries as for example the Flemings went by so great numbers into England lying next vnto them that they there restored and peopled many townes not well inhabited and partly decayed as Norwich Sandwich Colchester Maydston Hampton and others where by the gracious fauour of the Queene they were permitted to vse the exercise of their Religion in the Dutch and French languages and there got their liuings by making of Bayes Sayes changeable Stuffes Moccadoes Fustian Grograine and all other Stuffes wherein any wooll is vsed and brought the trade thereof into England so that those kinds of Stuffes are now onely made there and much of the stuffe that serueth for the making thereof brought out of the Netherlands thither which wares the Englishmen themselues haue since learned to make and also about two hundred yeares passed by meanes of great inundations in Flaunders and the Netherlands the people being forced to leaue the countrey and to flye into England brought the trade of making Cloth into England which as then was a new and a strange thing with them they at that time getting their liuings by pasturing of sheepe tylling of the land and following the warres but before that time Flaunders and the Netherlands onely serued all the world with cloth as it appeareth by the priuate contracts made betweene England and the Netherlands And as the Flemings brought the making of Bayes Sayes c. into England and greatly peopled the said countrey so did the Hollanders Zeelanders Brabanders and others bring their cunning of fishing and other trades into England as also into Germany and other countries where they haue built townes and made them very populous and ful of great trades as need and pouerty constrained this industrious people to seek for their liuings as it is in many coūtries to be seen The number of the people that fled out of the Netherlands at that time was not lesse than an hundred thousand households which in strange countries wheresoeuer they became vsed still their language and manner of apparell as hoping once againe to returne into their natiue countries Whilest the prince of Orange was in Germanie there grew some question betwixt the Queene of England and the duke of Alua the duke complayning That the Queene had arrested a certaine shippe and stayed in her hands a great summe of money belonging to the king of Spaine his master with whom he said she should entertaine all brotherly loue and not commit such
bloudie counsell punish such breach of promise as rebellion and lay their heads at their feet with all such as vpheld and maintained the same and that generally specially to the states of Flanders great fauour had been shewed vnto all the states hauing all deserued no lesse rigour at the kings hands than the earles of Egmont and the prince of Orange had and that in recompence and redemption thereof the king was content to accept the said taxe of the tenth penie but hee might haue gotten a great deale more for the king by confiscations if hee would haue vsed that meanes as hee might well haue done than by the tenth penie caring not for the pretended priuiledges of the particular prouinces and townes specially the Ioyous entrie of Brabant which hee said they as well as those of Vtrecht had forfeited and lost Whereupon some made him answer That the declaration and sentence of depriuation or forfeiture must first bee published and that the attempting thereof would bee dangerous He made answer That hee would rather suffer himselfe to bee cut and hewed in peeces than to endure that the countrey should not hold their promise and that the Sunne and Moone should first loose their light before hee would faile of the tenth penie The states perceiuing the dukes resolution and intent at the last thought it requisit in the beginning of the yeare 1572 each prouince to send one into Spaine in their behalfes vnto the king which he neuerthelesse commanded to come backe again threatning them with death but yet they got through into Spaine but before any resolution was taken therein there happened an alteration in the Netherlands by the taking of the Bryele Flessingue and other places as hereafter shall bee shewed without the which alteration the messengers in Spaine had surely beene in great danger of their liues The duke notwithstanding in the meane time sought to raise the tenth penie in some particular townes appointing his officers to receiue the same and first in Brussels where he thought best to begin but they of Brussels shut vp all their shops and would sell nothing that they might not bee compelled to pay the tenth penie The Bakers nor Brewers woâ—… neither bake nor brew whereby there grew a great confusion and desperation amongst tâ—… people which to preuent the duke intended to deale by force resoluing in March 1572 to hang seuenteene of the chiefe townes men in Brussels that were against him whose names hee had al eadie written in a scroll in the night time before their doores or else hee would make them graunt to sell their wares and to pay him thereafter the which to effect hee had giuen charge vnto the executioners to bee readie with ladders and cords to execute them the next night after the newes came into Brussels that the earle Vander Marke had taken the towne of Bryele which losse of the said towne of Bryle made him see that hee had done better to haue put garrisons into the hauen townes and to haue dealt in milder sort with the people rather than to haue sought to haue his owne wil so much and to taxe the land at his pleasure whereas the Netherlands offered such great summes as that the state of the land could hardly raise Thus by meanes of the taking of the Bryele the raysing of the tenth and twentieth penie was stayed although it hath since beene sought and required They of Amsterdam because they would not absolutely consent to his demaund of the tenth penie were fined to pay the summe of fiue and twentie thousand gulderns towards the buylding of the castle at Flessingue but they excused themselues by their great losse endured by the great flouds and the mending and making of their ditches and aboue all that they dayly indured so great losse by the water Gueux that tooke their fleets comming from the East and West Indies As I said before a great number of banished and fugitiue persons of the Netherlands hauing prepared ships kept at sea and were conducted by certaine gentlemen and others who most by pouertie were driuen to seeke some recompence of their losses and hinderance by force and extremities After that other ioyned with them hauing a further intent to do something tending to the deliuerance and good of their natiue countrey This number daily increasing and doing great hurt vnto their enemies round about Holland as in the Vlie Texel and the Ems harbouring most commonly vnder England in the downes and at Douer and thereabouts amongst the which the prince of Orange as admirall by force of his letters of Mart had his officers that receiued the tenth penie of their prizes The duke of Alua made meanes to the queene of England to intreat her not to suffer them to harbor there alledging that she ought not according to the contracts made betweene England and the Netherlands to suffer the kings rebels to haue so open passage to and from her hauens The queene although shee had cause ynough to dislike of the duke in March 1572 made proclamation That they should all depart out of her hauens forbidding her subiects to sell them any victuals neuerthelesse with this condition That her English rebels should bee driuen out of the king of Spaines dominions Whereby they were constrained to depart and to enterprise something in the countries of the Netherlands whereunto they knew themselues not to bee strong ynough This necessitie compelled them to vse order and discipliâ—… amongst them and to that end they all put themselues vnder the commaund of William earle Vander Marke free heire to Lumey lord of Serrain Borset and Minderleyt and heire of Franchimont c. eldest sonne of Iohn lord of Lumey and of Marguerite youngest daughter of Iohn lord of Wassenare This earle Vander Marke made himselfe admirall and his lieutenant Bartel Entes van Meutheda viceadmirall hauing with him captaine William de Bloys called Threlon the lord of Sweten Lancelot van Brederode Iacob Cabilleaw one of Egmont Iaques Schooneual Antonis Wenthoue Antonis van Rhine William de Graue van Egmont Iaques Metens Nicholas Ruythauer captaine Eloy Iock and Iohn Abels Marinus Brandt Roybol Iaques Hennebert Iohn Clauson Spiegel Iohn Simonson Merten Merous Walter Franson captaine Ielande and diuers others All these together hauing about fortie ships most flie-boats in the moneth of March put out of England and tooke a great ship of Antuerpe laden with Spanish wares and another ship of Biskaie Their meaning was to saile to North-Holland although their enterprise there was as then not fully readie but determined in the meane time to spoyle certaine ships of war belonging to the duke that lay at Amsterdam and Enchuysen but the wind beeing against them they put into the Bryel the island being called Voorn and the town Bryel there to take certaine ships lying in the Meuse readie to sayle to Spaine but they perceiuing them to enter the Meuse hoysed sayle and went vp to Rotterdam whereby the earle
and victories hee must preuent in time before that other townes tired with the Spanish tyrannie should do the like The second reason was That hee must speedily recouer Macklyn whereas the prince had left a garrison the which did import much for the bringing of the war into the countrey of Brabant if haply the neighbour townes very much enclined to the prince whom they then published the Protector of the libertie of the Netherlands and obeying the Spaniards by constraint would haue followed this example And although he knew well what honour hee had gotten to make so mightie an armie retire without any effect but with losse yet he did see well that the prince being yet vndefeated he might easily recouer the honour elsewhere which he had left at Mons. The which being recouered as we haue said the duke went to Brussels And to satisfie his appetite of reuenge vpon them of Macklyn the princes garrison beeing retired without attending a siege he sent his souldiers thither the first of October who by his commandement notwithstanding that the clergie came out to meet them in Procession and that the bishop of Ypre and the chiefe of the inhabitants who were retired while the prince did hold it were sutors for them did spoile it ransome it murthered many bourgers rauished maids and wiues without respect of any qualitie or age were they capable or not priests or lay men committing infinit cruelties there more than the which could not be done in any enemies towne taken by assault The bootie that was carried from thence was sold in Antuerpe and Brussels for a vile price for that many refused to buy it for the pitie they had of their neighbours so hardly affected The duke caused it to be proclaimed That it had beene done for that they had receiued the prince of Orange willingly furnished him with money and had shot off their ordnance at the kings men From Macklyn he went towards Diest a towne belonging to the prince the which redeemed it selfe from pillage for eight thousand florins the like was done to that of Deuremonde The bruit of the taking of Mons in Henault beeing spred ouer all Flanders and Brabant the townes were so much amazed which held for the Protestants in those countries as the souldiers that were there in garrison without expecting the enemies comming began in a maner all to flie some marching towards Germanie others towards the sea to passe into England and some into the woods and forrests where they had kept a little before Those that had surprised Audenarde with captain Blommart and had continued long there in garrison tooke their way not without great difficultie and loste of their companions hauing the Spaniards still in the tayle of them toward Ostend where hauing seized vpon ships and mariners they imbarked for England with such hast anâ—…â—…are as they left some of their companions on land who beeing taken and carried to Bruges were soone executed most cruelly with diuers torments by the commandement of the earle of Roeux gouernour of the towne Those which imbarked making about foure hundred men landed some at Douer others at Sandwiche where they were gathered together by one Charles Nerin who was sent thither by them of Flessingue to leuie men who vpon promise of good entertainment caused them to imbarke againe and sent them to Flessingue the nineteenth of October And as they were some Walons and some Flemings there were two companies made the Flemings were giuen to captaine Gunsert and sent into Holland the Walons whereof most part had beene of Blommarts companie were giuen vnto the seignior of Schoonewal a gentleman of Flanders and kept for the guard of Flessingue Captaine Blommars thinking to saue himselfe better alone than with his souldiers forsooke them to take another way but being incountred by the enemie laden with a rich bootie that was portatiue the which he had gotten at Audenarde hee was taken and cut presently in peeces The duke of Alua seeing himselfe freed from any enemy in the countrey of Brabant and Flanders and all the townes abandoned by the Protestants reduced vnder his obedience he would be reuenged on them that had receiued cont Vander Berghe in the prince of Oranges name And first he sent Doin Frederic his son and lieutenant of his armie to Zutphen where at his arriuall he was presently receiued by the bourgers without any resistance or difficultie the 13 of Nouember But the Spaniard was no sooner entred but hee fell to murther hang strangle and drowne a number of the inhabitants with infinit cruelties vpon wiues and virgines yea vpon silly infants This inhumanitie of the duke and his sonne was presently cried out of and caused a great terrour throughout all the Netherlands but if it were not much profitable vnto him it was lesse honourable For although that the earle Vander Bergle in Geldre Ouerissel and the countie of Zutphen and the earle of Schouwenburch in Friseland had abandoned all the townes they seized on yet the finall issue of this warre did shew by the effect how little he got by his crueltie and barbarousnesse Dom Frederic hauing ended this cruell execution at Zutphen he marched directly to Naerden in the quarter of Goytland in Holland The inhabitants made an agreement with him at his arriuall and hee entred the towne the twentieth of Nouember whereas neuer Turkes nor Schythians nor the most barbarous and inhumane nations in the world did euer commit more abhominable cruelties than Dom Frederic did in this towne the which all future ages will haue in perpetual horrour and detestation for after the bourgers had giuen the best vsage they could vnto the souldiers hee caused a proclamation to bee made by the drumme That all should assemble together in the chappell of the hospitall where they should be made acquainted with the lawes according to the which they should hereafter goueme themselues All these poore and miserable inhabitants beeing thus assembled the Spanish souldiers were commaunded to murther them all and not spare any one the which was presently executed so as in this wretched and desolat towne the poore men were massacred the women were rauished and then afterwards most cruelly murthered the children had their throats cut and in some houses some were tied to poasts with cords then the houses were fired and they burnt aliue so as in the whole towne neither old nor young man wife nor maid were spared but miserably murthered and then the towne was quite rased without pitie or mercie The which no man that hath vertue or honour yea if hee haue any sparke of humanitie in him but will haue horrour to heare it spoken of and future ages will not beleeue that such cruelties could euer enter into the thought of any one that would say that he did participate of the nature of a man and call himselfe a man yea and cary the name of a Christian. After this horrible and fearefull massacre at Naerden Dom
and yet the duke of Alua surpassed him This is that which both his friends and foes speake and write of him although for mine own part I delight not in discouering so fowle cruelties and imperfections in a publike Gouernour LVDOVICVS REQVESEN MAGN. COMEN REG. CAST. R. M. CON. GVB ETCAP GEN. BEL. DOM LEWIS DE REQVESENS GREAT Commander of Castile Gouernor Lieutenant and Captaine generall for the King in the Netherlands My predecessors course that me the way had led I held and in his gouernment I was established Where while I rul'd I did the Kings nauy behold Orethrowne and vanquisht and their great pride controld My actions to my Prince did little good prooure And at my hands the States did none or little hurt endure My death by Spaniards mutinie to them did guie A great meanes to helpe themselues and their estates relieue The Argument of the tenth booke THe great Commander by the calling home of the Duke of Alua being entred into the gouernment of the Netherlands and continuing the Dukes first course the towne of Middelbourg being reduced to extreme necessity and famine he sent a fleete by sea to succor it the which he see defeated before his owne eyes whereof followed the yeelding of Middelbourg the which Collonel Mondragon deliuered vp to the Prince of Orange Cont Lodowic the Princes brother came to succor the Netherlands with an Army the Spaniards leauing the seege of Leyden go to meet him they defeat him and he is slaine with Cont Henry his Brother and Duke Christopher A mutiny of the Spaniards in Antwerp called Fuora villiacos The Spaniards after the defeat of Cont Lodouic take their lodging againe before Leyden which had bene long blockt vp there are faire wars betwixt the Prince and the Commander who proclaimes a generall pardon and seemes to desire a peace A Petition made there-vpon to the king of Spaine By the Princes aduise the States resolue to drowne the country to succor Leyden the which they doe and in the end the Towne is deliuered by the Prince through the dround Land after that the Towne had endured much miserie the Spaniards being mutined take Francisco valdes their Generall prisoner and faile to surprise Vtrecht The Commander making a shew to desire peace resolues to wa◅re and Oudwater is beseeged and in the end yeelded with many other townes to the Spaniard The seege of Bomell which the Spaniard wins deerly The seege of Ziricxe The States consult vpon their presernation and send to demand succors in England The death of the great Commander to whome the Councell of state for the King of Spaine succeeds in the Gouernment The Spaniards mutiny hauing fayled to surprise Brusselles they fall vpon Alost they are proclamed all the country is in armes against them The Councell of state is seaz◅d on by the states of Brabant who write vnto the other prouinces to ioyne with them to chase the spaniards out of the Country The death of the Emperor Maximilian the Sack of Antwerp◅ The comming of Don Iohn of Austria All the Prouinces of the Netherlands vnited at the pacification of Gand after which the Castle is beseeged and yeelded to the states with many other townes the Spaniards depart out of the Castell of Antwerp the which is put into the states hands Don Iohn is receiued for Gouernor who seekes occasion to renew the warre against the Prince of Orange he goes to Namur complaines of the states they sue vnto him he discouers himselfe and they growe Iealous of him Many Castels razed in the Netherlands as harbours for Spanish tirants Don Iohn proclaimed an ennemy to the country The Arch-duke Mathias the Emperors Brother called for Gouernor The states and Don Iohn in armes Iealousie disperceth the cheefe of the states whereby their armie was defeated by Don Iohn who recouered manie townes the states raise a new armie and calin the Duke of Aniou to succor them Duke Casimire comes also but to small purpose Arthois and Henault begin to fall from the generall vnion of the Netherlands troubles in Arras the death of Don Iohn of Austria DOn Lewis of Requesens being entred into the gouernment of the Netherlands by the Duke of Aluas retreat thought to succor Middelbourg the which endured much pouerty and misery as well by famine as otherwise besides a great nomber of Bourgers retiring them-selues by boat were daily taken and many which came flying to Flessingue and la Vere onely to haue a mouthfull of bread where after they had fed them they sent them backe who not suffered to enter into Middelbourg for that they hed fled out of it died in the fields or at the Towne gates many soldiars comming to yeeld them-selues through famine were entertayned for that they had need of them There were letters of the 10. of Ianuary 1574. written in cipher by Mondragon surprised by the which hee did aduertise him that he could not hold out aboue the 15. or 16. of the moneth there were others intercepted written vpon the backe of a Pasport the which was red holding it before the fire by the which he intreated the great Commander to aduertise him speedely if hee had any hope to succor him The 14. day of the moneth they of Middelbourg ruined the fort which they had with-out the towne towards Flessingue for that many soldiars which were put there in gard fled to the Protestants The 19. of the moneth Hans Cocq a marriner passed with a barke from Antwerp to Middelbourg bringing letters from Don Lewis containing hope of succors which made the souldiars beseeged resolue to attend yet some daies or else they had bene ready to parle The next day Cocq returned to Don Lewis to informe him into what extremity the Townes of Middelbourg and Arnemuyden were brought And that day a ship comming from Danswic meaning to go to Scluse hauing the wind contrary fell for Flessingue thinking as the brute was then in England that Middelbourg was yeelded vnto the Prince to sell his Marchandise there to good proffit This ship hauing passed the hauen of Flessingue was called to by the ships of war of the Protestants neere vnto Rameken to cast anchor the which he did else he had entred into Middelbourg and by that meanes the Beseeged had bene vitteled beyond all hope for in the said ship there were 14 lasts of wheat 7. of Rie halfe a last of herring with some Beere and other comodities The 23 of the moneth the Commander don Lewis sent Instructions to Iulien Romero what hee should do in the Conduct of his army for the vitteling of M◅ddelbourg the which fell into the Zeelanders hands The tenor whereof was as followeth An Instruction of that which Iulian Romero the Maister of the campe is to doe with the army which he hath in charge conducting it from Berghes to succor the I le of Walchrē By reason of his sodaine departure he must follow the order which is giuen him by these presents
raise all the Scluses to drowne the countrie yet before they did it they should set before their eyes the ruine of the Champian countrie and other losses which would follow to the end they should not afterwardes reproch it vnto him if it succeeded ill But they mooued with charitie and a mutuall bond which all they townes had one with an other by oth and contracts by the which they had sollemnely promised and sworne to succor one an other euen vnto the last gaspe not sparing any thing or hauing regard to any publike or priuate commoditie they made answere vnto the Prince that hee should aduise what might bee donne to succor and deliuer the towne of Leyden and that they would omit nothing for the effecting thereof saying that they had rather haue a countrie that were spoiled then a countrie that were lost that they would rather see their houses heaped one vpon an other then the Spaniards should enioye them And were it not for the succor of Leyden yet they would doe it to chase the Spaniard out of the countrie God knowes how this free and voluntarie offer of the States did mooue the Princes heart who was wonderfully perplexed as well to see this towne in danger to bee lost through the negligence of some for the which a Prince of the Empire and two of his Bretheren had lost themselues to saue it once and yet the oportunitie which they had bought with the price of their deerest bloud was to no effect as for that hee did foresee that the blame should bee laied vpon him by them that did not knowe that hee commanded not absolutely But seeing them so well affected hee made them resolue to drawe the water into the countrie by the aboue mentioned meanes The which was speedely executed So as the Prince hauing made passage for the water and seeing in what abundance it entred into the countrie in seauen or eight daies they were all perswaded that this aduice would take good effect although that euen then many did maintaine that the water would neuer come within a league of the towne of Leyden But let vs speake somewhat of the Spaniard howe hee behaued himselfe at the seege of that towne The Spaniards after their returne from their victorie hauing taken vp their olde lodging at Leyderdorp whereof three companies went to Zosterwoude where they intrencht themselues and a part at Leysdsendam which is the Scluse of Leyden where there had beene a fort which after their departure the Protestants of Holland had neglected to ruine and to breake the Scluse Captaine Nicholas Ruyckhauer beeing in garrison at the Hage heard of the Spaniards returne so late as hee could hardly retire his men yet hee entertained the skirmish so long with the Spaniards as the inhabitants had meanes for to saue all the best part of their goods Francisco Valdes Lieutenant of this campe had brought with him a part of the troupes of Vtrecht the which hee sent before the fort which the Protestants held at the Scluse of Goude and Alphen and the other part which came from Harlem was led by Noortwic and Walkenbourg whereas the Protestants had two verie strong Forts either of them manned with fiue Companies of English of the which Edward Chester was Collonel This Regiment endured the first charge of the Spaniards The Fort at the Scluse of Goude was first of all most furiously assaulted and then they were often-times repulst and put back againe by the English ouer whome Captaine Gainsford a true souldiar commanded But as the Spanish horse had no meanes nor way to enter into Holland but by these Fortes they did so preâ—… forward with cudgells and swords vpon the foote-men that did assaile it as the English were forced to quit the place the which had not beene so soone if those which were at Alphen which is but halfe a league off had defended themselues as valiantly as these who hauing left their fort thinking to goe and succor them of Alphen they found it also wonne and gotten from them and so both the one and the other were defeated and cut all in peeces the which hapned the seauenteenth of Maie Those of Vtrecht ranne thether and razed these forts and that which was at Leyderdorp Francis de Valdes with an other troupe which came to Nortwick went to a great forte that was vnfinished which the other fiue companies of English did hold in the village of Valchenbourg the which they abandoned before they had seene any enemy although the day before they had required some horse from them of Leyden to discouer the enemie which they had not yet donne Hauing left this fort they retired neere vnto Waldnighe where they did skirmish for a time with the Spaniards which the Bourgers might-see from their walls but yet they could not see of either side any one fall nor hurt although the skirmish were very whot which made them of the towne to doubt the worst After this skirmish the English approched neerer vnto the towne ditches betwixt the Bourgers trenches at the bridge of Boschuysen and the towne Then Collonel Chester entred with some of his men into the towne and gaue a signe vnto the Bourgers that if it hapned he were forced by the Spaniards that he would make his retreat by the port of the Hage the which the Bourgers agreed vnto and that the enemie approchin g against whome they should continue the skirmish they should make them a signe which was that when they should take downe the coulors that should be vppon the port they should open them-selues and retyre on the one side that their canon from their rampar might passe through the Spanish squadrons this condition did nothing please the English as it appeered sone after For as soone as they were gone out of their trenches where-into they were retired at the bridge of Boschuysen they marched with their coulors flying directly towards the Spaniards to whome vppon a certaine othe taken by them they went and trecherously yeelded and were receiued with certaine ceremonies but they did not fore-see that which should befall them For as soone as they were receiued they made them put out their matches being constrained by the Spanish Caualary that was at Woorschote which some officers and others as well English as Flemings perceiuing to the nomber of thirty two they retired vnder the Counterscharp of the towne where afterwards they suffred them to enter The rest were led to Harlem being stript of their best apparell some to serue for Pioners and such as could escape retired into England not daring to shew them-selues in Holland The Spaniards knowing well that they got little in battering of Leyden and that the battery which they had made at Harlem against a bare wall had bene a great charge vnto them with losse of men they brought no artillery to batter it assuring them-selues that in the end they should famish it And in the meane time to make
good frends as he was deliuered for them In this assault there were very many Spaniards slaine hurt and burnt the slaugter was great in the towne the Spaniards sparing neither age nor sexe noe not women great with child tearing the infants euen out of their wombes The Preests and Monks shewed them-selues most bloudy of all few men escaped for ransome some women and children were ransomed of all the soldiars there escaped not twenty The towne was spoiled and afterwards quite b◅rnt nothing remaning but the Church one Cloister and some houses no man knew who fiered it nor how it came which was the cause of the sauing of many women and children for they that spoiled it being for the most part Spaniards and Italiens which entred first pardoned some to helpe to saue the mouables that were in the houses from the fier and during this fier their fury was some-what pacefied moreouer the Seignior of Hierges caused a proclamation to be made by the dromme that no women nor children should receiue any harme The Minister of the towne was taken and after they had slaine his son before his eyes they led him out of the towne where they hanged him vpon a gibet He had bin set at fiue hundred florins ransome but being knowne they put him in that manner to death Chrestine of Queillerie Minister of the Wallon Companies was not knowne and hauing remained fiue weeks a prisoner in the end he was deliuered for three hundred florins ransome In this sort the poore towne of Oudewater was taken and ruined After the taking of this towne which was the 7. of August the Seignior of Hierges went the 12. day to inuest the towne of Schoonhouen whether the Prince sent the Seignior of La Garde Collonell of the French a gentleman that was learned and had beene long practised in the excercise of Armes of whome we haue spoken in the seege and vitteling of Leyden who not only in warre but also in matters of State hath done great seruice to the Prince and States by his wi◅e and graue councel who although the towne was not to be held hauing no rampar of any strength and besides most of the Bourguers ill affected to the Prince after he had endured a battery of 26. cannons and the Spaniards hauing made a breach of 300. paces attending the assault a whole day and seeing that the Bourguers would rampare vp nothing in the night fearing to haue enemies both within and without the next day the Spaniards being redy to renew their battery by an honorable commposition hee saued the towne his men their armes and Bagage for hee could not haue defended it long with honor Whilest that the Seignior of Hierges with this Spanish army made warre in Holland the King of Spaines Viceadmirall borne in Middelbourge perswaded the great Commander to attempt an enterprise vpon the Iland of Ziricxzee the which he said was easie to be executed and thereby hee might subdue with more facility the I le of Walchren and so deuide the Zeelanders from them of Holland His reasons seemed probable and they came from one who in sea causes had good experience and was wel-acquainted with all the passages of the country and with that sea The Commander not-with-standing any difficulties that might contradict the vndertaking of this enterprise and knowing of what importance the happie successe thereof might be would haue it put in execution To this end he gathered together his army and imbarkt them sodenly going himselfe in person along the Iland of Tolen neere to the I le of Schauwe the which hee would surprize being deuided onely by a riuer there were in the I le of Tolen many forts vpon the dikes furnished with good artillery which kept the Protestants shippes from passing so as they could not hinder the Spaniards passage yet the Zeelanders had some forts right against them so as they shot often one at an other The 28. of September the Commander caused his men to passe at a lowe water into the Iland of Saint Anne not-with-out great paine and toyle whereas they planted their campe in Saint Annes Bourg along the dike Sanchio d'Auila who at that time was Admirall in the absence of Cont Bossu being prisoner at Horne came thether with his ships bringing a good troupe of footemen and so they entred at a low water into the Iland of Duyuelandt on Saint Michales day The next day hee went with his gallies towards the Iland of Schouen other-wise called Zirixzee where they entred also but with great toyle his men being so wet and tired as they had beene easely defeated if there had beene such order giuen as was fit Being past and hauing taken Brouwershauen and some other forts of the Iland and of other small Ilands without losse of any men they went to beseege a strong place called Bomened the which they did batter fower daies togither and then gaue an assault but it was so valiantly defended as at that time they were repulst with losse The next day they gaue an other assault the which continued 6. houres being 4. or 5. times renewed with fresh men wheras the Spaniards Wallons were so brauely repulst as they wold no more returne But in the end the Germains going to charge the beseeged being so tired with fighting as they could no longer stād they were forced and al slaine It is sayd that in al these assaults of Bomende the Spaniard lost about 1500. men the besieged being not aboue 300. of the which their were not aboue 3. or 4. saued who escaped strangely From thence the Spaniards went to the towne of Ziricxee the which they did inuest the first day thinking it would yeeld at their first approch but being wel furnished of all things necessary and the Burgers resolued to defend themselues being in hope of succors the Spaniard found himselfe deceiued of his expectation so as they were forced to vse more force then they intended And first to cut of all succors they tooke from them the entry of the hauen although the chanel be broad there yet they shut it vp with a great chaine frō one side to the other wheras they planted ordinance to defend it The Protestāts ships made sundry attempts and did much anoy the Spaniards yet they could not breake the chaine About this time there parted a fleet of ships from Spaine called Zabres which came anchored at the Ile-wight belonging to England where hauing receiued such refreshings as they needed then they came to Dunkerke where hauing landed their besognes or newe leauied soldiars the mony which they brought they were forced to winter and the ships to be in the hauen of Dunkerke during the which by reason of great tempests ill order in looking to them they were al spoiled so as they could serue to no vse for the war In the meane time Iohn du Bois attorney general in the Netherlands for the
king of Spaine was sent as agent into England by the Commander to intreat her maiesty to banish all the Kings rebells that were retired thether The which was at the first refused him the Queene finding it very strange vnworthy the Maiesty of a Prince to chase away the poore exiled Netherlanders who were fled into her dominions to saue their liues and to auoide the Spanish tirany practised both against their bodies and consciences Shewing the mischiefe which had insued how much the King his maister had bin preiudized in the like case 3. years before when at his request she had driuen out of her Ports the Earle of Marck and them of his company with their ships who beeing thus chased away to all aduentures seeking a place of retreat they seized vpon the Iland and towne of Briele so as it had bin better for the King hee had not made any such request notwithstanding at the instance of the Agent the Queene gaue cōmandment to all captaines officers of her Ports and hauens not to suffer any one to enter and to cause al those retire that did carry armes against the King of Spaine Among the which that might not enter or that were there already were particularly named The Prince of Orange al those of his house the Earles of Culenburg Vandan-bergh and la Marck the signior of Esquerdes and of Lumbres brethren Rumen Carnesse Noielles Blioul Bredam Boisot Saint Aldegonde Mansart Vanden Dorpe Vander Aa Houtain Vanden Timpel Iunius and many others to the number of fifty by name This was granted by the Queene for that by doctor Wilson her agent she had obtained of the Cōmander that the Earle of Westmerland al other English rebells should be in like sort banished out of the low-counties and that the English ships 4. at once the which she had also obtained from the Prince of Orange might traffick freely at Antwerp and in al other places During this negotiation the Prince of Orange and the States of Holland and Zeland finding by that had past at the last cōference at Breda that there was no assurāce of peace with the King of Spaine whereby they might enioy the exercise of their relligion they consulted to what part they should turne whom they should seeke vnto to preserue their liues wiues children and goods against the violence of the king of Spaine wherevpon they propoūded to choose one of 3. great mighty Monarks for their Protector which was the Empire France or England As for the Empire they found great difficulty least hope there considering the diuersity of relligion and the small vnion that was betwixt the Princes of Germany one distrusting an other and euery one troubled with care how to maintaine his owne estate in peace free from the practises as well of the Spaniards as of the aduerse party besides the said Princes would neuer endure that any one of them in particular should take vpon him aboue the rest the state gouernment of the Netherlands wherby he might exceed the rest in force and means Moreouer the King of Spaine had many great friends there first the Emperor his brother in law then the dukes of Bauiere and other Protestants besides the bishops And that before they should incorporate the said Netherlands vnto the Empire their would be a yeare and a day spent before the States thereof would agree vpon so important a businesse the which could not be effected without an Imperial diet wherin they should wāt no opponents that would contradict it As for France it was not found counenient not only by reason of the periuries massakers cruelties lately committed there but for many other inconueniences which would follow it and that France was now exhaust and drawne dry of money and meanes by reason of the ciuill warres the which were not yet fully pacified And admit the French were wel affected to them yet could it not be done without great distrust of either part which would haue bred a continuall war betwixt the vnited Prouinces of Holland Zeeland and their associates and the Brabansons Flemings Artesiens and them of Henault who had rather haue warre against the French by reason of their old quarrells then against the vnited States As for the English notwithstāding the difficulties of the tongues they found not any in their opiniōs more fit to receiue them vnder their protection not onely by reason of the conformity of religion but also for the Queenes greatnesse her neighbourhood and the nauigation and traffick from one country to another whereby Spaine should be out of hope to be commanders at sea besides the realmes of Denmarke Sueden the county of Emden and the Hans townes of the East countries did not onely desire it but also intreated it might take effect that they might ioyne with them in a new league The which would also cause Brabant Flanders and other prouinces to seeke to be comprehended in this league yea and France it selfe that they might with their common forces weaken the Spaniards and reduce him vnto reason so as by the means of England those countries should be for euer maintained in peace rest and prosperity The estates and the Prince hauing duly considered which of these three might be most auaileable for them seeing that the estate of their affaires required a speedy resolution of the one before that their enemies should preuaile more ouer them they concluded that they must seeke to the Queene of England wherefore applying themselues vnto the time and to reason to that which their religion required their estate had most need of they sent into England Philip of Marnix signior of S. Aldegunde Iohn Vander-dorpe signior of Nortwyck William of Nyuelt Paul Buys aduocate for the states of Holland Doctor Malson a Lawier with others with cōmission to make a league with the Queene or to submit thēselues vnder her prot◅tiō or if necessity so required to acknowledge her for their Princesse soueraign Lady issued from the Earles of Holland Zeeland by the Lady Philipot daughter to William the third of that name Earle of Henault and Holland c. Wherevpon the Queene waighing of the one side the hatred of the Spaniards the iealousie of the French the great charges she must bee at if she vnder-tooke their cause grew cold in satisfying of their demands Besides the great Commander had sent the Lord of Champaigny vnto the Queene who preuailed so with his eloquence ' as she resolued rather to entertaine the amity of Spaine then to accept the offers the states made vnto her and to seeke some meanes to reconcile both parties for the quiet of her realme for the which she intreated the King by a particular discourse by protestation that if he would not agree with his Netherlands giue them peace that he should not thinke it strange if for her owne safety she did lay hold vpon Holland and Zeeland
goods inheritages houses rents which by title of consiscation shall be sould and alienated the said generall estates shall appoint commissionars in euery Prouince such as shall not bee of those estates to take knowledge of all difficulties if any shall grow to the end they may giue reasonable satisfaction as well to the ancient proprietaries as to the buyers and sellers of the said goods and rents for their euict on respectiuely The like shall bee don for the arrerages of rents and personall obligations and for all other pretensions complaints and greuances which the interessed by reason of the said troubles would hereafter of either side commence in what sort soeuer That all Prelats and other Clergy-men whose Abbaies Dioceses Foundations and residences are scituated without Holland and Zeeland and yet haue goods in the saide countries shall returne to the propriety of their goods as it is aboue said in regard of secular persons But for that which concernes relligious persons and other Clergy-men which haue made profession in the said Prouinces and other places associated vnto them or haue prebends there and yet are retired or haue not beene resident for that most part of their goods are alienated hereafter they shall haue reasonable maintenance giuen them with those that remaine or else they shall be suffered to enioy their goods at the choise of the said estates and all by prouision vntill their pretensions shall bee determined by the generall Estate More-ouer it is agreed that all donations and other dispositions Inter viuos vell causa mortis made by priuate persones whereby the true heires by reason of the said troubles or of relligion are excluded and disinherited from their right and succession by vertue hereof they shall bee held voyde and of no force And whereas they of Holland and Zeeland the better to maintaine the warres haue raysed all coynes of gould and siluer to a heigh valew the which cannot be allowed in other Prouinces with-out great losse it is agreed that the deputies of the said generall estates shall as soone as possibly they can seeke to equall the said coines as neere as may be for the entertainment of this Vnion and the common course of traficke of ether side Moreouer vpon the request made by the said States of Holland and Zeeland to the end that the generality of all the Netherlands would take vpon them the charge of all the debts contracted by the said Prince to make his two expeditions and great Armies for the which they only of Holland and Zeeland and the Prouinces and townes which yeelded to his excellence in his last expedition are bound as the say that point is referred and left to the discretion and determination of the generall estates to whome all things being pacefied report shall bee made to take such regard as shal be conuenient In this common accord and pacification the countries Seigneuries and townes holding the contrary party shall not be comprehended nor enioy the benifit thereof vntill they be effectually ioyned and vnited to this confederation which they may doe when they please The which treaty of pacification after the report agreeation and allowance as wel by the commissioners for the gouernment of the contry as by the States thereof together with the Prince and the States of Holland Zeeland and their associats in all the poynts and articles aboue mentioned and also of all that should be decreed and determined by the generall estates The said deputies haue by vertue of commissions promised and sworne and dos promise sweare by these presents to obserue entertaine accomplish and inviolably to keepe all respectiuely on eitheir part and to cause it to be ratefied sworne signed and sealed by the Prelats Nobles townes and other members of the said Prouinces and by the said Prince as well in generall as in particular within one moneth next ensaing to the content of euery one In witnes whereof all the deputies aboue-named signed the treaty in the towne house of Gant the 8. of Nouember 1576. This pacification together with the commissions of the deputies of both parties which we haue not thought fit to insert here nor that of the secretary was the 13. of Nouember following the same yeare ratified and confirmed by letter pattents from the King of Spaine signed Ouerlope as we will hereafter shew Besides this aduice the prince procured meanes for the states to leuy certaine soldiers in Germanie They likewise assembled there army about Wauere in Brabant vnder the Earle of Lalain the Vicont of Gaunt and Monsier la Motte Gouernor of Graueline before they sent into France where they were promised all ayde and assistance At that same time they sent the Baron d' Aubigny into England to certifie the Queene of the estate of the country and of there extremity who for that cause sent Maister Smith into Spaine to desire the King to retire all the Spaniardes out of the Netherlands and in December after they sent the Lord of Sweueghen againe vnto the Queene to desire her to send them some mony for that they knew Don Iohns proceeding the planting of Spanish garisons to be suspected by her where hauing audience vpon the 13 of December he let her vnderstand according to his charge how cruelly the Spaniards there enemies were incensed against the Netherlands for that in the yere 1559. the king had bin desired and required by the estates to free them of the Spanish soldiers which to the great burthen of the same had for certaine yeares remained there in garrison for which cause to be reuenged they made the world beleeue that the Netherlands were all heretikes and rebels to God to the King where-vnto the troubles hapening in the said countries in the yeare 1565. and 1566. as they thought gaue them iust occasion and yet although the said troubles according to the time were wel ended pacefied by the Duches of Parma then Regent yet would not the enemy cease till â—…e had brought the Duke of Alua into the Netherlands with a puisant army who at his first entry openly bragged that the said country was giuen vnto them as a prey The said Duke suffering his soldiars to vse all barbarous tirrany and on the other side vnder pretence of iustice and to do right vnto euery man he caused an innumerable number of men many times both against the Kings and his owne decrees giuen out before to be executed Built castles brake al priviledges wherby no man of any reputation could be assured of his life and liue in good name and fame if he had any thing to loose and so supposing that he had grounded his tirany according to his minde heâ—… erected his Image in the Netherlands with most heathen inscriptions beginning likewise to molest his neigbours and to vse other secret meanes to abuse them whereof her Maiesty could beare witnes seeking to charg the Netherlands with troupes such as before that time in any extremity
next day with promise to expose their liues and goods for the safety and seruice of his person and moreouer that all that bare armes should take an oth to that end Treating with him notwithstanding with all sinceritie and dilligence vpon the contentment and the retreate of the Germaines the which he made shew to desire greatly But notwithstanding all this and that the states had often since besought Don Iohn that they might know them that were accused to be guiltie of this conspiracie and the names of them that had accused them insisting still that hee would bee pleased to free himselfe of this distrust of them and by his returne to Brussells preuent all alterations that were growne by reason of his retreate promising to bee seuere reuengers of all those that would attempt against him or his More-ouer they had consented by letters of the thirty of Iuly that hee might besides his ordinarie garde of Archers and Halbardiers haue an other garde of Captaines and Souldiers to the number of three hundred Harquebuziers on foote that were borne in the countrey and pleasing to him and the States the like whereof had neuer beene granted to any Prince of the bloud or other Yet notwithstanding all this they could not obtaine any thing of him but insteed of seeking to dispatch the Germaines out of the countrey which hee had so often promised and sworne hee discouered and made open declaration of the intelligence hee had with them the which hee had vntill then kept secret neither could hee conteine himselfe to say vnto the Abbot of Marolles that hee held himselfe assured of the Towne and Castell of Antwerpe and that hee wanted neither men nor money giuing him charge to aduertise the States thereof Commanding more-ouer the Germaines of Collonell Van Ernden to marche towards Antwerpe and to ioyne with them that were there before Giuing order vnto the Seignior of Treslon according vnto that which had beene long before concluded to bring them in and to ioyne with them shewing therein all hostilitie and a resolute intention to oppresse the countrie againe by these strangers more then it had beene before So as the Merchants of Antwerpe as well those of the countrey as strangers began to prepare to retire themselues and to abandon the Towne and to leaue it in a miserable desolation yea some were seene to leape out at windowes to saue themselues casting infinite packes of Marchandise into boates at all aduentures fearing they should not in time auoide the furie of these mercenarie Germaines whose furie and couetousnesse was too well knowne vnto them by experience to their great hinderance and losse Notwithstanding the states were not yet inclined to take the course of Armes hoping that Don Iohn according to so many promises and othes so solemnly made and swore would rather remedie these inconueniences by reason and Iustice then by the violence of Armes had it not beene that the same day that they made their complaints of this commandement giuen to the Seignior of Treslon and of the desseigne of the said Cornellis van Eindein which was the eight and twenty of Iuly letters were brought vnto them that Don Iohn and the Secretary Escouedo had in the moneths of Marche and Aprill last past written vnto the King and to his Councellor and Secretarie Antonio Perez the which hauing beene intercepted in Gasconie were sent into Holland to the Prince of Orange who sent them to the states to consider of their affaires Among these letters that were intercepted there were three from Don Iohn two vnto the King and one vnto Antonio Perez all of the seauenth of Aprill In the first after that hee had much complained of the wante of pay for his Souldiers and perswaded the King to keepe his credit not-with-standing a certaine proclamation made vpon the change of money which hee receiued from the Marchants which was greatly to the preiudice of the said Marchants He said that as for that which toucheth the reduction and tranquilitie of these countries I cannot assure your Maiestie of any thing certaine nor that they shall reape the fruite which was expected of the peace which they make the Prince of Orange continues still to fortifie in Holland Zeeland with all vehemencie The Queene of England doth incourage him and labours what shee can that hee should not accept what hath beene capitulated and to that end offers him her power The greatest part of the countrey is at his deuotion some for loue they beare him and others for that they haue beene deceiued by these men and herein almost all the people are conteined Such as desire to enioy your Maiesties grace and pardon which is the smallest number they thinke that in accepting it they doe all they ought besides they are so faint harted as they will make no demonstration worthy the noting And if they would imploy them-selues there will bee a great confusion and diuision among them all as soone as the Spaniards shall bee gone some to haue mee admitted to the gouernment and other to hinder it And for that as I say the first will haue small courage if the other oppose against mee those will altogether faint and not any one will dare to shew himselfe I am carefull how I may put my selfe into some place of more safetie then this where I may prouide for all affaires for beeing free and at libertie I doubt not but there will bee many which will declare them-selues for your Maiestie if they deceiue mee not with their words and demonstrations Behold how I imploy my selfe at this present omitting no office to winne their good wills and to let the States vnderstand what is fitte for them But I see that hetherto it is as much as to preach in the ayre c. In the same letter there was written vnderneath The Earle of Mansfeldt told mee that hee hath sent certaine instructions vnto your Maiestie vpon the which hee doth not yet know if there hath beene taken any resolution wherein hee thinkes that his seruices haue not beene respected your Maiestie knowes what they bee and that you haue not here any one of his sort I say that if it bee iust it is reason to content him for that he is most necessary Wherefore I beseech your Maiestie seeing you giue reward vnto the bad that they should not prooue worse that you would do the like vnto the good to incourage them to bee better else the others will glory and bragge that their mallice hath beene auaileable vnto them and these will bee discouraged and many will bee prouoked to follow their opinions which preuaile against Iustice and reason And for that this is a point of great consideration I desire for your Maiesties seruice that that bee not denyed to them that meritte which is giuen to such as deserue exemplarie punishment and that their reward may bee speedy seeing it is one of the parts which makes it seeme great After the date
leagues circuite and furnished with fiue thousand men made this desseigne seeme vnreasonable The same day the Armie in passing tooke the Castell of Dyon la Motte Helsenne and Sart La Motte indured a battery in the which were fifteene or sixteene Soldiers the rest peasants and was taken by assault where-as the Seignior of La Noue Marshall of the Campe the Vicont and the Collonell Michell Caulier past through the water in the ditches vp to the waste the which was no discreete part of the Vicont beeing Generall of the horse with the English who leapt into the water like Frogges forst it and cut all the Souldiers in peeces pardoning the peasants this was done in August In September following certaine companies of Malcontents of the aboue-named Regiments among the which was that of Captaine Christien of Mons being come to lodge in the quarter of Gaure which is of the Principalitie of them of Egmont about three leagues from Gant The Ganthois aduertised thereof by the greeuous and dayly complaints of the poore pesants for so many oppressions and insolencies committed by these Wallon soldiars Malcontents and doubting also some enterprise vpon their towne for that the sayd Malcontents had vanted that they would teach the Ganthois to mocke at the masse sent some of their companies in the night who went to dislodge the Wallons in Gaure by the breake of daie taking them a sleepe in their beddes after the French manner whereof some were slaine and about fiftie carried almost naked into Gant and in this miserable and poore estate were put into a Church from whence by a decree of the Court they were deliuered and sent away hauing had some clothes giuen them by the Wallon Marchants remayning in Gant who tooke pittie of them seeing them thus naked but the Ganthois did afterwards paie deerely for this pettie victorie The Barron of Montigni and other Collonels Wallons to bee reuenged for such an affront vpon the Flemings and Ganthois came early in a morning before the Burrough of Menin which then they began to make a towne within two leagues of Courtray and two of Lille hauing intelligence with the Curat the Baylife called Nicholas Robert and some others who knowing of the Malcontents approch after the ringing of the morning bell perswaded them that were in gard to goe to their rest And as there remayned but few Bourguers at the Ports and the places but newly begun to be fortefied these Malcontents surprised it and tooke it with small resistance of the Bourguers who vpon the alarme putting them-selus in defence were soone ouerthrowne and some drowned in the riuer of Lys. Being Maisters thereof they spoyled it finding great welth therein for that it did cheefely consist of Bruing and making of cloth which are two trades to make rich men There were about eighty Bruers the Beer was dipersed into the countries of Flanders and Arthois by the riuer of Lys and it was called Queate of Menin good and well knowne of Dronkards At that time the Protestants of the reformed religion in Antwerp persented a petition to haue publike exercise of their religion demanding certaine publike temples of the Arch-duke Mathias and the councell of State with which demand they were much troubled but the Petitioners being very many made such instance and did so importune them as hauing had the aduice of the Generall estates it was found necessary for the publike quiet of the towne and to preuent all inconueniences to graunt them the chappell in the Castle called the temple of the Moabats by reason of the Spaniards which had built it the Iesuits ch◅urch halfe of that of the Franciscans Iacopins and of Saint Andrew And so with leaue of the soueraigne magistrate they began their first publicke preaching the last day of August some daies after the Protestants of the confession of Ausbourg hauing also demanded temples obtained the Sheer-mens chappell the great hall of the Carmelites and the grange neere vnto Saint Michells The like was granted in the townes of Brusselles Macklin Breda Berghen vpon Soom Liere Bruges Ypre in Freeseland and in Geldres and in other townes and Prouinces But in Brusselles the Marquis of Berghes the Signior of Heze his Brother and the Signior of Glimes presented a petition to the contrary shewing that it was the seat of the Princes court which makes the towne to flroish the which by the transport of the court to any other place would bee impourished and fall to decay which made the people to fall in hatred of them and to put them in prison but by a decree of the States they were soone inlarged While the armies were gathering together on both sides and the State of the Netherlands standing in suspence the potentates round about desirous to reconcile the distracted minds of the Netherlands against their Prince as also to preuent bad examples to cease all troubles and lastly to put out and quench the fire of warre and dissention in the Netherlands sought to make a peace there The Emperor greeuing much at the desolation of the Netherlands had sent the Earle of Swartzenburgh the King of France Monsire de Bellieure and the Queene of England the Lord Cobham and Sir Francis Walsingham her Principall Secretary with a great traine which Ambassadors hauing moued both parts to hearken vnto a peace the estates propounded certaine conditions the contents whereof were that all that they had don since Don Iohns going to Namur should bee approued allowed of and held to bee well don that Don Iohn should depart out of all the Netherlands within the sayd month of August and deliuer vp all the townes and forts into the States hands that the Arch-duke Mathias should remaine gouernor of the Netherlands and the pacification of Gaunt should still bee maintained and kept that the matter of Religion by reason of the warres so much aduanced should bee referred to the deciding and determination of the generall estates to bee ordred according to the conueniency of the times and places that the prisoners on both sides as also the Earle of Buren should bee set at liberty and that in the said contract the Queene of England the Duke of Aniou the king of Nauarre with their adherents and Duke Casimirus and all those that had giuen the States any ayd should bee comprehended For the effecting whereof the States desired the Ambassadors aforesaid to seeke by all the meanes they could to bring Don Iohn therevnto and thereby to keepe his Maiesty in possession of his Netherlands without putting him in more vaine hope and so for euer to estrange him from his subiects desiring them like-wise to moderate the strictnes of there articles in any thing they thinke conuenient The Ambassadors aforesaid vsed many reasons and perswations on both sides especially to procure Don Iohn to depart out of the Netherlāds intreating him not to seeke to hazard his good fortune vpon a doubtfull battayle aledging vnto him the contract
his familiers bred great suspition in the Kings minde the falt thereof beeing layd vpon Escouedo his Secretary esteeming him to haue added more therevnto then his commission was and therefore hee beeing sent into Spaine by Don Iohn the King gaue expresse commandement that hee should bee staied there and for that Don Iohn wrot so earnestly for money and for his secretary Escouedo the aforesayd Anthonio Perez the Kings Secretary had commission to finde the meanes to kill him as secretly as hee could that Don Iohn might haue no suspition thereof for that the sayd Anthonio Perez was the onelie man that with the King knewe all Don Iohns and Escouedoes proceedings and two or three more that were but partly made acquainted therewith which Perez by his aforesaid booke acknowledgeth to haue done by the Kings commandement vseing therein a certaine souldiar called Gartia Darze and fiue or sixe others who in an euening as hee was going to his lodging sodenly inclozed him about and killed him as if there had bin some priuat quarell betweene him and them The death of this Escouedo brought many iealousies into Don Iohns head who finding himselfe to bee charged with many limmited instructions and commandements from the King hee became still more and more distempered whereby hee knewe not what to resolue as the aforesayd letters declared and therefore his suddaine death gaue men cause of great suspition that it was secretly procured although that greefe and conceite haue more force in Princes haughtie and proude hearts then in meaner persons Don Iohn beeing dead in the armie his bodie with great and stately pompe was borne into the Church at Namur and from thence carried into Spaine leauing his Lieutenant Alexander Farneze Prince of Parma gouernor in his place that was afterwards inuested with the same by the King himselfe this death of Don Iohn fell out verie well for the Netherlands considering the state wherein they as then were as I haue alreadie shewed ALEXANDER FARNESIVS PARMAE ET PLACEN DVX GVBERN ET CAP GENER BELGICAE ALEXANDER FARNEZE DVKE OF Parma and Placentia Lieutenant and Captaine Generall for the King of Spaine Of all the Gouernor that in the Netherland Wherof most were vnfit did take their wars in hand I was the only man that rul'd them prudently And longer then thē all maintaind the wars co◅agiously Like valiant champion and h◅d a most great care My promise to fulfill for such a royall minde I bare That neuer in my life vnto my enemie I falcified my word or faith which was the cause that I A good report obtain'd which was my recompence Else gaind I nought but for my paines was put to great exp◅nce The Argument of the eleuenth Booke ALexander Farneze Prince of Parma Nephew by bastardise to the King of Spaine Sonne to his bastard sister succeeded Don Iohn in the gouernment of the Netherlands the Ganthois begin to mutine The Prince of Orange is much troubled to reconcil◅ them the Duke of Aniou retires into France The building of the disunion of Arthois and Henault the which is conc◅uded in the Prince of Parmas campe before Masstricht Whervpon they make a more stricter vnion at Vt echt betwtxt the Prouinces which continue in the generality The King of Spaine hinders the Emperor and some Princes of Germany from treating of an accord and generall reconciliation wherevpon an assembly is made at Collogne where they treat of it but in vaine those of Holland Zeeland and their Associats thinking it had beene only to circumuent them Gant falls againe into troubles by the practises of Imbise the Burguemaster the which the Prince going thether in person doth pacefie by the absence of Imbise The taking of townes and ouerthrowes at that time of either part the speech and aduice of the Prince of Orange to the estates of the generall vnion the state of Friseland and Groninghen The Duke of Aniou brother to the French King called for Protector and partly Lord of the countries remayning in the vnion the Archduke Mathias after thankes giuen him retiers by reason of his insufficiency the King of Spaine proscribes the Prince of Orange sets his life to sale to euery point of which proscription the Prince makes answere The vnfortunate seege of the states of Flanders before Ingllemoustier defeated and the signior of La Noue taken prisoner Macklin and diuers other townes surprized by the States the Prince of Conde comming from England into the Netherlands is at Gant the Prince of Parma makes a vaine enterprize vpon the sayd towne but not without great danger thereof what past in Friseland at that time St◅nwic beseeged by the Spaniard victual◅ed and succored by the States The death of the Earle of Reneberg and what he was the taking and retaking of townes of either part in Friseland Flanders and else where the Prince of Parma hauing long beseeged and blockt vp the Cittte of Cambray the Duke of Aniou comes in person to su◅cor it and victuells it the Spaniard refusing to fight whereas hee was receiued and acknowledged for Duke of Cambray and Cambresis the signior of Inchy remayning Gouernor of the towne and Cittadell in the sayd Dukes name ALEXANDER Farneze Prince of Parma the sonne of Duke Octauio and the Ladie Marguerite bastard to the Emperor Charles the fift being the yeare before come into the Netherlands succeeded after the death of Don Iohn of Austria in the gouernment of the sayd countries beeing before his Lieutenant a Prince much more milde and temperate then the other to whom the whole armie tooke their oth and acknowledged for Gouernor in the campe neere vnto Namur Yet through the death of Don Iohn the Spaniards affaires were somewhat crost and hindred for the duke of Aniou imbracing this occasion went to beseege Bins in Henault the which hee battred and gaue an assault and although hee tooke it not at the first yet in the end hee forced it the Spaniards beeing to much troubled in their campe for the death of Don Iohn so as they neither had meanes nor leisure to succor it and when they would gladly haue done it it was too late for it was forced and taken by assault the French killing all that they found armed spoyling the towne and Churches the which happened the seauenth of October The same moneth the Ganthois meaning to build a fort in the Village of Lauwe a league from Menin they sent three hundred Prioners and Pesants with some of their companies to labour there The Malcontents hearing that this fort vpon the riuer of Lys should be a bridle vnto them went fell vpon these poore laborers and soldiers of Gant whom they defeated and cut some of them in peeces carried others prisoners to Menin from thence they went to the village of Warneton where there is a castle belonging to the Prince of Orange betwixt Menin and Ypre two leagues from the one the other a place very famous for
garrison withall others that haue any Estates charges or Offices of warre or otherwise shall take an oth to maintaine the Catholike Religion and obedience due to vs according to the sayd pacification the vnion which followed the perpetuall Edict and this present treatie And not to receiue change or admit any garrison without the priuitie of the gouernor generall of the Prouince and the aduise of the Estates of euery Prouince or of their deputies Alwaies prouided that in case of vrgent necessitie the sayd Prouinciall Gouernor may haue garrisons in forts whereas they haue beene accustomed to bee hauing taken an oth and being at our seruice in euery Prouince Wee promise not to charge nor cause to bee charged the townes nor countrie of the sayd reconciled Prouinces with any strange souldiars nor with them of the countrie vnlesse they shall desire it by reason of warre or some iminent dangers or that they haue beene vsually accustomed to haue them in which case the garrisons shall bee of the naturall borne of the countrie pleasing to the sayd Estates respectiuely Wee will and ordaine that in all Townes and Borroughs where the Magistrates haue beene renewed extraordinarilie since the beginning of the troubles shall bee restored according to the customes and preuiledges of euery place obserued in the time of the happie and glorious memorie of the Emperor Charles our Lord and father And that order bee giuen the sayd Magistrates bee respected and obeied as is fit for the auoyding of all new inconueniences Wee promise to imploy alwaies in the generall gouernment of our Netherlands a Prince or Princesse of our bloud hauing the partes and qualities requisite for so great a charge wherewith our subiects ought in reason to bee satisfied who shall gouerne with all Iustice and equitie according to the lawes and customes of the countrie taking a sollemne oth to maintaine the pacification of Gant the vnion which followed the perpetuall Edict and this present treatie in all points and Articles and namely the Catholike Romish Religion and our due obedience fore-warning the sayd Estates as wee haue accustomed of our choise meaning that our Nephew for sixe moneths for the great desire which wee haue aboue all things to procure the peace and quiet of our good subiects shall doe his best endeauor to aduance and effect the retreat of the strangers and the deliuerie of places to bee presently receiued in the gouernment generall of our sayd Netherlands obseruing the accustomed sollemnities And for the better satisfaction of our sayd Estates and subiects hee shal be serued by them that are naturall borne in the countrie and by as fewe strangers as may be And the more to gratefie them we desire that hee shall not entertaine aboue 25. or 30. strangers who shall not in any sort deale with the affaires of the country Hauing notwithstanding such a gard as precedent Gouernors Princes or Princesses of our bloud haue beene accustomed to haue of Archers and Halbardiers borne in the countrie or Germaines vnder Commanders of qualitie of the countrie with which our sayd Nephew the Estates shall hold good correspondencie from hence-forth and shall aduertise him of all things that shall passe touching the execution of the sayd treatie and al that which depends thereon all commissions prouisions and Edicts being made by and in our name onely At the end of which sixe moneths if we haue not aduanced to the said gouernment either him or some other of thelike quality to the end that no disorder nor confusion shall happen it shall bee gouerned by the councell of estate attending a new provision Which councell of estate shall consist of twelue men at our choyse as well noblemen gentlemen as lawyers borne in the contry as hath bin accustomed wherof two third parts shall be pleasing to the sayd estates and such as haue followed their party from the beginning vnto the ending Of the which fiue shall haue an accustomed commission from vs and the other three but a simple prouision for three monethes at the end whereof we may if wee please continue them or chose others of the like quality to lâ—…aue a meanes for the Prouinces to reconcile them-selues And with the resolution and aduise of the sounder part of them who shall be bound to take the oth aboue mentioned all dispatches shall be made as in the time of our most honored Lord and father the Emperor Charles which shall be viewed by one of the said councellors to preuent all inconueniences That to all Gouernments which hereafter for sixe yeares to come shall fall voyde in the said prouinces reconcyled we shall preferre such as are borne in our Netherlands or strangers either of them being pleasing vnto the estates of the said Prouinces respectiuely capable fit and qualified according to the preuiledges thereof And as for our priuie councellors of the treasor and other officers of importance we will aduance such as are borne in the country or others to the good likeing of the said estates who before their reception shall be bound to sweare sollemnly this present accord and promise by oth in case they shall discouer any thing that is treated to the preiudice thereof to aduertise the estats of the Prouinces vpon paine to be held periured and infamous We haue also ratified and do ratifie all constituâ—…ions of rents pensions and other obligations assurances and other impositions which the said estates by the accord of euery Prouince haue made or past or shal make or passe to all those that haue assisted or furnished them with mony to releeue their necessities and payment of debts contracted by reason of the warres and troubles past conformable to the eighteene Article of our perpetuall edict And hereafter they shall not bee taxed nor charged in any other sort nor manner then they haue beene in the time and raigne of our deceased Lord and Father Charles the â—…ift and by the consent of the Estates of euery Prouince respectiuely That all priuiledges vses and customes as well in generall as in particular shal bee maintayned and if any haue beene violated they shal bee repaired and restored The sayd reconciled Prouinces shal be bound to renounce all leagues and confedetions which they may haue made since the beginning of the changes and alterations And for that the sayd Estates held themselues bound vnto our deere sister the Queene of England and to the Duke of Aniou Brother to the most Noble and Christian King for the good assistance that they haue receiued from them Wee will send two moneths after that our said Nephew the Prince of Parma and Placentia shall bee entred into the Gouernment generall persons of quality vnto them to doe all good offices and the confederation and ancient amitie with our said Sister shall bee continued reciprocally And to in crease and augment the loue and affection which Princes ought to beare vnto their subiects and that they may bee the better inclined to the respect and obedience
points which were touching treatie of peace contribution their dealing which they sought to haue with the duke of Aniou and the gouernment of the land Concerning peace he complained verie much That he should be charged by certain men to be the onely cause that it tooke not effect whereas to the contrarie he had alwayes giuen counsell and did yet counsell them by all the meanes they could to procure the same as knowing well that otherwise they were to expect farre greater warre and bloudshed than euer they had but he perceiued the matter to be brought to that passe as those of the reformed religion were wholly bent not to forsake nor flie the country any more and that there was nothing else sought nor desired by the treatie of peace than to raise more diuision in the countrey as by consenting and desiring to continue the pacification of Gant which before in the treatie with the baron of Selles they held and esteemed to bee bad and vnlawfull and that for the same cause they ought to bee rooted out referring himselfe further therein to that which had beene answered thereunto by the generall estates Adding thereunto That the enemie vnder that pretence of treatie of peace sought nothing else but the liues and goods of the inhabitants of the Netherlands when as all the townes and forts should be deliuered ouer into the hands of such as offered them no other securitie but the simple and meere othe of those that had so much forgotten their honours as they had vndertaken to beare armes against their natiue countrey which othe should by the same persons that were much harder and worse affected than the Spaniards themselues soone and verie lightly be dispensed withall as it appeared by diuers examples in Fraunce and in the Netherlands in the yeare 1566. Further protesting before God and all princes potentats and the whole world That no man could pretend protest or prooue himselfe to haue suffered more losse and hinderance by the warres than he and that no man more wished desired nor thought it more profitable or necessary than himselfe it being sufficiently and manifestly knowne what lands and inheritances were by the enemy forcibly kept and withholden from him without any recompence As also that the detaining of his sonne the earle of Buren who against all reason was a prisoner in Spaine could not chuse but moue his fatherly heart who without a peace was wholly out of hope euer to see him againe which he notwithstanding next to the honour of God and the welfare of his natiue countrey most desired for that he as other fathers bore all naturall loue vnto his sonne Secondly That he had as then attained to those yeares which well deserued rest and quietnesse after so many labours and troubles by him endured but for that many men not onely such as made profession of the reformed religion but those also that seeke the freedom of their naturall countrey wholly relied vpon him he could not hearken nor consent to any peace but onely to that which tended to the securitie of religion freedome and priuiledges of the Netherlands and such as might be firme and permanent against the which desired peace for discharge of his conscience he certainly affirmed and acknowledged that the articles propounded at Cologne were wholly repugnant tending to the ouerthrow and abolishing of the reformed religion and the liberties of the Netherlands as he shewed and declared by many reasons which were ouerlong as now to be rehearsed and therein I refer the reader to the printed copie Touching the contribution he referred them therein to that which was done by the assembly at Vtrecht as it appeared more at large by the answer by him made vnto euery particular article of the same Concerning the duke of Aniou considering the great endeuors and earnest meanes sought by the Netherlands to attaine vnto a good peace and that on the kings behalfe there had not as yet been any signes nor shewes of any kind of good will or liking thereunto much lesse vnto the reformed religion and that there was nothing but all oppression and the ouerthrow of religion to be expected at his hands He said That if it so fel out that the prouinces of the Netherlands wold chuse another prince that there was no prince nor potentat that could as then be found whose authoritie or means could effect more good vnto the Netherlands than that of the queen of England or of the aforesaid duke of Aniou for that notwithstanding that the princes of the empire had seuerally and oftentimes beene moued and desired to take and receiue the Netherlands into their protection and that the emperors Maiestie likewise by letters both from the arch duke Mathias and the generall estates as also by diuers men of good qualitie and condition sent vnto him had beene most humbly intreated to grant thereunto yet would neither his Maiestie nor the said princes of the empire once bee stirred or persuaded to giue any aid or assistance to the Netherlands notwithstanding that the said prouinces are a member of the said empire Secondly that he had many and seuerall times vnderstood and made triall of the queene of Englands meaning and intent not onely touching the defence and protection of the Netherlands but also concerning the good affection and great fauour that shee bore vnto the said duke hauing written in his behalfe vnto the generall estates therefore vnder correction and for the good of the vnited prouinces and townes of the Netherlands hee said That there was no other meanes now remaining than to haue their refuge vnto the aforesaid duke and the rather for that such an honourable worke required a prince that might personally effect the same vpon condition that the Netherlands might bee will prouided of souldiers and sufficient meanes to withstand the Spaniards with securitie of religion and the priuiledges and euerie prouince to remaine in their old and antient rights and customes without any alteration And that if the countrey thought it more conuenient to chuse any other prince he referred himselfe therein to their iudgements promising and offering his seruice according to his abilitie for the defence of the countrey in the meane time wishing them to consider of the best meanes that might be found for the withstanding of such an enemie Touching the gouernment of the countrey hee referred that to the discretion of the prouinces as also concerning that which they should please to ordaine touching the person of the archduke Mathias but for himselfe he said hee could not let slip certaine manifest imperfections which vntill that time were not by any meanes to be remedied for want of obedience the which had caused great complaints to be made by diuers persons some for want of vnderstanding and others of meere hatred and malice Hee likewise said That besides that the disobedience commonly shewed was and had beene the cause of much euill the money that was to be imploied in the warres
baron of Selles his fellow prisoner in the throat as he died thereof so as to bring him againe to his right sences and to comfort him at the suit of the lady Francis of Egmont his sister he was transported into Holland where he was well intreated vntill the king should free him from his imprisonment the which made him recouer his sences which before were much troubled In the end he was set free in the yeare 1584 for the said seignior of la Noue yet vpon promise so much they feared him that during his life hee should not beare armes against the king of Spaine vnlesse it were by the commandement of the king of Fraunce his master with some other conditions vpon paine of an hundred thousand crownes for the which the duke of Lorraine was his caution and pledge and the king of Nauarre his counterpledge This kind of rigorous proceeding in the exchange of such prisoners gaue great occasion to the nobilitie of the Netherlands the kings subiects to murmure at his ingratitude and of the esteeme which hee made of them and of their liues which they so willingly exposed for his seruice The male-contents hauing receiued this affront and losse at Bouchain to bee reuenged thereof they went in August following to besiege it and did batter it with such furie as the seignior of Villers hauing no hope of succours nor meanes the place beeing verie little to rampar or intrench himselfe within either by halfe moones new rampars or otherwise fearing it should be carried by assault and the Spaniard in like manner doubting to come to it he yeelded it by composition to depart onely with their armes And as the accord had been simply made without the reseruations necessarie in the like case the said seigniour of Villers had left a peece of a match secretly burning in a barrel of powder among diuers others which continued some houre or two vntill that he and his men were retired towards Cambray where being neere fire tooke this powder which carried away a part of the rampar did much harme to the towne and slue some thirtie souldiers wherewith the Spaniard beeing iustly incensed sent to pursue them and to cut them in peeces if they might ouertake them but it was too late the seigniour of Villers and his troupe beeing safely and without all daunger retired into Cambray The Estates knowing their owne forces by sea and vpon the riuers and what the Spaniards were at land they resolued by meanes of their ships of warre to hinder the passage and distribution of victuals and munition by the riuers of Rhin and Meuse Wherefore they sent their ships well appointed and manned euerie one carrying eight ten or twelue great peeces of brasse besides the lesse and hauing his pinasse wherewith they held the same riuers subiect and cut off the passage both for men and victuals that were appointed for the country of Groningue The which did much trouble the princes of the Rhin who also manned out certain ships of warre to chase away those of the States But for that they would not incense these princes nor contest against them they caused their ships to fall downe in August the which before were vsually accustomed to mount vp aboue the towne of Cologne to Bonne yea further Macklin beeing reuolted from the States and hauing committed many insolencies this yeare they sent the Englishmen that were in Liere towards Macklyn with their colonell Sir Iohn Norris a valiant gentleman and with these Englishmen the which would not leaue Liere without their pay the Estates sent Oliuer vanden Temple gouernour of Brussels with his garrison and that of Viluoord and Charles of Lieuin lord of Famars with his cornet of horse These troupes came vpon the ninth of Aprill in the morning before the towne where the Englishmen giuing an alarme on the one side in the meane time monsieur de Temples souldiers and the rest climing ouer the Brussels gate got into the towne where they fought a good while before they could force open the gates to let in the horsemen who being entred the bourgers with diuers monks and fryers being in armes vpon the market place defended themselues vntill that manie of them were slaine whereof Peter Wolfe a mutinous fryer who had before drawne them from the States was one who being well armed fought with a halberd in his hand The gouernour Rossignol and Boeskerke the scout with certaine Albanoys got out at the gates as soone as the towne was taken where there was about an hundred souldiers but most bourgers slaine They began to ransacke the towne notwithstanding that the bourgers had made a composition with the English who were the greatest number beeing eight hundred strong to giue them certaine monethes pay but that condition was not performed And although the generall for that the sacke had continued certaine dayes would gladly haue taken some order therein yet he could by no meanes do it This towne was so miserably sackt and spoyled as no towne in all the Netherlands had suffered the like during all the ciuile warres for that the English men who had no measure in their doings spoyled the churches and religious houses without any pitie and compassion for the which the rest of the souldiers were much offended After that the chiefe commanders as monsieur Timpel and the lord of Famars then made gouernour fell out with colonell Norris and would gladly after the sacke haue gotten the English men out of the towne but they being the strongest had gotten the keyes into their hands and for a moneths space did what they would putting the bourgers to ransome and still spoyling their houses sparing not the bells nor the great dyall which was many times forbidden to be touched they tooke likewise the stones that lay vpon the dead and carried many hundreds of them into England by ship At the last the Estates hauing great occasion to vse souldiers for that it was generally thought that for want of those souldiers la Noue had bin ouerthrowne and taken by Inglemunster they persuaded Sir Iohn Norris to leaue Macklin who at that time was fallen into such a quarrel with monsieur Timpel that although they were strangers there hee would not march out first for which cause they were forced to set some bourgers of Antuerpe and of the towne in the market place and else where to guard it vntill that at the sound of a bell they both went out at seuerall ports the which was not without some trouble which happened by misunderstanding by reason of the commanders high minds which was the cause that the Englishmen with much hurt and losse were driuen out of the towne the sixth of May. Monsieur de Famars was left there for gouernor who sought by all the meanes that hee could to restore the towne of Macklin to his former estate and to repeople it againe Henrie of Bourbon prince of Conde hauing with great difficultie retired himselfe out
from the Seigniorie therof by a solemne Edict hauing abiured him broken his seals absolued the subiects of their oath and made them take a new 〈◊〉 for the preseruation of their countrey and obedience to the said Estates The prince of Parma besiegeth Tournay which in the end yeeldeth The prince of Orange desireth to quit the place of Lieutenant generall after the departure of the archduke Mathias and is intreated to continue it whereupon he giues some admonitions to the Estates but to small purpose The duke of Aniou commeth into the Netherlands is created duke of Brabant A bargaine made by the king of Spaine to kill the prince of Orange who was shot and in great danger of his life and the murtherer slaine The siege of Oudenarde yeelded to the Spaniard Alost taken by scalado for the duke of Aniou Death of the princesse of Orange The duke created earle of Flanders An attempt against the duke and the prince of Orange at Bruges for the which one was executed at Paris The dukes armie charged neere vnto Gant by the prince of Parma but it retires safe neere vnto Antuerpe Lochen besieged by the Spaniard relieued by the earle of Hohenlo in the Estates name The strangers called backe into the Netherlands by the disunited forces The French king refuseth to succour the duke his brother who assureth himselfe of Dunkerke Being ill aduised he seekes to seize vpon the towne of Antuerpe where his chiefe nobilitie was slaine the like was attempted in diuers other townes whereof the prince of Parma seekes to make his profit and the duke growes odious and yet the prince of Orange laboureth to reconcile all the which he did by the meanes of the Seignior of Bellieure sent by the king of Fraunce The duke yeelding vnto the Estates the townes which he had seized on returneth into Fraunce Another proiect to murther the prince of Orange by â—…e Pedro Dordogne and another at Flessingue by Hans Hanson The marshall of Biron retireth with the duke of Aâ—…u his troupes The prince leauing Antuerpe commeth into Holland where there is some speech to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 erle of Holland but without effect Imbise called home by them of Gant he plotteth his owne ruin and is beheaded at Gant as a traytar after that hee had sought to yeeld it with Denremonde to the Spaniard Ypre yeelded by necessitie to the Spaniard and Bruges by the prince of Chymay his practises Lillo besieged in vaine by the Spaniard The prince of Orange murthered at Delft Prince Maurice succeeds his father in the gouernment the towne of Antuerpe blocked vp the riuer stopped Gant and Denremonde yeelded The endeuors of them of Antuerpe the resolution of the Estates vpon the demaund of a new prince they send deputies to the French king who excuseth himselfe vpon the ciuile warres Nymmeghen Doesbourg Brussels Macklyn and other places yeelded to the Spaniard The Estates men defeated at Coestein and neere to Amerongen in the end Antuerpe is yeelded During this siege the Estates sent their deputies to the queene of England who accepteth their protection and sends her lieutenant for their preseruation IN the alterations which happen sometimes in an Estate betwixt the Soueraigne prince and a people that is free and priuiledged there are ordinarily two points which make them to ayme at two diuers ends The one is when as the prince seekes to haue a full subiection and obedience of the people and the people contrariwise require that the prince shold maintaine them in their freedoms and liberties which he hath promised and sworn solemnly vnto them before his reception to the principalitie Therupon quarrels grow the prince will hold a hard hand and will seeke by force to be obeied and the subiects rising against the prince oftentimes with dangerous tumults reiecting his authority seeke to imbrace their full liberty In these first motions there happeneth sometimes communications and conferences at the instance of neighbours who may haue interest therein to quench this fire of diuision betwixt the prince and his people And then if any one of the parties groweth obstinate and will not yeeld although he seeme to be most in fault it followeth of necessitie that they must come to more violent remedies that is to say to armes The power of the prince is great when he is supported by other princes which ioyne with him for the consequence of the example else it is but small but that of the people which is the body whereof the prince was the head stirred vp by conscience especially if the question of Religion bee touched the members ordained for their function doing ioyntly their dueties is farre greater Thereupon they wound they kill they burne they ruine and grow desperately mad but what is the euent God who is an enemie of all tyrannie and disobedience iudgeth of their quarrels weigheth them in his ballance of iustice helping the rightfull cause and eyther causeth the prince for his rigour and tyrannie to be chased away and depriued of his estate and principalitie or the people for their contempt and rebellion are punished reduced vnto reason which causeth the alterations to cease and procureth a peace whereof we could produce many examples both ancient and moderne if the relation of this historie did not furnish vs sufficiently So the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces seeing that king Philip would not in any sort through his wilfulnesse yeeld vnto their humble suite and petitions and notwithstanding all the offers they could make to purchase a good firme and an assured peace notwithstanding all the intercessions both of the Emperour the French king the Queene of England and other great princes and potentates of Christendome yet would hee not glue eare to any other reason but what himselfe did propound the which the said Estates did not onely find vniust and vnreasonable directly repugnant to the liberties constitutions and freedomes of the countrey but also contrarie to their consciences and as it were so many snares layed to catch them which were in no sort to bee allowed of nor receiued considering the qualitie of their affayres and his according to the time that was then In the end reiecting all feare of his power and threats seeing that they were forced to enter into all courses of extremitie against a prince which held himselfe so heynously offended as no reconciliation could be expected relying vpon the iustice and equitie of their cause and sinceritie of their consciences which are two brasen bulwarkes they were fully resolued without dissembling to take the matter thus aduaunced in hand and opposing force against force meanes against meanes and practises against practises to declare him quite fallen from the Seigniorie preheminence and authoritie which before the troubles the breach of their priuiledges rights freedomes and immunities so often and so solemnely swome by him and dispensation of his othes hee had or was wont to haue in the said prouinces respectiuely whereof they made open declaration by a
vnto them than the Spaniards or French seeing they know well that the said Wallons haue the chiefe charges and commands one beeing lieutenant of the armie another generall of the horse the third master of the ordnance and the fourth generall of the victuals and munition And whereas some imagine that treating with the male contents and the Spaniard retired they shall bee more assured to recouer their free traffique into Spaine and that the Spaniard being farre from them they shall be in lesse feare of surprise than of the French who are neerer neighbours Seeing it is so as they hold the French an enemie in the same degree with the Spaniard experience hath taught by this attempt newly happened that whensoeuer the French shall haue committed any errour or broken the accord what support they shall find But the condition of the Spaniard is otherwise for hauing not onely the countrey the townes and the dismembred States at his commandement beeing in warre against the vnited States hauing the chiefe members thereof professed Spaniards hee shall not need many Spaniards nor Italians to subiect them to his will those which are borne in the countrey imploying themselues with al violence vnder the kings authoritie which they haue in their hands whereby the inhabitants shal be easily supplanted depriued of their religion and consequently burthened with the yoke of the Inquisition and spoyled of their goods priuiledges and freedoms notwithstanding their treaties without all mercie Wherefore we must consider that the Spaniards are neerer than the French beeing seated in the middest of both for which consideration hee sees no reason to hearken to the Spaniard if you wil not see religion liberties yea and the country lost ruined for euer In regard of the duke of Aniou whom hee would not denie according to the treatie of Bourdeaux to be fallen from all his rights in these parts and that he hath no ground to challenge any benefit by the sayd treatie whereby it appeares what foolish and pernitious counsell hee hath followed considering also the feare in the which both hee and his haue beene since this attempt the which should make him more wise and circumspect to preserue himselfe and his nobilitie beeing not the part of a wife and circumspect man to stumble twice at one stone that it is common to all men to erre the which may happen vnto them if they doe not reconcile themselues with him whereby may grow so great a iealousie and distrust betwixt the two nations as afterwards there will bee small meanes to reconcile them Finally it were to bee feared that they which are about his person would counsell him or that they vnder his authoritie would attempt something against religion Hee said also That he knew well that some among them thought it not good to agree with one that was not of their religion for certaine considerations Whereupon they were to consider that the duke held many good townes in his hands the which in case they reiected him he might deliuer vp vnto their enemies seeing that of himselfe hee should haue no meanes to preserue them whereby many other good townes should fall into great danger especially the enemy being master of the field It was in like manner to bee feared that if they did incense the duke they should also haue the French king for their enemie who would bee more heauie vnto them than any other whereby they should bee in danger to loose their nauigation both into Spaine and France and also to bee sodainely inuaded by two mightie enemies As for the queene of England although he doubts not but shee will disauow the dukes fact yet will she be sorie for the great recommendation and good testimonie shee hath giuen of him to the Estates but when shee shall vnderstand that it is by their faults that these breaches are not repaired and that they would not reconcile themselues againe vnto him her Maiestie will take this refusall in verie ill part They must also consider how few friends they shall haue elsewhere and how euerie one will abandon them And it is to bee feared that if they agree not with the duke the French will presently lay all passages open to the Spaniard not onely for their victuals munition messengers embassadors gold and siluer but euen for whole armies both of horse and foot which shall quite ruine them so as they may iudge if it doth import them or not On the other side they should make a strict examination of their meanes if they be able to defend themselues and to raise the siege of Eindouen or of any other townes besieged as when they were supported by the dukes forces for the doing whereof they had want of good captaines and souldiers of their owne nation not onely for that the warre hath consumed many but also for that their countries were small and that the most part were retired or might retire to the Spaniard whom they had beene accustomed to serue Besides the greatest part of the people are more giuen to traffique and to handie trades than to armes wherefore it should be needfull to call in forreine souldiers which would cost much to leuie to bring hither and to entertaine so as hauing once resolued you must rather trust them of the religion than any other And as for money euerie one knew how troublesome it had bin hitherto to prouide it onely to pay their garrisons so as it is a wonder how for want of good paiment they could euer maintaine their souldiers so well without mutining seeing that money is the sinew of warre without the which all other prouisions are vnprofitable praying vnto God to send them meanes to recouer it The which hauing well resolued hee propounded vnto them an order which they should hold as well in the gouernement as in the mannaging of militarie and politike affaires euerie one maintaining himselfe in his ranke all which notwithstanding should bee without fruit if money fayles Whereupon he did exhibit vnto them a list of the charges of the warre monethly the which beeing not effectually followed and obserued their Estate could not subsist Of the three points aboue mentioned hee confest freely vnto them that hee had alwayes held the third to bee the best so farre forth as they had meanes to which end hee had laboured foure whole yeares to induce the prouinces thereunto vnder a good and firme vnion and yet had preuailed nothing But seeing they had made shew that they would not yeeld vnto it or that they had not the meanes to do it it was thought good by themselues to seeke the succours of some forreine prince And if any one thought to attaine vnto it by the proper meanes of the countrey without putting in practise the order prescribed and limited by him considering the slownesse of their resolutions hee should preuaile no more than he that thinkes to build a castle in the aire and in the meane time he should expose many townes and
with them which were ill affected and that the marshall of Bron with his armie preuayled little against the Spaniards and finding withall that the French nation was generally hated the which encreased dayly by their meanes that were affected to the contrarie partie he grew so distasted as during the time that the Estates should remaine disputing of their affaires hee resolued to goe see Fraunce And after that he had sent backe the deputies and the hostages which had beene giuen him for assurance of the deliuerie of his nobilitie and seruants that were prisoners in Antuerpe hee departed from Dunkerke the eighteenth of Iune being accompanied by the prince of Espinoy and the lord Lamoral of Egmont being freed from prison at Scluse at his request and the same day he landed at Calais The duke of Aniou was no sooner departed from Dunkerke but the prince of Parma hauing raysed his siege from Herental sent la Morte gouernour of Graueling to inuest and besiege it wheâ—… the duke had left the Seignior of Chamois to guard it with twelue hundred souldiers strong as he had made him beleeue and furnished with all other things necessarie but of twelue hundred he had not full fiue hundred men La Motte began his batterie aboue the hauen with foure peeces onely and two which played vpon the entrie of the hauen which was crossed ouer with two great cables to stoppe the passage into the towne The duke hauing appointed a hundred and fiftie men to reenforce it being in a tall shippe and hauing a strong Northwest winde which had beene able to breake six cables yet they were afraid and durst not enter but retyred to Calais Chamois seeing himselfe straightly besieged and that his supplies succeeded not began to faint and without any great importunity yeelded basely retyring himselfe with his troupes which he had made so great to the duke his master to Calais where both he his captaines receiued certaine taunting scoffes from Monsieur Gâ—…dan gouernour of that place Dunkerke being yeelded to the prince of Parma hee went and encamped with his armie before Nieuport the which was suddenly yeelded vp without any great toyle or charge Vpon these doubts the prince of Orange had caused Oostend to be very well fortified and furnished being also a sea towne vpon that coast the which the prince of Parma went to besiege but seeing himselfe so hotely receiued and finding it stronger and better furnished than he expected he retyred and went before Furnes and Dixmuyden lying in the champian countrey of West-Flanders the which hee tooke without any resistance yeelding at the first summons He thought to find the like at Wynocx-berghen beeing but a league from Dunkerke but the Seignior of Villeneufe who was within the towne with his French regiment made such resistance as he thought it best to retyre and to temporize hoping to haue it in the end From thence he went to besiege the towne of Ypre one of the foure members of Flanders which siege continued long wee will relate the yeelding thereof hereafter The vnited Prouinces beeing now without a head or protector ouer them the Spaniards embraced the opportunitie and occasion and made vse thereof For finding but small resistance they made themselues masters wheresoeuer they came yea some who vntill that day had carried a low sayle and swom as it were betwixt two streames began then to shew themselues openly on their partie In the end they wrought so as through the fauour of Seruaes van Steelandt great baylife of the land of Waes and of his confederats as of Rowland Yorke an Englishman married to the lady of Wolferdoucke and others they seized vpon the fort of Sas by Gant which is the entrie into the sea for the Ganthois whereas Iohn of Imbise had passed the day before returning out of Germanie to settle himselfe againe in Gant from whence he was expelled being bourgomaster in the yeare 1579. This fort of Sas beeing gotten by the Spaniards they presently went and seized vpon the townes of Hulst and Axelles and not long after seized vpon Gant it selfe The prince of Orange hearing that the people of Antuerpe at the instigation of some men vnder hand began to murmure against him and to taxe him openly for that which the duke of Aniou had attempted against them saying moreouer That he did countenance him it may be to haue done worle and to haue intended some greater miscâ—… To â—…uoid all disorder seeing that the magistrate durst not punish them that accused him so boldly and rashly he retyred himselfe out of Antuerpe the two and twentieth of Iuly and weâ—… with all his familie to Flessingue in Zeeland where hee kept his court for a time hauing left Philip of Marnix Seignior of Mont S. Aldegonde a gentleman of deepe iudgemeâ—… and very fit for such a gouernement for the chiefe bourgomaster of the towne of Antuerpe In the meane time the earle of Hohenlo spoiling the country of Campaigne to famish the prince of Parâ—…aes armie the seignior of Hautepenne was sent thither to hinder it if he might but they did no great exploits one against another Those of the garrison of Herental spoyled the towne of Weert in the County of Horne and the prince of Parma his troupes did the like vnto the towne of Steenbergh in Brabant which was of great importance not onely for the said countrey of Brabant but also for Holland and Zeeland ioyning to the sea of the said prouinces Whereupon the Estates were to be very watchfull of Berghen vpon Zoome which is but two leagues off into the which they put two thousand foot and foure cornets of horse for the payment whereof there was fiue and thirtie thousand florins appointed monethly whereof they of Holland and Zeeland should pay twentie thousand and they of Brabant the rest There was alreadie in Herental twelue hundred foot and two hundred horse as in like manner Brussels Macklyn were well manned and so the Estates resolued vpon a defensiue warre only garding their frontiers well The priuate Estates of Zeeland to restrayne and keepe in them of Dunkerke sent foorth certaine shippes of warre the which they caused to lye at the entrie or port of their hauen The duke of Aniou his men which had remayned in the vnited Prouinces whom the generall Estates had dismissed and would haue sent backe into Fraunce were stayed for a time by the prince of Orange vntill they had a more ample commission The duke of Aniou before his departure out of the Netherlands sent a gentleman with letters vnto the Queene of England to acquaint her with the reasons of his retreat out of the said countries but the Englishmen growing iealous of his proceedings they gaue no great credite vnto him The Seignior of Villeneufe who was colonel of a French regiment of foot beeing in garrison in the towne of S. Wynocx-bergh was fully resolued to defend it if they came to besiege him but la Motte
Prouinces it was propounded Whether they should continue the customes imposed for the maintenance of the warre vpon all marchandize that came in or went out or take them quite away Some said that seeing the countries and sea townes depend vpon the profite which commeth vnto them by the traffique and free negotiation of all marchandise that therefore this imposition was necessarie for the maintenance of the warre That the countrey of it selfe could not spend and consume the great abundance of commodities which it yeeldeth as butter cheese and fish drie or salt wherewith most of the people get their liuings That if they prohibite the inhabitants of the countrey to send them vnto the enemie that other neighbours which haue the nauigation free would not fayle to furnish them at their owne wils reaping the gaine and profite which they of the countrey from whence such commodities come should haue themselues as of their owne growing and in so doing it were to cut off the chiefe meanes they had to make money to support the charges of the warre Others were of a contrarie opinion saying That it was a great shame and dishonour to feed their enemies the which if they did forbeare they should see them perish for want hauing no meanes to put an armie to field nor to besiege any townes and that thereby should follow the discouragement and mutinie of the enemies souldiers To them it was answered That it was impossible to famish them being so neere vnto Germanie and Fraunce from whence they might supply their wants Yet in the end to auoid all murmure and discontent of the common people vpon the two and twentieth of Iune it was forbidden by publicke proclamation not to transport any thing into the enemies countrey nor to receiue from thence into the vnited Prouinces vpon paine of confiscation of all such wares and marchandizes It was also forbidden to carrie any thing into Fraunce lower than Rouan nor into England nor into the riuers of Ems and Meuse neerer than the places which were limitted by the proclamation And that those that would sayle towards the West should be bound to lanch into the maine sea and if they were found and taken along by the coast of Flaunders all should be good prize and confiscated The like was required of the French king and of the Queene of England for otherwise all this defence had beene vnprofitable And there were certaine shippes of warre sent to that end by the Estates into the riuers of Ems and Meuse Although this defence was in force for a while yet soone after the Frenchmen by Callais and the Englishmen by Dunkerke furnished the Spanish armie of what they wanted which otherwise had beene forced to retyre from Antuerpe whereupon it followed that the marchants of the vnited Prouinces did the like and that these defences were no more obserued In May the prince of Orange and the Estates sent the earle of Hohenlo againe with greater forces to besiege the towne and fort of Zutphen being then well furnished with all things necessarie ioyning vnto him the troupes which the Elector Truchses and the noble Henry of Brunswicke had brought out of Germanie with all which forces the earle of Hohenlo besieged the towne in the which colonel Taxis was in person with two thousand men The earle of Hohenlo tooke from him at the first the vse of the riuer both aboue and beneath Verdugo seeing that the siege could not be raysed without great force and fighting durst not attempt nor hazard any thing and the rather for that hee knew there was much due vnto his souldiers for their pay fearing that they would not fight without mony wherfore he sent vnto the prince of Parma to haue directions from him and that if he would haue him to raise the Estates campe he should send him greater prouision both of men and mony Whereupon the Parmois writ vnto him That he should do his best to force the Estates campe and to raise them sending him money for his men and the regiments of Dom Iohn Mauriques de Lara of the earle of Aremberg and of some others with good store of horse who being ioined with Verdugo had the honor to raise this siege without striking stroke for that the earle of Hohenlo would not attend their comming nor hazard any thing vpon a doubtfull battaile but raysed his campe in time and retyred part to Deuenter and part to Arnham in Guelderland and to other townes along the riuers of Yssel and of Rhin not without many reproches and scoffes of the common people of those townes saying that they durst not fight and that they had fled before they had seene the enemie The horsemen layed the fault vpon the footmen who they said would not make head against the enemie vntill they were payed as it is the Germanes vse when they must fight whereof there was a good troupe belonging to the Elector and to noble Henry So the next day after their rising and departure the king of Spaine his men entred into Zutphen without any resistance where they rested one night meaning the next day to pursue their victorie but hearing that the Estates armie had passed the riuer they dislodged not The tenth of Iune Francis of Valois onely brother to the French king duke of Aniou and Brabant Earle of Flanders c. before he was fully reconciled to the Estates of the vnited prouinces dyed at Chasteau-Thierry not without suspition of poyson At his death he much lamented for that which had beene done the yeare before through the aduice of some pernicious counsellors in Antuerpe and would willingly haue repaired it if hee had escaped death I haue heard him grieue nine or tenne daies before his death beeing vpon his bed whither he commaunded I should be called that hauing beene duke of Brabant he had neuer beene in Brussels where the pallace is of the dukes of Brabant He commanded me to recommend him to the Seignior of Timpel gouernour of that towne besides the letters which he writ vnto him and to tell him that as soone as he should be able to trauell on horsebacke or in carosse hee would goe to Brussels so well accompanied as the towne should haue no cause to feare any enemie By his last Will hee did seriously recommend vnto the king his brother the affaires of the vnited Prouinces bequeathing vnto him all such right as hee had by election title of donation or otherwise in the dutchie of Brabant earledome of Flanders and elsewhere in the said Netherlands To the queene mother he gaue the Dutchie towne and citadell of Cambray and Cambresis There were diuers opinions of his death and of the manner of the poyson which had beene giuen him During his sicknesse he did nothing but bleed at diuers passages or vents vntill that hee gaue vp the ghost All the time that he lay sicke nor in his extremitie hee would not haue any priest to confesse him declaring publickely that he
English had common with the said countries might easily moderate that and therefore they should not reiect the alliance of England But there fell out another great difficultie which was the doubt of the succession to the crowne of England after the Queenes death the which might fall into the hands of the Queene of Scotland although shee were then a prisoner and that shee beeing of the Romish religion and wonderfully affected to the king of Spaine might deliuer vp the said countries into his hands and withall they could not ground any firme assurance vpon the king of Scotland Whereas on the other side the succession of the crowne of France was more assured vnto them seeing that after the kings death it fell to the king of Nauarre a prince making profession of the reformed religion besides France had more means power to defend these countries against the Spaniard And that by this confederation they should be in perpetuall friendship with all their neighbors And althogh the king were not of the protestants religion yet would he giue offices to protestants and other good countrimen whereby the countrie the churches and their religion should remaine in peace and rest All this beeing well debated by the generall Estates and the councell of estate they resolued to offer themselues absolutely to the French king with the best conditions they could deuise and agree vpon without any restriction or reseruation that Holland and Zeeland had beene formerly giuen to the prince of Orange and his heires as it had beene concluded with the duke of Aniou the which had bred iealousie as some said betwixt him and the prince and had beene the cause of the error which was committed by the said duke in Antuerpe the seauenteenth day of Ianuarie two yeares before Finally after long deliberations and consultations there were deputed by the generall Estates and the chiefe noble men of the said prouinces the third of Ianuarie 1585 twelue men of account for the dutchie of Brabant doctor Iunius bourgmaster of Antuerpe and Quentin Taffin Seignior of la Pree for the dutchie of Gueldte the Seignior of Oyen and doctor Elbert Leonin called Longolius chancellor of Gueldres for the countie of Holland Arnold van Dorp Seignior of Maesdam for Zeeland Ieams Valck for the Seigniorie of Vtrecht N. de Menin and for that which remained yet in the countie of Flanders Noel Caron Seignior of Schoonwall for them of Brussels who were then distressed Arssees keeper of the seale of Brabant to the which there was adioyned in the behalfe of the Estates the Seignior of Lamouillene and for the chiefe of the embassage the prince of Espinoy to offer absolutely vnto the king all the said countries with the propertie Seigniorie and soueraigntie for him and his successors beeing French kings vpon conditions limited and to bee limited All which deputies except the prince of Espinoy who was a long time before retired backe into France with the duke of Aniou hauing a good conuoy of eight shippes of warre parting from the Brill thinking to land at Diep were through the extremitie of fowle weather forced to goe on shoare at Bologne from whence they tooke their iourney to Abbeuille in the moneth of Ianuarie attending the kings pleasure hauing giuen him notice of their arriuall who commaunded them to come vnto him to Senlis whither they went with a goodly traine and were there honourably receiued and their expences were defraied by the king in al places where they past from thence the king returning vnto Paris to haue the aduice and counsell of his court of Parliament concerning their affaires whereof the deputies attended an answer the said deputies followed him the successe of which legation you shall heare hereafter I was sent vnto them from the Seignior of Saint Aldegonde and the magistrates of Antuerpe to let them vnderstand and consequently the king and queene mother of the estate of the said towne which was then besieged and of the great neede they had together with the townes of Brussels and Macklyn to be releeued The fourth of Ianuarie the Seignior of S. Aldegonde made a long oration to them of Antuerpe in the open assemblie of their great councell exhorting them with many liuely and pregnant reasons to preserue and defend themselues feeding them with a continuall hope of succours and of the good successe of the affaires of the said deputies And then the better to prouide for the defence of the towne he created foure new Colonels men of action and capable of such a charge And moreouer he decreed that such as had absented themselues out of the towne as abandoning it in her greatest neede and want should be called backe by a certaine daie prefixed vpon paine of confiscation of such goods as they had left there but few or none at all would returne for the great danger there was in the passage The countries of Arthois and Henault beeing continually tormented and troubled by the garrison of Cambray made a truce for the space of one whole yeare with the Seignior of Balaigni gouernour of the said towne the which they could not obtaine without bribing him hauing since continued it for many yeares so as this truce brought him in a good reuenue The Seignior of Nyeuwenoort being in the field in Friseland for the Estates he cunningly seized vpon the village of Otterdom in the countrie of Groningue vpon the riuer of Ems preuenting his enemy who thought to lodge there where in view of the Spaniards he intrenched him and fortified with all diligence though they were stronger than he But hauing a good number of ships both great and small to cary his men in and the Spaniards being ignorant at the first which way he would turne head hauing meanes to land them betwixt Maeren and right against Embden they could not ouertake him nor yet march so fast with their horse and foot by land as hee did by water so as they could not hinder his landing nor his fortifying Verdugo knowing how much this place did import meant in the Winter time to besiege it on both sides vpon the dike and for the effecting thereof hee sent colonel Rhyneuelt of Vtrecht to winne it by famine whilest that the shippes of Holland should bee retyred by reason of the yce But the Seignior of Nyeuwenoort had set so good an order for all things as during that Winter they wanted not any thing so as the Spring being come the Hollanders shippes returned which in despight of all the resistance which Rhyneuelt could make did succour the fort and forced him to retyre hauing yet before his retreat taken three of the Hollanders shippes laden both with victuals and munition Whilest that the towne of Antuerpe was distressed as we haue formerly related the earle of Hohenlo lieutenant to Graue Maurice after that he had conferred with the Estates gathered together some foure thousand men the which hee lodged couertly not farre from the towne of Boisleduc one
hee was presently committed to prison by the Estates beeing charged with many things But being about to make his processe the Queene of England wrot in his fauour and withall being able to iustifie himselfe hee was set at libertie yet he lost his place of Admirall the which was giuen vnto Iustine of Nassau base sonne vnto the prince of Orange They of Antuerpe knowing that the bridge and the Stocadoes were finished made a great shippe to be a meanes to breake all this worke of the prince of Parmaes this great shippe was made of masons worke within in the manner of a vaulted caue vpon the hatches there were layed myll-stones graue-stones and others of great weight and within the vault were many barrels of powder ouer the which there were holes and in them they had put matches hanging at a thred the which burning vntill they came vnto the thred would fall into the powder and so blow vp all And for that they could not haue any one in this shippe to conduct it Lanckhaer a sea captaine of the Hollanders being then in Antuerpe gaue them counsell to tye a great beame at the end of it to make it to keepe a straight course in the middest of the streame In this sort floated this shippe the fourth of Aprill vntill that it came vnto the bridge where within a while after the powder wrought his effect with such violence as the vessell and all that was within it and vpon it flew in pieces carrying away a part of the Stocado and of the bridge The marquesse of Roubay Vicont of Gant Gaspar of Robles lord of Billy and the Seignior of Torchies brother vnto the Seignior of Bours with many others were presently slaine which were torne in pieces and dispersed abroad both vpon the land and vpon the water The same day the Hollanders and Zeelanders woon the forts of Lyefkenshoek whereas the marquesse the yeare before had committed horrible murthers when he tooke it and that of Doel which were not farre from the prince of Parma his forts vpon the riuer of Antuerpe that of Lyefkenshoek being right against Lillo The captaine who had commaunded therein for that he had yeelded it vp so lightly lost his head by the prince of Parma his commandement The said burning ship strucke such a terror into the prince his men which were within the forts of Calloo and Oordam as they abandoned them for a time not onely for the fire which flew but also for the great abundance of water which the violence of the powder cast into the said forts out of the riuer so as the souldiers knew not what should become of them no more than if the world had instantly perished by fire and water If they of Antuerpe had followed and charged them presently it is to be thought they would haue done some great exploit But to what end serueth it to batter a towne to make a sufficient breach to amaze and discourage the besieged if withall they will not giue an assault They of Antuerpe had their forts not a league from them and their shippes of warre neerer which might haue made a great attempt But the wind being contrarie they could not in a manner doe any thing but a long time after The Hollanders which were in the fleet on the other side of the bridge heard it yea it was also heard into Zeeland but they knew not what it was and so they found it too late that they had lost a goodly opportunitie wherein they might haue done some great exploit The prince of Parma caused that to be soone repaired which this fire had broken and carried away The eight and twentieth of March la Motte gouernour of Graueling made an enterprise vpon Oostend the which succeeded so happily in the beginning as he woon the old towne in the which there was an old church from whence he might commaund with his musket shot ouer all the towne This part is diuided from the new towne by a bridge which the said la Motte had giuen in guard to one of his captaines attending the rest of his troupes which should enter by the hauen but the souldiers of the garrison which were within the new towne beeing in armes strucke such a feare and amazement into the hearts of them which were in the old towne as they suddenly abandoned it and so it was presently recouered by the enemie the which did wonderfully discontent la Motte being forced to retyre by reason of the cannon which played from the towne vpon his troupes the which he led backe cursing not knowing to whom he should impute the fault At this time the deputies of the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces returned from their embassage out of Fraunce after that the king had thanked them and made his excuse vnto them as we haue said yea he aduised them to depart as speedily as they could and to stand vpon their guards for feare of them of Guise hauing gratified euery one of them with a goodly chayne of gold so as the deputies taking their leaue gaue his Maiestie most humble thankes for the good will which he shewed to the vnited Prouinces The Queene of England hearing how the affaires of the vnited Prouinces had passed in Fraunce was in great doubt that the Estates through dispayre not able to defend themselues with their owne forces should be reconciled vnto the king of Spaines obedience beyond all expectation by reason whereof she dispatched away the Seignior of Grise great baylife of the towne of Bruges who had beene sent vnto her Maiestie for some succours of men by whom she gaue the Estates to vnderstand of the good will that shee bare vnto them offering them her friendship for which cause the Estates being assembled together to conferre vpon these offers they propounded certaine points in counsell whereupon they might enter into treatie with her yet not omitting any thing that might serue for their owne safegard and defence And as these parlyes of treatie betwixt her Maiestie and them were somewhat long by reason of so many sendings to and fro wherein they must attend the wind it could not bee so soone concluded nor succours sent as they desired so as the towns of Brussels and Macklyn and in the end Antuerpe were forced to yeeld Colonel Martin Schenck and the Seignior Bentine gouernour of Stralen in Guelderland for the king of Spaine crossed through the Betuwe in the Veluwe and presented themselues before Arnham the chiefe towne of Gueldres holding for the Estates whereas the garrison sallyed out vpon them and there was a fieâ—…ce encounter with the losse of many men on both sides so as neither part had any cause to brag of victorie Schenck was wounded there and carried to Nymeghen In the beginning of May they of Antuerpe sent their great floting fort called The end of the Warre downe the riuer neere vnto the fort of Oordam where the Spaniards were But comming too neere vnto the
charges for taking vp and transporting of new souldiors in place of them that are gone away 30 That the gouernour generall chiefe commaunders colonels captaines officers and other her Maiesties souldiers shall take the accustomed oath as aforesaid to the Estates of the same Prouinces alwaies excepting the homage and fealtie by them due vnto her Maiestie This contract was in this forme made and concluded at Nonesuch vpon the tenth of August 1585. In memorie of this contract the Zeelanders caused certaine counters to bee made hauing stamped on the one side thereof the armes of Zeeland being a Lyon rising out of the waues of the sea with this inscription Lâ—…ctor emergo 158â—… On the other side was the armes of the townes with this inscription Authore Deo fauente Regina that is The Zeelands Lyon clymeth out of the water by Gods power and her Maiesties aid And according to the said contract there were certaine souldiers sent ouer vnder the commaund of Sir Iohn Norris and others At this time the Queene of England caused a booke to bee printed both in English and in French therein shewing the reasons that had mooued her to aid assist and protect the miserable and oppressed Netherlands wherein there was at large declared what auncient contracts intercourses and alliances had from time to time beene made and passed not onely betweene the princes of those countries but with the Estates and inhabitants of the same as namely the Gentlemen Spiritualtie and Commons for their particular defence In the same likewise was shewed the barbarous and cruell gouernment and oppressions of the Spaniards vsed in those countries and what meanes the said Prouinces and shee had sought to make a peaceable end but all in vaine and therefore she was now enforced to aid and assist them for three causes especially The first that the Netherlands might be restored to their auncient freedomes priuiledges and gouernment and so brought to a peace The second that she might for her part be assured against the inuasion of her malicious and enuious neighbours and thirdly That the traffique betweene her subiects and the Netherlands together with the aforesaid intercourse and trade might be assured and kept To the same declaration was added the Queenes answere vnto two seuerall slaunders imposed vpon her and published by a certaine famous libell written in Italian The first for vnthankfulnesse shewed by her to the king of Spaine who as the author reporteth in her sister Queene Maries time had saued her life The second that shee had sought to procure certaine persons to kill the prince of Parma and that two men were executed for the same To the first the Queene said That her faith and fidelitie was neuer in any such question in her sisters time and much lesse that euer any sentence of death was pronounced against her and that therefore hee had no cause why to seeke to saue her life confessing and acknowledging neuerthelesse that she was as then somewhat beholden vnto him and that in all princely and honourable manner she had beene thankfull vnto him for the same Touching the prince of Parma she sayd That shee had no reason to bee more enemie to him than to any other of the gouernours before him and that shee had alwayes held a good conceit of him and neuer sought any other course against him and that euery man of iudgement might well conceiue that if shee should practise his death by any sinister meanes yet the troubles in those countries could not thereby be ended with many other reasons to that purpose According to the contract aforesaid vpon the nine and twentieth of October 1585 the Estates caused the earle of Hohenlo in their behalfes and in the name of prince Maurice the lord thereof to deliuer the towne of Flessingue and the castle of Ramekins to Sir Philip Sidney knight to the vse and behoofe of the Queene of England who presently put an English garrison into the same and was himselfe made gouernour thereof The like was done at the Bryel which was by the earle of Hohenlo and some of the deputies of the Estates of Zeeland deliuered into the hands and authoritie of Sir Thomas Cecile knight gouernour thereof for her Maiestie where hee tooke his oath in the towne-house in the presence of the sayd earle of Hohenlo and the magistrates of the same towne Prince Maurice himselfe likewise as marquesse of the townes of Campuere and Flessingue by aduice of Loise de Coligni princesse Dowager of Orange the lords of his bloud and others his friends and seruants wrot vnto the embassadour of England as then M. Dauyson touching the deliuering ouer of Flessingue vnto her Maiestie saying That hee thanked God for the fore-passed contract made betweene the Queene of England and the Estates of the vnited Prouinces beseeching God to blesse the proceedings thereof and that he was very willing and well pleased that the towne of Flessingue being his patrimonie should bee deliuered into her Maiesties hands and that although the towne was of so great importance that they in reason for it and for many other good seruices done by his father might well aske some recompence notwithstanding respecting the good and furtherance of the Netherlands he was content to yeeld thereunto and the rather for her said Maiesties commoditie hoping by her good fauour to doe her such seruice as that in time to come both he and the house of Nassau should deserue thankes for the same and that as the house of Nassau had alwayes beene her Maiesties humble seruants and well-willers so now they thought themselues much more bound vnto her in respect of the said contract made with the Netherlands which both he and Graue William of Nassau by that their protestation auouched and so he with the princesse the children and the whole house of Nassau desiring nothing more in this world than the fauour good will and assistance of her Maiestie recommended themselues most humbly vnto her protection praying the embassadour to recommend them likewise to the earle of Leicester desiring him to vse all the meanes hee could if it pleased almightie God to graunt it that some one of great qualitie should fall prisoner into his hands that his brother the prince of Orange and earle of Buren c. might be exchanged and set at libertie and that he would be pleased to be a meanes therein As also that if any new souldiers were to be raysed for her Maiesties or the countries seruice that those of the house of Nassau might be aduaunced and preferred to some places of commaund And whereas since the death of the late prince of Orange certaine gentlemen of Prouence and Dolphine sought to persuade the French king to graunt them the title of the principalitie of Orange which for that cause was brought in question before his priuie Counsell without any knowledge or consent of the house of Nassau hee besought her honourable Maiestie to bee an intercessour for them
Friseland Colonel Schencke ouerrunnes the countrie of Westphalia Graue besieged and yeelded to the Spaniard Iarre betwixt the Estates the earle of Leicester who is discontented and they discontented with him Nuys besieged by the Spaniard and taken by assault whilest they are in parle The earle of Leicester recouers certaine places Iealousie betwixt the noble men of the countrie and the English by reason of gouernments that were giuen vnto the English and they reiected whereof the Estates complained vnto him going into England A great dearth of corne in the yeare 1587. Deuenter sold vnto the Spaniard with the great fort of Zutphen Factions increase betwixt the Estates and the English Scluse besieged and in the end yeelded to the Spaniard The towne of Guelder sold. The Estates labour to reconcile the earles of Leicester and Hohenlo Apologies on either side Leicester failes to seize vpon the towne of Leyden Hee is called backe into England and resignes his gouernment into the Estates hands Bonne surprised by Schencke The king of Spaine makes a counterfeit shewe to desire peace with England Deputies on either side at Bourbroue who doe nothing whilest the Spanish fleete aduanced Prince Maurice takes his place in the gouernment after the earle of Leicester retreat The Spanish fleet thinke to inuade England and is dispersed Geertruydenbergh sold to the Spaniards by the souldiers that were mutined without cause The death of Colonel Schencke at an enterprise vpon Nymeghen The death of Moeurs Rhinberck yeelded to the Spaniards The Estates send succours of men and money vnto the French king Breda happily surprised The prince of Parma releeues Paris Prince Maurice recouers many townes and places for the Estates Groning straitly prest ACcording to the accord made betwixt the high mighty princesse Elizabeth Queene of England and the Estates of the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands her Maiestie seâ—… certaine troopes of horse and foot into the countries of Holland and Zeeland vnder the command of sir Iohn Norris knight a gallant souldier who had long done seruice to the said Estates and to the prince of Orange who came to the rendez vous which was giuen them in Vtrecht where hauing past musters they were presently imployed and led by the earle of Moeurs before the fort of Isselloort neere vnto the towne of Arnham vpon the Veluwe where the riuer of Issel comes out of the Rhin which fort had beene taken by Verdugo for the Spaniard long before the earle of Moeurs hearing that Colonel Taxis was gone forth the day before made haste to besiege it and to batter it so as the besieged seeing no hope of succours and fearing to be taken by assault they yeelded vp the fort by composition to depart with their liues and goods Although this siege was not without the losse of some few men yet the earle of Moeurs and the English were so incouraged as passing the riuer of Rhin they went to besiâ—…ge the fort of Berchschooft in the higher Betuwe in the which captaine Turc commanded for the prince of Parma who notwithstanding the weakenes of the place which was shewed him by his owne men would needs endure the cannon but the souldiers mutined against him and deliuered him with the fort into the earle of Moeurs hands for the Estates Colonel Schencke had at that time an enterprise vpon the town of Nymeghen by an intelligence which he had with a bourger of the said towne who dwelt in one of the towers of the rampar This man had in time digged a hollow passage vnder the rampar which went from the foot of the said tower vnto the street and had so vndermined the wall of the said tower within hauing set vp the stones againe one vpon another without cyment or morter as with a blowe with ones foot they might thrust it downe and thereby haue a free passage into the towne for to finish this enterprise Schencke drew forth certaine companies out of the garrisons of Venloo Guelder Wachtendonc Graue and Blyenbeek with the which hee marched secretly the eight and twentieth of September in the night but the night before this bourger hauing let slippe certaine wordes was apprehended with his sonne who vpon the circumstances of the said speeches and his answer vnto the interrogatories was put to the racke with his boy and there confessed the fact whereupon they of the towne put themselues secretly into armes Schencke beeing neere with his troopes hauing no signe from his man and beeing ignorant what place to goe to fearing the matter was discouered he retired The earle of Moeurs seeing that this enterprise had failed resolued to haue the towne by force and planted his campe in the village of Bendt right against it vpon the other banke of the riuer of Wahal where hee did build a mightie fort the which since was called Knodsenborch and placing certaine shippes of warre in the riuer betwixt the towne and the fort to stoppe the passage from this fort where he had planted fiue or sixe peeces of ordnance he battred the towne at random and shot fierie bullets into it to burne the houses but they were suddainely quenched so as there was not aboue two houses burnt In the meane time the garrison of Nuys did nothing but hunt after bootie and spoile running euen vnto the gates of Cologne carrying from thence oxen kyne and other cattell the which did so incense the duke of Cleues vpon whose countrie beeing a neuter they were daily running for that they could not goe into the diocesse of Cologne but they must needs passe through the dutchie of Iuilliers of Berghe or the countie of Marck which are his as he made a proclamation throughout all his territories giuing all them of his countries free libertie to set vpon and spoile the garrison of Nuys wheresoeuer they should encounter them in his countries the which did somewhat restraine the courses of the said garrison The Hans townes of the east countrie fearing that by this alliance betwixt the Queene of England and the Estates of the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands their nauigation into Spaine would be cut off they wrote vnto her Maiestie intreating her to satisfie them of that doubt To the which shee answered the fift of Nouember beeing at Richmond after this manner I beleeue you are not ignorant of the dislike and breach betwixt vs and the king of Spaine what will ensue we cannot yet iudge if matters tend to a peace we will not reiect you as our auncient allies but if it grows to a warre you shall vnderstand as men of iudgement may wel conceiue that we ought not to suffer our enemies to be releeued with victuals nor fortified with munition of warre wherefore you may consider that you ought not to require any thing of vs that may turne to our preiudice and disaâ—…uantage But touching all other sorts of marchandize whereby they of Spaine or Portugall may not be aided with victuals and
Earle of Leicester according to the agreement made betwixt the Queene of England and the Estates being come on the 30 of December from Flessingue to Dordrecht in Holland accompanied by many earles barons and other great personages of England he was receiued by the magistrats councell and bourgers of that town with great state And the 2 of Ianuary 1586 he parted frō thence to go to the Hage where he was in like sort very honorably receiued by the generall Estates with all good reception shews of ioy for his cōming on the 17 of the month after many ceremonies he was accepted for gouernor of the said coūtries and sworne to maintaine defend and preserue them against the oppressions of the Spaniards And in like manner the Estates did sweare vnto her Maiesty and to him as her lieutenant the conditions agreement that was concluded betwixt them which done the said Estates made a decree what euery prouince should contribute towards the charges of the warre and so did the Queene for her part that with their common means they might resist the king of Spaines power And the fist day of Februarie the earle of Leicester was by the Estates proclaimed Lieutenant and captaine of the vnited prouinces and commandement giuen to all the particular gouernours or their Lieutenants of the said prouinces and townes officers and magistrates admirals colonels captaines treasurers receiuers and others for matters of estate and warre with all that depends thereon so to acknowledge him At his reception to the gouernment doctor Leoninus chancellor of Guelderland made an oration saying that the generall Estates of the vnited Netherlands hauing had so great assurance of the Queenes Maiesties and his excellencies honourable disposition and fauours vnto them and finding it to be a thing necessarie that publike authoritie should be maintained within the prouinces and relying vpon his wisdome experience and integritie by common consent and with one voice they had chosen and named him for their gouernour and captaine generall ouer the said Netherlands that is of the dukedome of Guelder the earldome of Zutphen the earldomes and countries of Flanders Holland with west Friseland Zeeland and Friseland giuing him full power and authoritie besides the title and commission of her Maiestie together with that which was contained in th◅ contract made with her to gouerne and commaund absolutely ouer the said prouinces and their associates in all matters concerning the warres and their dependances both by sea and land and to command ouerall gouernours colonels admirals vice-admirals commanders captaines and officers and oueral souldiers of the same both horse and foot and to that end had appointed an oath to be taken vnto his excellencie as gouernour and captaine generall to be true and obedient vnto him besides that the said Estates gaue vnto his excellencie full power and authoritie concerning policie and iustice to be done ouer all the aforesaid prouinces with the councell of Estates which should be chosen to gouerne the said Netherlands as they had beene gouerned before especially in the time of the emperour Charles the fift by the gouernors generall according to the lawfull customes of the prouinces Vnderstanding that out of the reuenues of the said prouinces the gouernors officers and rent-masters should be paied their duties and fees according to the auncient manner and that the said prouinces townes and members of the same should be maintained in all their auncient priuiledges lawes and customes as it should be more at large declared vnto his excellencie And touching the gouernment of the country principally concerning the warres which cannot continue nor be maintained but by contribution the said prouinces consent and agree that besides the aid of 1000 horse and 5000 foot lent them by the Queene the dutchie of Guelders Flanders and the vnited townes of Brabant consent to giue the generall meanes of their said townes and villages of the countries adiacent as farre as they had power to command at that present time and from time to time as they were farmed let out and presently collected and besides that al the booties and compositions with the champian countries made for their safetie where they haue no meanes to get contribution and such summes as they paie vnto the enemie they of Holland Zeeland Vtrecht Friseland haue agreed to giue the summe of 200000 gulderns the moneth which moneys the said prouinces will put into his excellencies hands to be managed by him with the councel of estate that shall be appointed and besides this all that shall be receiued by contribution and gotten from the enemie and other meanes out of the countries of Ouerissell Drent and the territories thereof with other places lying vnder the enemies command And further that all the vnited Prouinces were agreed and had consented that the conuoye mony and imposts raised vpon marchandise comming in and going forth of those countries according to the order taken therein the yeare of our Lord 1581. and the moderation and augmentation thereof shall continew and bee imployed for the charges which they shall bee at for the setting forth maintayning and paying of the ships and boates of war which serue and are retained vnder the sayd Prouinces and that if neede were are to bee set out according to the contract made with his Maiestie wherevnto also all the prises and licences should be imployed if his Excellencie thought good to permit and allowe thereof and this for the space of one whole yeare and if it fortuned that the warre continued long vpon his Excelencies motion and desire a new composition should be made before the sayd yeare were fully finished according to the state and meanes of the sayd Prouince and as necessitie should require And therewith he humblie disired his Excellency to bee pleased to accept and take vpon him the sayd gouernment and authoritie and to execute the same to the honour of GOD and the maintenance of the Netherlands promising him that the sayd states should alwaies hold good correspondence with him and ayde and truely serue him in all occasions and seruices whatsoeuer Further by their acts and proclamations the sayd states would command all the Commanders ouer horse and foote and all soldiars both by sea and land to show all obedience dutie and fidelitie vnto his Excelencie which they agreed to sweare vnto and confirme by oth one vnto the other reseruing the homage which his Excelency ought vnto the Queenes Maiestie In the Hage the first of February 1586. Signed C. Aertsens According to this agreement the Earle of Leicester tooke the gouernment vpon him and therevpon the States Officers Prouinciall Gouernors Coronels Captaines and Soldiars tooke their othes vnto him wherein Prince Maurice and the Earle of Hohenlo and other captaines vsed all the meanes the could to bring the soldiars therevnto being accustomed in such accidents to haue mony giuen them for a reward The states vpon the Earle of Leceisters acceptation of the gouernment had
by some that shee sought to make a peace without their consent This in effect was the contents of the letters on both sides sent and receiued touching the Earle of Leicesters gouernment where-with her Maiesty seemed to be some what pleased but yet it was an occasion that many men esteemed his Excelencie the lesse With this authority the Earle of Leicester was instauled in his gouernment and the contributions of the countrie deliuered into his hands amounting vnto the yearely valew of foure and twenty hundred thousand gilders and aboue besides the connoy mony the profits of the admiralty and her Maiesties ayde his owne intertainement being 100000. gilders a yeare presently therevpon hee set downe an order for marshall discipline amongst his souldiers and made a proclamation bearing date in Vtrecht the fourth day of Aprill whereby was forbidden the transporting and carying of all kind of necessaries victualls ammunition for warre or any manner of marchandise whatsoeuer vnto the enemy and their associates or to any newtrall places as also all manner of dealing or correspondence by letters of exchanges or otherwise not onely with Spaine but with France and the East countries vnder what pretence soeuer it might bee vpon paine of death and losse of shippe and goods The letter to execute these things one Iaques Ringoult a man verie familier with the Earle of Lecester and the onely inuentor of the sayd proclamation had gotten by an extraordinarie commission wholy without the aduise of the Councell of Estate thereby to deale and proceede extraordinarily with those that had any dealings with the enemie by forme of inquisition search and examination searching all the marchants letters bookes and secret accountes a thing not vsed nor accustomed in these countries and wholy against manie priueledges old orders and freedomes of the Prouinces and townes and not content therewith he sought meanes to haue the same order vsed in England against the Netherlanders inhabiting there in Sandwich and other places This proclamation and commission much disliked the Estates and mooued them to cōplaine against it At that time likewise it was put in practise hoped to be effected to raise a generall contribution vpon all nations trafficking to sea for the furtherance of the warres in regard that England being vnited with Holland and Zeeland it might prescribe and giue lawes as Lords of the sea how and whether men should traficke which lawe beeing set downe the Earle of Leicester thought to compell all sailors and sea-faring-men to come and buy passe-ports or saffe conducts of him thereby to haue libertie to deale freely in euerie place contributing some thing to the warres But when many letters of complaint concerning the same were sent into England The Noble Councell of Estate esteemed it a verie hard matter for to bring the French Scottes Danes and East-countrie-men there vnto and therevpon the contribution beganne to bee behinde-hand and the proclamation standing in force caused great trouble and hindrance in the Netherlandes for that by it much traficke was conuerted and ceased in these countries for that many rich marchants and sailers of Antwerp and other places withdrawing them-selues and flying from thence would not staie and inhabite in the lowe countries because they might not vse there trade as they were wont to doe but went to inhabite and dwell at Hamburgh Breame Emden Stode and diuerse other places from whence they might freely traficke into Spaine Italie Portugale and the Islandes and by that meanes made other Nations acquainted both with their traficke by sea and brought much dealing into many other townes so that at the last in Holland and Zeeland they were forced to dispence with that proclamation and againe to permit the traficke by sea West-ward or els in short time they should haue driuen all trade of marchandise and sea-faring out of their countries togither with their richest inhabitants those Prouinces liuing most by fishing and sea-faring hand-labors and trade of marchandise The fiue and twenty day of Iuly the Earle of Leicester being in Vtrecht made an act concerning the erecting of a new tresory in the vnited Prouince whereof hee apointed to bee principall in that office the Earle of Niewenar and Menes gouernor of Gelderland Zutphen and Vtrecht with authority to sit in the councell of Estate for the second man hee apointed Maister Henry Killegray one of the receiuers of her Maiesties Exchequer in England and a Councelor of Estate in the low countries the third person was Reynardt de Aeswin Lord of Barkelo and for tresorer Iaques Reingoult Lord of Canwenbergh and for commissioners Sebastian Loose Iosse Teylink and Maister Paul Buys The Receiuers generall the Treasuror for the warres the Clarke nor the Vssher beeing not named but blankes left to put in their names one Danell Burgrate being apointed chiefe secretary with free liberty to goe into the Councell of Estate and there to haue audience After the contract and vnion made by the Netherlands with the Queene was past and agreed vpon the King of Spaine caused all the Englishmen through all his dominions to bee arrested and their shippes and goods confiscate vsing them most rygorously wherevpon many of them became men of warre hauing commissions from the Queene for that they might not otherwise doe it in regard that as then there was no open warre proclaimed with Spaine who beeing at sea made good vse of the sayd arrest in Spaine for that all shippes going or comming West-ward that they could come by vnder that pretence were taken and made prize and at that time the Netherlanders could hardly deale or traficke into Spaine Portingall and the Islandes vnlesse it were vnder Spaniards names their Factors dwelling there and esteemed for naturall bred and borne Spaniards and vpon this suspition the shippes were brought into England and the keeping and possession of the goods that were in them was deliuered into the hands of them that tooke them and if it were such wares as would not keepe long they had authoritie to sell them giuing securitie for restitution thereof if the sayd goods were not found to bee good prize In the beginning of this winter in Ianuary Taxis Lieutenant to Verdugo Gouernor in Friseland for the King of Spaine gathered togither the garrisons thereaboutes and entred into Westergoe where hauing found meanes and oportunitie for to passe through the countrie by reason of the great frosts and yee hee had wonne Worckcom Coudom Hindeloopen and some other places The nine and twentie day of Ianuarie it beganne to thawe wherefore the Spaniards beeing loath to bee shut vp in that waterie countrie thought to make their retreate and not to attend anie further hazard In his retreat he met with some pesants armed whom he defeated wherof some saued themselues in a Church and refusing for to yeeld were burnt from thence they went to the village of Boxom a league from Leeuwaerden where they were told that there was nere them 2000. Frisons Protestantes
whom the contributions are to bee gathered might not be ouer much burthened That the garrisons might bee payd which the Commanders ouer them complained of fearing mutinies and reuolts in regard that the fourth part of the contribution gathered in Holland would suffise to pay their frontier garrisons and the halfe of the contribution of Zeeland for the garrisons of Zeeland and that therfore the three parts of the Hollanders contribution and the other halfe of the Zeland contribution would serue for the rest of the garrisons That no pioners nor laborers Wagons should bee forcibly taken out of the country villages contrary to the ordinances That according to their priuileges no man should be summoned to answere to the law out of the Netherlands That the authority of Magistrats which was much diminished and decaied namely of Vtrecht might be vpholden and restored againe That Vtrecht might not be seperated from Holland but be againe reduced vnder the gouernment of Prince Maurice That the proclamation dated the fourteenth of August concerning traficke and nauigation and the letters of the fiue and twenty of August forbidding the carrying forth of any kind of wares or marchandises tending to the ruine and ouerthrowe of the Netherlands might be called in againe and free liberty permitted vnto all men That the mony belonging to the admiralty should not bee distributed nor vsed to any other end then to the same for which it is appointed That new or strange manner of collection of contributions might no more be vsed and that no more question might be made against the administration of spirituall goods That concerning the contributions of Holland Zeeland and Friseland not touching matters of policie neither yet in the administration thereof there should bee no audience nor good credit giuen vnto any person what soeuer that had beene any dealer in the treasory of Brabant Flanders or other the enemies countries not hauing any knowledge or vnderstanding of the state of these Prouinces and that his Excelency in all causes concerning the contribution policie or such like affaires would vse the aduise and Councell of the sayd Prouinces Vnto these demandes and complaintes the Earle of Leicester made many excuses and diuerse faire promises that all should bee amended but that as now hee had some occasion to goe into England in regard that some matter of importance and great waight was then to bee handled in the high Court of Parliament in England The states sought all the meanes they could to stay him from going but it was in vaine and so the reformation was deferred tell his returne againe wherevpon they desired him to leaue some good order for the gouernment of the Netherlands during his absence for which cause vpon the three and twenty daie of Nouember hee made an act whereby hee committed the gouernment thereof to the Councell of Estate with this clause that all should bee done by aduise of the generall States authorising them with full powre to consult and dispose of all causes whatsoeuer with as full authoritie as if hee himselfe were personaly present not onelie for Marshall causes but also for policie according to their good discretions for the preseruation and welfare of the Netherlands common peace and quietnesse of the State and the resistance of the enemie with this prouiso that all dispatches and commissions should bee made and vnder written In his name with his expresse commaundement and authoritie by his Cousin Prince Maurice Earle of Nassaw and one of the Councell of the Noble Estate beeing there for the Queenes most excelent Maiestie or in their absence by two other of the sayd Councell of Estate and that the sayd Councell of Estate should deale in all other causes according to their ordinarie instructions without deminishing any of his authoritie and that the garrisons of townes and fortes should bee placed altered and changed according to their aduise and counsell but in his name and that the commissions and authorities of the same as also the passes and lodging of the souldiers in the champian countrie should in like sort be made in his name and no man to deale or meddle there-with notwithstanding any commission or commandement to the contrary and that the warre by Sea and the moneys appointed to that end should rest in the disposition of the Admirall and the counsell of the Admiraltie And further for the ordering of the warre the sayd counsell of estate should appoint a sufficient and experienced man that should sit and consult with them in the said counsell commanding all gouerners Coronels and Captaines of horse and foote both by sea and land and all Magistrates what-soeuer c. to bee obedient vnto the sayd counsell of estate as if he were personally present and that during his absence or till that it should bee otherwise appointed by the generall estates promising vpon his princely word to allow maintaine and ratifie and cause to be allowed maintained and ratified all and whatsoeuer the said counsell of estate in his absence should decree and ordaine Dated the 24. of Nouember 1586. subscribed Robert Leicester and vnder by order from his excellencie Signed Gilpin The same day the Earle of Leicester made an other act of restraint or recalling of the counsell of estates authoritie aforesaid the effect whereof was as followeth That although his Excellencie had committed the gouernment of the country vnto the counsell of estate with full power and authoritie both by water and by land commanding they should be obayed in all things as his owne person as by his act appeared yet his Excellencies intent and meaning was that neuerthelesse during his absence hee would reserue certaine causes to his owne will and disposition and therefore decreed by this other act that the aforesayd councell of estate notwithstanding the aforesayd commission and generall absolute and free power vnto them committed and granted should not alter nor change any thing touching the gouernment and command of places by his excellencie already giuen and bestowed nor touching the keeping of any Castles or Fortes as also that they should not meddle with the chiefe officers of armies as generalls of horse and foote nor their Lieutenants nor with any other principall officers vnlesse it were with the knowledge and consent first had from his Excellencie and when any one should chance to dye they should not put any other in his place but with prouiso They should not discharge any prisoners nor yet take any assurances They should not dispose of confiscations and spirituall goods without his knowledge or pre-consent And further that they should put to their helping hands that the order concerning the English companies may be obserued As also touching the carrying of victuals out of the Prouinces especially of that which groweth within the same that they should haue a speciall care regard that it were done as much as might be to the profit of the Netherlands and so he could bee well contented therewith and
the Generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces with commandment that both there and in al other places hee should make warre against their enemies yea and against all them that would assist and fauour them Wherevpon answer being made vnto him that it was a neuter towne and not any waies partiall but free vnder the Empire whether any man as well of the one part as of the other might come and haue free accesse as well Spaniards as Hollanders wherefore they commanded him to depart and instantly to leaue their riuer free The which hauing refused to doe vntill hee had the like commandement from his Maisters they cast him into prison and there kept him a long time vntill that by letters from the Estates and the King of Denmarke hee was set at libertie but not without suspition to haue beene first poisoned for that at his release out of prison hee refused to sweare neuer to bee reuenged for this imprisonment but onely for his owne priuat person and not for his Maisters if they commanded him who hee sayd had beene more interessed therein then he himselfe Soone after his returne into Holland hee died and there were found in him all the signes and tokens of one that had beene poysoned In the village of Linter neere vnto Tillemont in Brabant on the tenth daie of December in the night it did raine bloud vpon the yce in the ditches of a Gentlemans house the drops falling so hot as the yce did melt and they did peerce almost a foote deepe as it was obserued by many The Earle of Leicester parted out of the Netherlands in the end of this yeare by commandement as hee sayd of the Queene of England to assist in Parliament whereas matters of great importance were to bee treated off The Generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces were not well pleased with his departure by reason of the discontent and murmuring that was of either side to preuent the which they sent their deputies to him into England to bee nere vnto his person as a Councell of Estate the which were Iames Valcke at this present tresorer generall of Zeeland William van Zuylen signior of Nyeuelt Iuste Menin Pensionar of the towne of Dordrecht Camminga of Friseland and others with a Secretarie who arriued there in the end of Ianuary 1587. carrying him from the generall Estates a rich and stately present which was a cup of the heigth of a man of siluer and guilt curiously wrought in signe of acknowledgment and gratuitie During the discontent of the Netherlanders for the errors which they sayd the Earle of Leicester had committed hauing exhibited their greeuances vnto him and yet receiued no redresse but dilatorie excuses there was one did write a discourse of aduise touching the abuses which had happened in the state since hee came to the Gouernment the which I haue thought good to insert hoping that the content and proffit which the reader may reape thereby will in some sort recompence the tediousnesse thereof In the end of his preface he sayes I thanke God that he hath sent a wise and discreet Gouernor to command ouer these vnited Prouinces who hauing no other designe but the glorie of God the peace and tranquilitie of these poore countries and the seruice and greatnesse of the Queene his Soueraigne it is not to bee feared that hee will take in ill part that which with all modestie and respect may bee deliuered vnto him touching the abuses and errors which haue happened in this Estate since he was admitted to this gouernment Humblie beseeching his Excelency to consider that it is but his first yeare of a prentiship And how wise sufficient and iudicious in affaires soeuer a Prince Gouernor or Councellor bee yet beeing new come into a country amongst a people so diuers of humors and opinions as these bee so full of factions and partialities so troublesome wayward and importune by reason of their long and violent infirmitie so extenuated and weakned of meanes and almost reduced to despaire and abandoned of the Phisitions and of all humaine succors in an Estate which is so pittifull an Estate confused disordred and without gouernment where wee can see nothing but cloudes of errors and gulphes of miseries and pouertie And whereas in the beginning hee did scarse knowe the merit valour and dexteritie of anie one person And whether hee had also brought new men like vnto him-selfe but yet in all commendable qualities much inferior vnto himselfe It is no wonder then if hee hath found him-selfe for to bee set with a thousand difficulties if hee hath contented so fewe persons and discontented so many yea if with in these few monthes it hath endured so rude and furious a shocke as it was in danger of ruine And although the cure of this disease dependes not vpon the counsell and aduise of a young Phisition and that wee may saie with Tacitus Non perinde dâ—…udicari posse quid optimum factu sit quam pessimum fuisse quod factum est It cannot thereby bee iudged what is best to bee done but that it was ill that was done Yet there is some hope that wee shall not heere-after fall into the like errors and that wee will bee no lesse circumspect then the mariner who doth all hee can to auoide the rocke where hee was once in danger of ship-wracke for as an old doctor of the church sayth Non nisi idiotis datur bis ad eundem lapidem impingere that is none but fooles stumble twise at one stone Wherevnto I will adde for my conclusion the saying of an ancient Poet Nulla res tam facilis est quin difficilis fiat si inuitus facias Nothing is so easie but it will prooue difficult if you do it vnwillingly The contrarie is true that to a resolute minde nothing is to high to great nor to difficult And wee must say with Alexander the great when he incorraged his souldiars Nihil tam alte natura constituit quo virtus not possit eniti nature hath set nothing so high whether vertue may not aspire The greatest error and the least excusable is that the treatie hath not beene duelie obserued and the greatest aduantage which these men haue had to blame vs is that the succors promised haue neuer beene full and complete assuring that there were neuer seauen hundred horse nor foure thousand foote Moreouer that the musters were neuer duelie made with the assistance of a Commissary appointed by the Estates as it is fit and necessarie seeing that the countrie is bound to make restitution of that which shall bee disboursed by her Maiestie It were a leane excuse to say that it was forgetfullnesse and that they had spoken of it But what are words without effects and execution And to whome belongs this care and charge but to him that is Gouernor generall who hath command ouer all other things What a shame is it if there bee more fault and negligence in the
Leyden In the beginning of Ianuarie 1587. the Estates men found meanes secretly to vndermine the wall of Buriche a towne lying vpon the Rhine right against Wezell and being held by the Spaniards where they had layd certaine barrills of pouder to blow it vp and so to surprize the towne and the Garrison within it but a miller hauing descouered it gaue notice thereof and so this enterprize succeded not according to their desseigne All this winter the Duke of Parma made great prouision both for men and mony hauing assembled the Estats of Arthois Henaut and other Prouinces of whome hee demanded some ayde of money and obteyned his desiers receiuing also new supplies of soldiers both from Spaine and Italy with the which he marched in Ianuary to the Castell of Wouwe a strong hold belonging to the Marquis of Bergnen lying a mile frow Berghen vp Zoome in Brabant There was in it a companie of French soldiars whose captaines name was Marchant who had beene before in garrison in Graue who whether it were in reuenge of a priuate quarrell which he had with captaine Firenine who had iustefied him-selfe at the Hage before the Estates of that wherewith Captaine Marchant had charged him or whether it were through ambition or couetousnesse hauing corrupted his soldiars with a promise to make them sharers of the booty hee sould the said Castle of Wouwe to the Duke of Parma for twenty thousand crownes And from thence these trecherous marchants retired some into France being loth to heare the name of traytor as they called them in Antwerp and Brusselles vntill that the Duke of Parma had forbidden by proclamation not to call them any more so and some went to serue the Spaniard About the same time Sir Martin Schenck seazed vpon a little Towne called Roeroort in the Elector Truchses name being so called for that it stands at the mouth of the riuer of Roer which comes out of the countrey of Marke and Westphalia where it enters into the Rhine which his men held vntill Aprill following that the Spaniards forced them to abandon it Frederick King of Denmarke a Prince desirous of peace sent Caius Ranson one of his priuie councell and a man of great knowledge and authoritie to Brussels to make an ouerture of some meanes of a peace betwixt the King of Spaine and his Netherland Prouinces remaining in the vnion generall of the pacification of Gant and the treaty of Vtrecht To whom answer was made that neither for the King of Denmarke nor for any Prince in the world the King of Spaine would neuer suffer any change of religion in the countries of his obedience wherevpon Ranson returned with letters vnto his King making onely mention of a peace betwixt Spaine and England Being on his way home-wards hee was incountred in the wood of Soigne three leagues from Brussels by some of the States soldiers of the garrison of Berghen vp Zoom who finding him in the enemies countrey tooke him prisoner and being at the first vnknowne vnto them rifled his baggage but vpon discouery of his person and qualitie they carried him to the Hage to the Estates who made it knowne sufficiently how much they were discontented for that which their men had vnaduisedly done vnto him excusing it as much as they could and causing all that had been taken from him to be restored againe as well his papers as his gold siluer iewels and other things or else the value of that which could not be recouered Whereby the Estates thought to haue giuen him such contentment as he should haue no cause to complaine vnto his King As in truth the fact was excusable hauing beene found in the enemies conntrey by them that did incounter him vnknowne what he was and who at the first put himselfe in defence refusing to make his qualitie knowne the which might mooue the soldiers the more And although hee had declared himselfe yet it had beene no new thing to qualifie himselfe for other then he was to escape the enemies hands Besides hee was ' demanded by the estares after restitution of all his goods If hee desired to haue any corporall punishment inflicted vpon them that had taken him he answered no and that they were good companions Yet being returned into Denmarke hee made great complaints vnto the King and did so incense him against the Estates especially against Holland Zeeland and Freezeland as he arrested aboue sixe hundred of their ships in the Sound vpon colour of the iniurie that had beene done vnto his Ambassador Ranson the which hee set at thirty thousand Florins ransome with the consent of the Estates themselues who had sent their deputies vnto his Maiestie to excuse the fact being loth to contest with him for so small a matter forbidding their ships to vse any force to free themselues from this arrest as they might well haue done if they had would and had beene licensed by their maisters and superiors Of these thirty thousand Florins Ranson had aboue a thousand for his share which paied all his interests The Earle of Leicester before his departure into England had made sir William Stanley Colloneil of a regiment of Irishmen gouernor of the towne of Deuenter and Rouland Yorke of the great Fort before Zutphen Stanley had in his garrison 1200. foote and about two hundred horse English and Irish the which was much displeasing vnto the estates for that he had serued the King of Spaine he had long desired to yeeld the towne vnto the King of Spaine and to that end had held correspondencie with Collonell Taxis gouernor of Zutphen Neither could hee not so modestly containe himselfe but it was descouered that he had some bad intent Yet the estates of Oueryssel knew not how to helpe it nor to preuent the danger which they feared hauing no meanes to get him out of the towne For the Earle of Leicester at his departure had charged him not to depart out of that place without his expresse commandement besides by reason of the Earle of Leicesters Act of restraint which he made at his departure the estates could not force him to obedience The estates finding no other meanes had intreated Generall Norris in whom they trusted more then in any other for the good seruices which he had done to them and to the Prince of Orange to goe with his regiment about Deuenter as if he would winter there and so to find some meanes wich the helpe of the Bourgers to get into the towne Stanley being suspitions of his approch or it may be hauing some aduertisment thereof made hast to agree with Taxis to deliuer the towne to the King of Spaine for a certaine summe of mony and other promises of great rewards which were afterwards ill performed for the effecting where of she went early in the morning before day to the Bourguemaistcr of the towne desiring him to open the port of Neurenbercke meaning said he
to go forth with his men to doe some exployt vpon the enemy whome hee had descouered Being gone forth he returned presently before day bringing with him Collonel Taxis with three Companies of foote and three of horse marching directly to the market place where they put them-selues in battayle after that Taxis had placed gardes in all parts of the towne the which was don so stilly and with so smale brute as the townes-men heard not any thing or if they did they thought it had beene their garrison so as at the breake of day they found they were Spaniards Some among the Protestants were so terrefied as fearing a massaker they cast themselues from the toppe of the walles to saue themselues Taxis hauing placed all his gards began to bee more assured for before hee was not without great distrust hauing with so few men trusted vnto Stanleys word and thrust him-selfe into a towne where there was a good garrsion and a number of braue Bourgers well armed where hee might haue beene taken like a mouse in a trappe Being thus assured hee presently caused it to bee proclaymed at the sound of the trompet that all men might remaine freely within the towne without any wrong done them either in bodie or goods lyuing in the Romish Religion and vnder the King of Spaines obedience Herevpon Stanley made his excuse both to the magistrats and the soldiars and sought to iustifie this trecherous fact saying that he neither was nor could be accoumpted atraitor in respect that hee had done no wrong vnlesse they would hold it treason to deliuer the towne to the King of Spaine to whome of right it did belong being long before moued therevnto as he said in conscience alledging many other such like reasons saying more-ouer that if any of his soldiars would serue there they should be well payed by a most bountifull king and the rest might freely depart where-vpon many but most of them Irish-men staid with him euery one hauing a monetâ—…es pay giuen him and presently the Bourgers were disarmed and likewise suffred to depart with Taxis pasport among the which there wore two Preachers The Bourgers houses were not spoyled that they might draw other townes to doe the like onely a few were ransackt among the which the preachers houses were not spared Stanleys regiment was disperst into sondry garrisons and hee himselfe was left still gouernor of Deuenter At the same time Rouland Yorke being made gouernor of the great Sconse before Zutphen by the earle of Leicester wholy against the liking of the Estates with eight hundred foote and a hundred horse did in like sort sel it to the Spaniard This Yorke had long before serued vnder the States although not with the best credit In Gant hee had beene Lieutenant Collonell to Iohn van Imbise with whome he had conspired to betray Gaunt and Dermond to the Prince of Parma for the which Imbise was beheaded and hee sent prisoner to Brusselles where at the last by the taking of the towne he was set at liberty and after that imployed by the Duke of Parma vppon the water in the riuer Scheld at the bridge before Antwerp at length by the meanes of friends he was reconciled and returned into England with credit and from thence came with the Earle of Leicester into Holland and there was so recommended by Sir Philip Sydney as the Earle of Leicester his vncle put him in great credit and gaue him this gouernment of the Sconse who the same day that Deuenter was battered told his soldiars that it would bee but lost labour for them to stay there wishing them rather to take pay of the King of Spaine where-vpon his soldiars tore their collours in peeces and two Duch companies with some others went away euery man where he pleased but Yorke went to Zutphen where he receiued a reward from the King and for a time kept company with Sir William Stanley but without any credit and there not long after dyed very miserablie and so Taxis like-wise got the sconce Thus the credulity and light beleefe of the Earle of Leicester was the cause of the losse of this goodly and strong towne of Deuenter which is one of the Hans townes and of that important fort of Zutphen the which the sommer before had cost so much to winne and fortefie It was not without cause if they began to murmure against the Earle of Leicester hauing at his very departure placed these two gallants in such important gouernments It was no maruell then if the Noblemen Collonels and gentlemen of the vnited Prouinces were discontented and complained vnto the Earle of Leicester to see them-selues reiected to aduance such traitors to the gouernment of such important places as Stanley Yorke and Patton were of whome wee will speake here-after After the losse of this towne of Deuenter and of the fort of Zutphen the Estates of the vnited Prouinces were much perplexed fearing that all the English garrisons which lay in any other townes and forts would doe the like and deale with them as the French in the time of the Duke of Aniou and Brabant had determined to doe all in one day On the Sonday morning being the first of February the councell of estate being assembled to prouide for their affaires and to preuent the alterations which the losse of Deuenter and the forts before Zutphen might cause thether came the generall estates and the aduocate Barnevelt for their part who declared in their names that considering the necessitie and in what termes the State then stood they held it more then necessary that the Gouerners of Prouincesshould go into their Gouernments there to command by vertue of their commissions And that to hasten the departure of the Earle of Maeurs they had resolued concerning the Ritmaisters as should be seene by the contents of the contract made with them and the means which they had set downe for their paie Secondly that maters concerning the Admiralty might be redrest and ordred for the Gouernment of sea causes as the seruice of the country should require the affaiers of estate being in very great disorder for want of good gouernment where-vpon words grew of either side tending to accusations and excuses Barnevelt saying Is this the way to serue the country where-vnto the Lord of Brederode answered that if they were not contented with the seruices and toyle which the Lords of the councell tooke but they must daily receyue bad words and reproches as if they were subiects and slaues they might seeke for others that would subiect them-selues to their slanders and continuall exclamations Hee was also demanded wherein it was so ill gouerned and ordered and what were the causes there of Barnevelt like a man full of passion and choller answered that it was the councell of the Cabinet where-as many things were done which none but they of the councell knew as of late appered by the Act of restraint which was made
hauing neither beene tilled nor inhabited for these many yeares Who will denie but the sayd countrie beeing as it is may profit vs as much as our enemie and more for the number of townes and places which wee hold there abouts But is there not a greater preiudice in the losse of the whole Estate which is prepared by the discontentment which they giue vnto her Maiesty by this sodaine change from the deuotion they were wont to beare her and the hope they had in her bounty and assistance when as shee shall vnderstand that they impute the treason and wickednesse of two to the whole Nation and that they wrongfully taxe the good for the bad and for that her Maiesty was serued by Stanley and his Excelency by Yorke they will impute the subiects fault to their Prince and the seruants to their Maister By what lawe reason or custome will they proue that this blame is well grounded and with what art will they keepe her Maiesties loue to them in taxing in such a sort both her and all the Nation As for Stanley it is well knowne that in former times hee had done good seruice in Ireland and euen since that hee came into this countrie he hath giuen good proofes of his valour and loyaltie And although that Yorke had heretofore committed a grosse error yet hee hath since carried himselfe corragiously at the enterprise of Axel and in these last exploites before Doesbourg and Zutphen hauing so often hazarded his life in the viewe of all the world as hee had giuen the Generall good cause to trust him Neither is it the first time that a Commander hath trusted after a fault confessed nor any new thing to see treasons treacheries and reuoltes in these countries but it is a new thing strange and beyonde all reason to impure vnto Commanders and Princes the faults of their souldiars and seruants and for the wickednesse of some to blame and taxe a whole Nation as they haue done heere They must then by the like absurditie of consequence condemne the French Nation for that a Prouensall did lately sell the castle of Vowe and the Scottish Nation for that one captaine Simpel deliuered the towne of Liere And to come to this Nation of the Netherlands how many places townes and whole Prouinces haue beene lost by the treacherie treason and reuolt of Noblemen Gentlemen Captaines and others who haue made marchandise of them as of the Earle of Rennenberg who deliuered Groningue the signior of Stakenbroek Breda the Lord of Berwoets who thought to haue betraied Berghen vp Zoom the Lord of Bours who deliuered the castle of Antwerp and afterwards Macklyn Iohn d'Imbise who would haue betraied Gant and Denremonde the Baylife of Courtray called Pottelberg who deliuered Courtray by treason Roeck Corpets Cauwegem and their consorts who deliuered the towne of Brusselles Collonel Tâ—…er who betraied Diest Captaine Vlyet who deliuered Westerloo Captaine Coenen who deliuered Hoochstraten the Earle of Lalain Vicont of Gant the Lords of Montigny Gognies la Motte and many others who were the cause of the defeate of Gemblours The Lord of Auchy brother to the Earle of Bossu who deliuered Alost the Seigniors of Hemmert Cobocke and Duban who deliuered the towne of Graue the Burgers of Venloo the Abbots of Saint Gertrude Manolles and others who betrayed the Estates Some of the Councell of the Estates of Brabant who deliuered Herentals The Prince of Chymay who was the cause of the reuolt almost of all Flanders and Stryeland Baylife of Waes who deliuered Ruppelmonde and all the Land of Waes whereby the enemy came to besiege Antwerp c. Wherefore it is against all right and the rule of Christian charity to thinke or saie that the whole nation is to bee blamed in the which there are some traitors is it likely that shee who so willingly did yeeld to that which other Princes could not or refused to doe who hath imploied so great summes of money for the succor of this countrie who hath beene contented to hazard the liues of so many Noblemen Gentlemen and others of all qualities of her realme and especially of the Earle of Leicester whose presence is so necessary in England Shee who was content to incur the hatred of so mightie a Prince as the King of Spaine and to imbarke herselfe in so deadly a warre with him for that at the instance of these men shee had vndertaken their defence who not to breake her promise made nor to make any accord with the King of Spaine but with the priuity and approbation of them of the Netherlands would neuer giue eare to the instances made vnto her by diuers Princes of Christendome to that end To conclude shee who had imbraced this poore people with such affection and long expected the comming of the deputies of this countrie to treat with them of the meanes to succor defend and deliuer this poore people from the oppression which did daylie threaten them Is there any apparance then that shee euer had any other deseigne or intent then the good and preseruation of this Estate Yet here they make complaintes and taxe her Maiestie as if shee had brought more harme then good vnto the countrie Yet they send to treat with her as if shee had first sought the protection of this countrie or to take the soueraignty the which it is well knowne shee hath often refused and as if her Maiestie and the Realme of England had the greatest interest in the preseruation of this Estate or that England could not defend it selfe without this countrie As for her Maiestie I hope shee will make the contrarie of this manifest and that shee will not forget the wrong and indignitie which is done to her and to the whole nation nor the ingratitude which they haue shewed in sundrie sorts as also to his Excelencie who hath so willingly exposed his life to a thousand daungers who had forsaken all his greatnesse pleasures and commodities in England to vndergoe so many cares toyles and discommodities which doe accompany a generall in so waighty and difficult a charge who hath lost his deerest Nephew and his next heire and who hath giuen such good proofes of his sincere loue vnto the people And as for the money which they haue graunted for the charges of the warre they of his Councell and some of the countrie hauing had the managing thereof I doubt not Sir but it shal be the more easie for him to giue a good account and of all the rest of his actions during the time of his aboade heere Whom they taxe to make him odious to all the people countrouling crossing and ouerthrowing his decrees letters and commandements as if all had not past by the aduice of the Councell of Estate Finally they shew great ingratitude to him and to the whole nation who haue so well deserued of this countrie seeing there is no benifit so great as to expose ones life for an other especially when hee comes
of his owne free-will without hope of reward or recompence as wee know so many Noblemen and Gentlemen haue done yea of the best houses of England which haue accompanied his Excelencie Ingratitude is a vice hatefull to GOD and Men the which GOD doth some-times seuerely punnish for that it violates the bonds of humaine societie It is sayd in an ancient Latin Prouerbe Ingratam qui dixit omnia dixit As if all wickednesse were comprehended vnder this name and vice of ingratitude How much her Maiestie his Excelencie and the whole nation haue bound this people vnto them euery one sees and all Christian Princes know it and admire it and posteritie will iudge better of it Wee cannot expresse the miseries and want which so many poore English souldiars haue suffred which haue come into these partes It wil be prooued by some Commissaries of musters honest men and of credit that the souldiars of the fort before Zutphen were in December last during the great frost sixe daies togither without any other beuerage then yce water to drinke and yet the fort was not besieged nor in daunger to be lost but onelie through their default who had charge to supplie this place and others befides the other discomodities of hunger and cold which the sayd soldiars haue suffred there and do yet suffer els-where which breed either death or diseases Besides is there any one so ingrate or malicious that will say the English are not good souldiars for that they cannot endure all these discommodities as if in all ages and of late yeares in many exploites in these partes they had not giuen good proofes of their valour courage and aptnesse to armes euen amazing many of this countrie when they haue seene them goe to assaultes and combates with such a corrage and resolution as if they had had no feare nor apprehension of death But admit they had not aduentured their liues and persons as they haue done yet their great expences and the discommodities which they haue suffred here besides the absence from their Wiues Children Kinsmen and Friends and losse which many of them haue sustained thereby and all without any hope of recompence or reward desires that they should bee spared in their honours and reputations yea although they had descouered some errors and imperfections the which haue hetherto beene so small as few men haue cause to reproch the English for the rauishing of their wiues and children or any outrage done vnto their persones or the taking away of their goods or that they haue beene quarelors riotors or drunkards Wherefore I hope that no good man in these partes will giue eare to these wicked spirites which disperse these scandalous brutes some to reduce the people to the necessitie of an accord with the King of Spaine and others for that they would not loose the credit commandement and authoritie which they haue in these Prouinces nor see any other Nation heere that doth exceed them in valour and prowesse and finally for the feare which they haue that his Excelencies comming will obscure their starres and disperse the cloudes and darkenesse vnder the which so manie confusions factions and secret practises are couered and hatcht tending to the ouerthrowe of all order authoritie and lawfull gouernment And I hope also that the wise and best aduised will consider that there is at this daie but one onelie meanes to preserue this Noble Estate the which is England and that it is to great an absurditie to seeke their fauour whome wee speake ill of and detract and a great discretion to commit the gard of that to an other which they cannot keepe them-selues especially to a Princesse who is free from all suspition to haue euer affected it to a Princesse which hath so manie waies shewed how much shee loues the good and libertie of these Prouinces to a Princesse whose crowne hath beene alwaies allied by many contracts to this countrie and to the house of Bourgongne to a Princesse who is at this daie the onelie mother and nurce of all the churches of Christendome and protection of all the afflicted to a Princesse who for that shee hath fauored the defence of this countrie against the oppression of Spaine hath incurred and doth daily a thousand hazards of her life and States by the practises of the enemies of Religion and of this Estate To conclude the resolution of this people to defend their liberty is much to be commended and admired who haue so vertuously for many yeares sustained the indignation of a King of Spaine and resisted the oppression which should fall vpon their heads if they bee subdued by the Spanish Nation hauing to that end not onely exposed their liues but contributed yearely aboue a moitie or two third partes of their goods and reuenues But if this money hath not beene well imploied his Excelencie is not to bee blamed but such as haue had the managing thereof Herevpon Sir I haue heard some discourse that they which haue the managing of the money and of all authoritie in this Estate are for the most part Marchants Orators of townes mechanike men ignorant louing gaine naturally without respect of honour and who conuert the peoples money to their owne priuate and for that they are men of that condition borne to obey rather then to commande who hauing once tasted the sweetnesse of authoritie for that they haue not had for some yeares any soueraigne Prince they haue by little and little perswaded themselues that they were soueraignes and vnder this name of the Estates they haue in a manner made themselues maisters of the Estate insulting ouer the people and controuling him to whome they had by oth referred the absolute and generall gouernment I thinke this happens for that such men are continued to many yeares in their charges being once entred and anchored there they will command like Princes and doe all things at their pleasures I knowe well the assemblie of the Estates hath beene in all Estates an inuention to bridle Kings and Princes but they were neuer called but vpon great and extraordinarie necessitie neither were the same persons alwaies imploied and sent but as it were requisite in this Estate they deputed some from time to time who representing the people respectiuely in the three Estates came to such assemblies and their commission powre and authoritie ended with the assemblie as it is obserued in other places If this custome which is good and commendable cannot bee reduced to the first institution yet in my opinion they should change such men euery yeare or euerie sixe monethes least they should settle an opinion that they are maisters and soueraignes seeing that the Soueraignty belongs really vnto the people to whome they are but seruants and deputies I say in this Estate where there is no Prince acknowledged nor lawfully advowed If then there bee lesse daunger to bee commanded and if it so fall out to bee tyrannized by one then by manie and
cause a great number of Gentlemen Marchants Countrie people and others to the number of some three thousand strong beeing assembled at Berghen in the countrie of Iuilliers to goe to a Fare as then to bee holden at Cologne with many Wagons and great store of marchandise were set vpon by the souldiars of the garrisons of Bobert and Ghenadeneal most part of them were Spaniards seruing vnder the Bishoppe of Colen which conuoie beeing as I say three thousand strong had deuided themselues into three partes and had with them about the number of a hundred and fiftie souldiars out of Iuilliers to conuoy them who marching in good order with their Cartes and Waggons by 〈◊〉 not aboue halfe a mile from Colen were by the garrisons aforesayd assailed and set vpon charging them that were in fore-front and killing all that made any resistance vpon which alarme the second troupe comming on to ayde the first were all likewise slaine and spoiled three hundred of them at least lying dead and scattered here and there in the waie men women and children gentlemen and diuers others were most cruellie murthered not respecting nor regarding any man whatsoeuer and all they had was taken from them They that escaped fled to Colen many hundreds of them beeing sore hurt and wounded this warre beeing a thing taken in hand by the towne of Colen more of selfe-will then for any reason they had onelie because they would not suffer their Bishoppe and chiefe Commander Truxis to marry a wife and yet could indure not without great speech and clamor that their new elected Bishoppe should keepe and entertaine many other mens wiues and concubines this murther and spoile made vpon the people traueling in this sort was much complained of but no redresse nor punishment ensued The like disorders and insolencies were committed in many other places of the countrie for that the Earle of Niewenard Sir Martin Schenck and captaine Cloet made many roades into diuers places and almost vpon all the townes of Westphalia and the Diocese of Colen burning and spoiling all the countrie round aboute whereby at one time there might haue beene seene standing vpon the walles of Collen at the least fiftie villages and places on fire altogither besides the robbing spoyling and murthers by the high-waies which was committed by their owne souldiars that ranne through the countrie spoyling and wasting all the townes and villages In this great perplexitie there was a generall assemblie of the Estates held on the sixt daie of February at the Hage to redresse their affaires least they should growe desperate Wherefore by vertue of the authoritie which they had reserued to themselues they commanded Prince Maurice of Nassau sonne to the deceased Prince of Orange their Gouernor whome from the death of his father they had taken care to bring vp to take vpon him in the absence of the Earle of Leicester at that time Gouernor generall the managing of the Gouernment with the councell of Estate commanding all Collonels Captaines and Officers especially those that were in pay vnder the Generallity of the sayd Prouinces and not of the Queene of Englands to take an oth of sidelitie and obedience vnto the sayd Prince Maurice as vnto their captaine generall sending their deputies to that end into all partes to receiue the oth Not that they ment thereby any way to blemish or dyminish the Earle of Leicesters authoritie but onelie to settle the sayd Prince Maurice in the particular gouernments of Holland Zeeland and Vtrecht as his father had beene for that by reason of these occurrents some things had beene altered in the sayd Gouernmentes against the constitutions and ancient customes of the sayd countries which by his meanes they would haue restored whereby they might hold the other Estates and townes in good tearmes with them and the English souldiars in their fidelitie and obedience for that some had murmured by reason of the treasons of Stanley and Yorke that they must make a distinction betwixt the good and bad English whome they must not mesure all a like to the end that the faithfull and vertuous from whome long before as from Collonel Norrys and others they had drawne great seruices might not confusedly bee comprehended in the number of wicked men and traitors The Estates seeing this dangerous alteration of their affaires had on the fourth of February written letters of complaint vnto the Queene of England and to the Earle of Leicester with an ample relation of the causes of their complaintes and a representation of the poore estate into the which the vnited Prouinces were reduced and the great and apparent inconueniences if they were not speedily preuented which letters by reason of their tediousnesse I thought good to omit beeing verie ill taken by the Earle of Leicester who thought him-selfe wronged in his honour and reputation making them to seeme distastfull vnto the Queene who beeing better informed by the Councell of State which remained there with the Earle of Leicester hauing in the Generall Estates name made their excuse for their sharpe manner of writing beseeching her gratious Maiestie to impute it to the perplexitie of the time and the griese by them conceiued for the soden losse of Deuenter and of the sconce before Zutphen in the end at the instant request of the Councell of State shee sent the Barron of Buckhorst a Nobleman of her Maiesties priuie Councell and of great authoritie into the vnited Prouinces with Doctor Clarke a ciuill Lawier to the end that with the aduise of Collonel Norris and Maister Wilkes they might pacesie all controuersies and reforme all errors to the best contentment of the parties The Lord of Buckhorst beeing arriued in Holland about the end of March in the assemblie of the generall Estates hee required in the name of the Queene his Mistris a more ample declaration of certaine pointes mentioned in their letter of the fourth of February The estates entred vnwillingly into it and would haue wisht that all those complaints had beene forgotten without any further reuiuing of that wound Notwithstanding seeing that hee vrged it so vehemently they answered by an act of the 17. of Iune first they had complayned that the Earle of Leicester would keepe no order in his gouernment nor take any aduice from the Estates or the councell of States as all precedent gouernors of royall bloud yea the Emperors sister had done in the Nethelands That hauing in his absence committed the gouernment vnto the councell by an act of the twenty three of Nouember 1586 the same day by an other act hee had taken their authorty from them retayning vnto him-selfe all absolute power That hee renewed and changed the seale and counterseale of the vnited Prouinces hauing set his owne armes in the midest of the great seale the counter-seale being onely of his armes which neuer any Gouernors had done That vnder collour of piety and relligion hee beleeued flatterers and liars who had taxed the
Estates vnto him to bee enemies to the relligion sor they had refused the ministers the contents of a petition tending to new ordinances and discipline after their owne fantasies as if they would deale in the afrayers of the common weale and the gouernment thereof the which the Prince of Orange the Nobility and the townes did neuer like of to auoyd confusion the said Earle hauing suffred himselfe to bee so perswaded by those flatterers as to giue leaue vnto the ministers to make a generall assembly of a Synode without the Priuity of the Estates to whom the knowledge of such things belonged That they had falsely perswaded him that the councell of Estate was an enemy to his authority and greatnesse and that by their ambition and for their priuat profit they sought to supplant him as appered by a certaine discours presented vnto him of the inuention of Ringault and Stephen Perret whome he did so countenance as hee beleeued what soeuer they said giuing no credit to any of the councell of State They had possest him with such a iealousie and distrust of them so as without the aduice of the said councell he caused Rose-nobles to be coyned in Amsterdam where as they had neuer beene before any mint or sworne officers against the priuiledges of Dordrecht to whome this right doth onely appertaine as to the first and most ancient towne of Holland The Noble was allowed two florins aboue the value according to the course of other coynes All which was done not onely without the aduice of the councell of States but also without taking councell of the presidents and officers of the chamber of accoumpts nor of the generalls of the mynt That he had by the perswasions of the said flatterers made a proclamation of the fourth of Aprill 1586. by the which the nauigation and trafficke into France and Spaine was prohibited tending to the ruine of the Country and retreat of the Marchants and marriners wherein consisted their prosperity That the Earle had neglected to cause two thousand Germaine horse three thousand foote and a thousand Pioners to aduance the which being ioyned with the Queens army and the States he might haue made him-selfe maister of the field and driuen a way the enemy not-with-standing that the mony was redy and so many aduertisments which came so as insteed of making an offenciue warre as they might haue done they were forced to stand vpon the defenciue That fence the Earle had entred into the gouernment there had neuer beene any generall muster of the English horse and foote which the Queene had sent to their succors not-with-standing that the Estates had often required it and he as often promised yea it was found by the accoumpts of her Maiesties treasorers that the entertaynment of those horse men had beene payed by the twelth of Nouember 1585. with her Maiesties money but vpon the countries charge although the said horsemen were not mounted nor ready to passe musters in three moneths after no not halfe that number which ought to haue beene according to the contract Besides that by the great numbers of English Scottish and Irish which the said Earle had brought into the country without the priuity of the Estates and directly contrary to the contract the Prouinces haue beene brought to a confusion for that they had not ballanced this charge with the meanes and Estate of the country which hath beene the cause that the soldiars borne in the country for these ten moneths haue receued but foure paies some three and some but two and the horse-men of the country but two paies the which hath not beene but with the preiudice and great danger of the estate That the Earle by the aduice of his flatterers had erected a tresor chamber against the aduice and consent of the generall Estates and of the councell of State making Iaques Ringault tresorer generall thereof one that was a Spaniard in heart and worthely suspected That hee had also put men into the admiralties at his owne deuotion who had no knowledge of Nauigation strangers not of Holand nor Zeeland nothing acquainted with sea causes and much lesse with warre by sea and prouision for fleets which had beene the cause that the ports of Dunkerk Graueling and Nieuport had done much more harme vnto the Estates that yeare then in all the precedent And withall that hee had giuen commission vnto Ringault to vse a kind of inquisition against the marchants serching not onely their stoore houses and packs but also their studies bookes registers and papers without information of any iudges before whome they might haue defended and Iustified them-selues the which they hold here to be Barbarous and Sauage impugning the liberties and freedomes of the country More-ouer the said Sicophants did incense the people much against their Magistrats as in Vtrecht where they haue chased away the cheefe of the country the like they did vnto Maister Paul Buys a councellor of Estate casting him into prison without doing him right not knowing his aduerse party The said Earle had also suffred himselfe to be so perswaded by these Sicophants as to call in doubt the disposition of the generall Estate of these Prouinces especially of Holland and Zeeland of the which there was neuer question in eight hundred yeare no not against their enemies whereof they haue beene so bold and rash as to discourse and write councelling him among other things to gouerne the country without the Estates and that the gouernment would neuer bee of any force so long as the Estates did deale with the managing of affaiers their authority being but a meere vsurpation and tirany ouer the people which belonged onely vnto the soueraignty and not vnto the Estates who were but seruants to the generality So as they haue proceeded so farre in some places and townes of the country as they caused him to take vpon him the souerainty vnder collour to referre it vnto her Maiesty of England These men seeing also in what credit the house of Nassau was in this country for the great seruices which they had receiued from the deceased Prince of Orange his bretheren and allies they sought to vndermine the foundation And as they had no meanes to supplant and disapoint Prince Maurice of his gouernments of Holland and Zeeland the which were giuen him after his fathers death and ratesied by the contract made with her maiesty to dismember the said gouernment of Holland they made a priuat commission to Dericke Sonoy of the gouernment of Northolland otherwise called West-Freezland of Gorcum to captaine Claeragen of Vianen to the Seignior of Locren of Muyden to captaine Iohn Bacx to gouerne them absolutely vnder the Earles authoritie without the aduice of the Councell of Estates As also there were other priuat Gouernors which were put into the townes of Gelder Vtrecht and Oueryssel all which gouernors would neuer in the least point yeeld vnto Prince Maurice gouernor of Holland not vnto the Earle of Maeurs
beleeued for that Schenk was often accustomed to make vse of the garrison of that towne in that manner His men being thus in armes Patton insteed of Schenk drew in Haultepenne The Bourgers descouering this to soone put them-selues in defence but it was in vaine many flying into the castle which they were forced to yeeld paying their ransome By this treason Collonell Schenck lost his horses armes and all his moueables and treasor which Patton seazed on And as the Prouerbe saies From the Diuell it comes and to the Diuell it goes For al this wealth which Schenck had came by spoiles This Patton by the meanes of his great wealth gotten this waies married the poore widdow of Ponthus of Noyelle Lord of Bours who helpt to pull the Castell of Antwerp out of the Spaniards hands as wee haue said before This Ladye was of the house of Bieure whome the Lord of Champaigny thought to haue married but his gout and Pattons money hindred it the very same night that hee should haue beene made sure to her Prince Maurice of Nassau hauing as wee haue said the gouernment of the Vnited Prouinces committed vnto him in the absence of the Earle of Leicester beeing very desirous to draw the Duke of Parma from the siege of Scluce hee caused the Earle of Hohenlo his Lieutenant to make a roade into Brabant with a smal armie which his men did spoyle and burnt twenty two villages and two small Townes making a shew as if they would besiege Boisledu which hee then thought easie to bee done by reason of the high waters and the dearth of corne where-with the Townes were as then but badly furnished But the Duke of Parma hauing more men then hee needed before Scluce he sent Haultepenne Barlaymonts sonne with two and fortie companies offoote and twenty fiue troopes of horse who incamped at Bixtell not very farre from Boisleduc In the meane time the Estates protracting the succors for Scluce they began to feele the want of the Earle of Leicester and to desire him many saying that his authoritie and presence was very necessary The which the Earle vnderstanding supposing that this should recouer his honour which had beene interessed by their former Imputations and reproches Hauing obtained leaue from her Maiestie hee parted from England and returned into Zealand the sixth of Iuly with many soldiars which hee brought with him where hee was attended with great deuotion where hee made preparation to succor Scluce and to raise the Duke of Parma from the siege Prince Maurice hearing of his comming went vnto him accompanied by Generall Norris who was then to go into England Collonell Schenck and other Collonells with their troops as well of Netherlanders English as Scottish Leauing the Earle of Hohenloo with three thousand men horse and foote in the Iurisdiction of Boisleduc to keepe the Frontiers of Holland attending greater forces from Gelderland Freezeland Vtrecht and other places which came not Yet notwithstanding the Earle of Hohenloo left not to besiege the Fort of Engelen the which hee tooke by force and razed The Lord of Haultepenne being come to raize the siege was incountred by Hohenlos horse-men and defeated Hee was by mischance hurt with the bough of a tree which fell vppon his necke beeing broken downe with a peece of great Ordinaunce from the shippes whereof hee dyed the fourteenth of Iuly in the towne of Boisleduc The Earle of Leicester beeing returned into Zealand for the releeuing os Scluce the Generall Estates came vnto him vnto whome Doctor Leoninus made a speech in his Excellencies behalfe Giuing them to vnderstand that hee was very glad of their arriuall hoping that by his presence hee should bee assisted in the executions of some millitary exploits that were in hand and required expedition the which especially the reliefe of Scluce his excellencie did so much affect as neglecting his owne priuate affaires hee had made hast to returne into these parts for the preseruation of the generall VVhere-vnto his Excellencie hath brought so great an affection that although hee findes his honor interessed by reason of some scandalls which haue beene raized during his absence and certaine letters which were sent into England yet hee desires not by reason of those mistakings the said exploites of warre and other affaires concerning the publike good should be delayed intreating them to enter into conference concerning the Estate of the men of war their pay armes munition and necessary victualls to the end that Scluce might be releeued in conuoied to Bresque where they were receiued by the shippes of Zeeland and transported to Flussingue Thus was Scluce after that it had beene valiantly defended for the space of two monethes in the end giuen ouer for want of succors for the which it seemes they that defended it were but hardly censured by the Estates in giuing it vp so soone Wherevpon Sir Roger Williams in his booke called a discourse of warre makes a breefe relation of the seruice they did within the towne and to iustifie their proceedings the which I haue thought to insert here for the Readers better satisfaction of the particularities I protest sayth hee by the faith of a souldiar that what I write is true As neere as I can remember wee kept the towne of Scluce some three score daies diuers thinke it no time for that Harlem Mastricht and others were kept longer little doe they thinke how those two places were furnished with all things necessary when as the lesser of them both had in it sixe thousand hands to fight and worke Let vs bee rightly censured I will prooue that Bouvines was the most furious siege since the Duke of Aluas arriuall vnto this houre the which beganne and ended in lesse then twenty daies and yet there were more captaines and souldiars spoiled by the sword and bullet then at Harlem which continued ten monethes experimented captaines will confesse that they fury of all breaches are tried in fewe houres Wee were not in Scluce one thousand sixe hundred men to fight worke and all we had to keepe accounting the two forts aboue two miles and a halfe It is well knowne that before wee entred the towne had lost one fort If wee shewed any valour in our entrie let Sir Henry Palmer and his sea-men with them of Zeeland iudge the daunger was such as of the vesselles which carried vs in fiue were taken the next comming out The third tide Sir Charles Blunt afterwards Lord Montioy and Earle of Deuonshire offred fiftie pounds besides the commandement his maisters and marriners receiued at his imbarking to carrie vs in some necessary prouision from Sir William Russell then Lord Gouernor of Flussing who indeed was the causeof our entrie resolution and quick dispatch sending vnto vs a good quantitie of victualls and munition and to say the truth without his importunitie and diligence wee had not entred and then the world knowes the towne had beene lost without blowes as
end the controuersie betwixt him the Earle of Hohenloo which they thought proceeded from the matter in question touching the authority of the Prouinciall Gouernors beeing in hope to bring it to a good end They shewed how ready they had bin to furnish money for the leauying and paying of certaine troupes of horse and foot in Germany for the seruice of the country that they might haue an army in field for two monthes Also their paying of soldiars and the furnishing of the townes with victuals and munition That they had delt with their Admirall Prince Maurice touching their war by sea hoping and desiring that it might go forward That the Nobility and States of Holland had presented a certaine declaration vnto his Excelencie being in Dordrecht desiring some conference and that there might be a good correspondencie betwixt his Excelencie as Gouernor and Captaime general the generall and particular Estates and the gouernors of particular Prouinces that the charges of the war should not exceed as nere as might be the means of their contributions that order might bee taken for the repayring of that which had beene done the yeare before contrary to the contract and for the punishing of such as sought to sowe dissention betwixt his Excelency and the Estates That it was no wonder if the Estates complained when any extraordinary burthen was layd vpon them for if it be wel weighed how the country of Holland which now for these 15. yeares hath maintained warres against so mighty an enemy hath borne so great burthens these two last yeares only towards the ordinary charges of the warres within the country besides the warres at sea diuers particular charges as fortifications of fronter townes forts lodging for soldiars many other known and vnknowne charges haue brought in and paied at the least thirty nine hundreth thousand gilders they may easily suppose that so great a summe of money could not bee leuied without great difficulty so as there was no cause of complaint against them of Holland hauing brought in much more then was spoken of in England notwithstanding their great losses by sea and otherwise by their shipping and trade of marchandise which made them to wonder that such a motion should be made to looke into their Estate to consider if their contribution with her Maiesties aide were sufficient to maintaine the wars as they ought to be The Prince of Orange with the helpe of God and without any great aide from her Maiesty the townes and forts being then vnfortefied did withstand the enemy with lesse then halfe the charges they were now at and yet entertained great forces both by sea and land without any questions of further assurance or better meanes and therefore there was no reason now to doe it vnlesse that men distrusted more now then at other times in the grace and mercie of God In respect whereof seeing they found that her Maiesty would not take the soueraignty of the country vpon her nor yeeld to any greater succors there remained no other hope but with the helpe of God and their contributions to settle some good course for their warres and to entertaine so many horse and foote as they might well pay obseruing good order vnity and discipline and lastly to expect from God a good and prosperous end They sayd they knew not of any proclamations made by them whereby her Maiesties subiects should be molested in France but they had more then once complained against the proclamation made in Vtrecht dated the 4. of Aprill 1586. forbidding al traficke without once hearing the allegations of the Estates touching the inconueniency and discommodity thereof the which would haue bin a great hindrance vnto all those Prouinces and haue bred a dislike betweene them and their neighbors Touching the dealing for a peace they had so great considence in her Maiesty and in his Excelencie that according to the contract they would do nothing therein without the consent of the generall Estates They had herd what the King of Denmarke had propounded in anno 1586. and what was done therein as also of her Maiesties answere touching the imploiment of Andreas de Loo They had bin likewise aduertised by word of mouth from the Lord of Buckhurst and what his Excelencie had certefied them by Walck and Menin councellors of Estate the which was secretly imparted vnto the Estates of the country to haue their aduise therein where her Maiesty was not spoken of but with al honor and due respect giuing no cause wherby any suspition might grow that they should report her Maiesty had sought a peace without their consents and therfore they which had inuented such false surmises deserued to be punished That the Estates of Holland determined to obserue the cōtract made with her Maiesty to put to their helping hāds for the maintenance of his Excelencies honor authority were likewise content to contribute the monthly sum of 200. thousand gilders to bee at the disposition of his Excelencie and of the Councel of State with condition that the other Prouinces should do the like and that out of their contribution the garrisons the charges for the wars which was to be disbursed in Holland for the which they had giuen their words should first be paied They spake of some other particularities as that the State of the warres made with the Lord of Buckhurst was not so chargeable but that if her Maiesties aide of 5000. foote and 1000. horse were complete and the contribution of 200. thousand gilders a month well paied it would serue for the maintenance of their wars and some ouer plus remayning towards the leauying of a good number of horse foot for certaine monthes in the yeare and when need were to bring them to field being well managed Touching the preparation of ships of war the Estates did alwaies vnderstand that the prizes taken at sea would not only be found sufficient for the defraying of that charge but being well vsed there would be a surplusage to be imploied in the offenciue warres Hauing made this answer to euery point of the Earle of Leicesters propositions they besought him that it might bee fauorably interpreted and that reposing their trust in God his Excelency would cōtinue his noble resolution in the defence of those coūtries and so by the helpe of GOD with her Maiesties promised succors being complete and orderly mustred and the contributions of one hundred thousand guilders monthly besides that which shal be gotten by force and otherwise out of Brabant Gelderland Flanders Oueryssel and other places belonging to the enemy the charges of the war should be sufficiently maintained with good order and martiall discipline and by conuerting of the conuoie and license monies to the most benifit of the country The which would not onely bee a meanes to vphold and fortefie the Prouinces but also a great aduancement of her Maiesties and his Exelencies honors reputations and
those commissions who returning home againe from these assemblies make report vnto the Magistrates of the townes and places from whence they were sent of all matters that had past Wherefore you must vnderstand that those which affirme the soueraignty of the country to consist in the Estates their meaning is not of any priuate persons or deputies of townes in particular but of their superiors as of the nobles gentlemen townes and commons whom by the power of their commission they represent And so diuerse Princes and Potentates and euen the Queenes Maiesty her selfe treating with the generall Estates and his Excellency receiuing the commission of gouernor general from them haue esteemed them we cannot be perswaded that any man will vpon any good ground maintaine that the nobles magistrates and councels of townes haue not the same power and authority touching the gouernment of the country now which others before them haue had or then had when as they made the contract with her Maiesty made his Excellency gouernor of the country else question might be made not onely of the force of the contract made with her Maiesty his Excellencies commission but of all that had been done for these 15. yeares the which was a practise of the enemy By these reasons and arguments we thinke to haue sufficiently proued how necessary a thing it is to preserue the authority of the Estates as being the foundation wheron the common preseruation of the country consisteth the which without the ruine decay of the commons cannot be ouerthrowne and that the Estates haue as great authoritie now in all respects as euer any had touching the Soueraigntie of the countrie vnder any Prince in former times And thus it was resolued aâ—… determined in the Hage the sixteenth of Iuly and decreed that it should be registred and a coppie thereof made In Harlem the sixteenth of October 1587. And vnderneath was written By order of the Estates of Holland Signed C de Rechter My Author hath with your patience made this digression to shew what the Estates bee and what their authority is for that it is a very materiall point to be vnderstood and a great question in this history After that the Prince of Parma had taken Scluse hee turned all his disseignes to fortifie him-selfe vppon the Sea with an incredible charge causing new chanells to bee digged in Flanders to passe a kinde of flatte bottomed boats through the countrie and to bring them to the Sea ports especially to Dunkerke and Nieuport to ioyne with that great Sea-armie which the King of Spaine had begun to prepare three yeares before and so with their ioynt forces to sette vppon England and afterwards vpon the Vnited Prouinces As if these two armies of Spaine and the Netherlands had beene sufficient to subdue all the world whereof you shall heare more here-after For which consideration the Duke of Parma suffered the Hollanders Zealanders a while in rest hauing his minde wholy bent to this great and high disseigne The which was very happy for them by reason of the alterations factions and diuisions that were among them the which increased dayly with great bitternesse publishing Inuectiues and Apologies one against the other So as if the Spaniard had charged them during these diuisions which were so great as they were ready to fall from words to blowes without doubt they had made a great breach At this time generally throughout all Holland and Zeeland they were in great feare and perplexitie not onely by reason of the contention betwixt them and their gouernor the Earle of Leicester but also in regard of the dissention growne among them-selues within the said Prouinces where-vpon it was to bee feared that the Queene of England would with-draw her forces and then euery one would follow his owne humor the good with a good zeale and affection although many times with great mistaking the wicked with bad and euil intents yet making an outward shew of good meaning Which moued the Spirituallitie to call a Synode where they resolued by foure Ministers of the word deputed in their names to recommend vnto the Estates the well-fare and preseruation of the Christian religion and the vnitie and good correspondencie with England and with the Earle of Leicester the which was performed by letters Where-vnto the States made answer that they had it in highest greatest recommendation wishing them to be vigilant carefull among them-selues not to suffer any to enter into their Churches nor into the Ministerie that vnder pretence of religion sought to resist the Magistrates and to bring them into hatred dislike and iealousie with the common people as it hapned in Flanders to the Prince of Orange of famous memory to the totall ruine of the Churches there and that now by the meanes of strange and vnaccustomed gouernment they might do the like which they knew had beene both sought and practised That they were resolued to obserue the contract made with her Maiestie as they were bound and to maintaine his Excellencie in the authority which belonged vnto him Lastly they desired them to direct all their actions to the building vp of CHRIST his Church and to let the Churches of Flanders bee a glasse for them to looke in and to pray vnto GOD for their hedde and other Magistrates with many other admonitions Vppon the same subiect the Scout Burguemaisters Schepen and Councell of Vtrecht writte very earnestly vnto the Estates of Holland the one and twentith of September charging them in a manner as if they ment to shake of the Queene of England and the Earle of Leicester and to dislike of the contribution Where-vnto they of Holland made answer the sixteenth of October saying that their letter seemed to bee written in passion by certaine strangers newly crept into the gouernment who sought to couer their contentious factions by bringing the Estates of Holland into iealousie assuring them of Vtrecht that they would carry themselues in such sort as their neighbours should haue no cause to dislike of them obseruing the contract and yeelding vnto the Earle of Leicester such authority as was promised him and which the Prouinces might indure for the which they were bound to be more carefull then they of Vtrecht as hauing pawned their townes to the English-men for securitie thereof for the which they of Vtrecht had giuen but their billes in writing And that they needed not exclaime against them touching the contribution of Holland when as it was apparent that for many yeares besides their ordinary contributions for the necessary garrisons of Townes and Forts in Holland and the charges of the warres by sea there had bin eight or nine thousand foote ten or twelue hundred horse entertained by them towards the assistance and aide of their neighbors the vnited Prouinces aduising them to be carefull not to fall into controuersie with their gouernors as they of Gant Bruges and Boisleduc had
ouer and aboue the charges disbursed for the maintenance of the shipps of warre a defensiue warr might be well maintayned and withall an army for certaine moneths euery yeare brought into the field so as the managing of the mony and contriâ—…utions might not be committed to priuate persons but to the noble councell of estate All this was presented by some vnto her Maiesty in manner of a declaration and that there ought no peace be spoken of as being altogether vncertaine and that the propositions of peace might be a meanes to seperate and breed diuision in in the vnited Prouinces as euery one by the first reconciliation would pretend their owne furtherance that the collonels captaines and soldiars would euery one seeke to be the first should make his composition and that the king of Spaine would gladly make peace with the vnited Prouinces that so he might with more ease ouer-runne and conquer England and that the kindome of England although it had many enemies by reason of the goodly scituation gneeded not to feare him much hauing Holland Zeland and Freezland for friends but the great number of shippes and saylers and the welth of the said Prouinces being ioyned with Spaine were dangerous for England as it appeared the last yeare by the bringing in of so many ships laden with corne of what power they are at sea and how they stop the riuers of Elbe and Ems with other hauens shewing allso what great meanes they had to impeach the trade of marchandize and the free venting of the English clothes and other commodities And if they were able to doe so much now being in a manner forsaken of all the world what will they doe when they shall bee ioyned to the power countenance and authority of the King of Spaine which would strike a great feare into Denmarke and other countryies and therfore they concluded that her Maiesty should do well not to forsake the vnited Prouinces neither yet to discomfort them least they should be constrayned to make a priuat peace The Queene of England finding that these diuisions partialities betwixt the Estates and the Earle of Leicester increased daily more and more sence his departure out of England into Holland she resolued to call him home into England and to make him giue ouer his gouernment In the meane time the councell of the estates laboured to make a reconciliation betwixt them whereof they were in great hope and to that end had written to the Earle of Leicester But the Queenes Maiesty all matters set a part sent for the Earle to come into England who before hee had receiued the said letter from the councell of estate did write vnto the generall estates on the 26 of Nouember saying THat he was much greeued that her Maiesty was so displeased with their bad cariage towards him without occasion hauing giuen no aduertisement thereof wherevpon her Maiesty had commanded him by one of her seruants to returne againe into England touching certaine especiall affayers saying that it greeued him much hee had not the meanes while he remayned there to aduenture his person in some seruice for the country as hee desired and had alwaies earnestly pretended protesting before God that hee should depart from thence with a good and a cleare conscience as hauing done no more thâ—…n his quality and place required leauing the rest to be answered by them that openly seeke the ouerthrowe of Gods Church and of so many poore people to satisfie their owne priuat willes and appetites but he ment not thereby to charge well minded men who hee hoped would conforme them-selues to her Maiesties good will and pleasure whome it had pleased to giue so fauorable ayde and assistance to these Prouinces as by the charge which her Maiesty had giuen to her Ambassador a Gentleman of good esteeme well affected to the good of the country more plainely will appeere He could be content to bee a meanes to further their cause to her Maiesty so as they made any accoumpt to hold and esteeme her as a friend according to the contract made with her with that which therevnto belonged as reason requireth vntil that by her Maiesty and a common consent it shall be otherwise determined whervnto he desired their answer with the first And as he found by the contract made with her Maiesty that the Gouernor generall appoynted by her should together with the councell of estate haue the ordring and managing of the chefest causes concerning the estate and the wars therefore he thought it conuenient in his absence that the authority should remaine in the hands of the councell of estate according to the contract where the said ambassador should be resident in her Maiesties name and that all dispatches shall bee signed by the cheefe of them there resident the which should continue vntill it were other wise prouided by her Maiesty wherof he would aduertise them with al conuenient speed and for the command of the English forces vnder the Queenes pay her Maiesty had appointed the Lord Willoughby to whome he had giuen in charge to hold good correspondency with them with the councell of the state and other commanders so he referred them to that which Maister Harbert had in her Maiesties behalfe to shew them Subscribed Your good friend ROBERT LEICESTER THis letter came vnto the Estates hands the second of December where-vpon the next day after the generall Estates wrot vnto the Earle of Leicester how that they vnderstood of his going into England beseeching him to recommend the estate of the country vnto her Maiesty saying they had written vnto the estates of the particular Prouinces to meet together who for want of sufficient authority were not yet al come at which their meeting they would resolue vpon certaine deputies to be sent into England to deale with her Maiesty about the affaires of the country So within few dayes after the Earle of Leicester departed out of the Netherlands leauing the Lord Willoughby generall of the English forces and Doctor Harbert her Maiesties Ambassador to sollicit the generall Estates toyeeld vnto a peace The Earle of Leicester beeing returned into England the Queene commanded him to resigne his gouernment of the Netherlands into the hands of the generall Estates from wome hee had receiued it the which hee did the seauenteenth of December by an Act vnder his hand as followeth ROBERT Earle of Leicester Baron of Denbighe c. Lieutenant for the Queenes Maiestie of England Gouernor and Captaine generall of the Vnited Prouinces To all to whome these presents shall come greeting As it was her Maiesties pleasure to giue vs the charge to bee her Lieutenant generall of all the forces sent by her for the ayde and assistance of the vnited Prouinces according to a contract made with the Estates concerning the same where-vppon the said generall Estates had also imposed vppon vs the gouernment of the said Prouinces both for matters polliticke
of Rine The Duke of Cleues and Iuliers aduised Ernest of Bauaria Bishoppe of Cologne and Leige to make a friendly accord with Schenck or at the least to gette more time to make preparation to beseege it that he should make a truce with him As touching an accord which was propounded by the Duke of Cleaues commissioners Schenck would willingly haue giuen eare vnto it except some poynts concerning the contribution But it seemed vnto Bishop Ernest that this accord would bee some blemish to his reputation authority and greatnesse and that there-by hee should incense the King of Spaine so as nothing was done desiring rather to call the Duke of Parma to his succors to his great charge and his subiects ruine who afterwards sent the Prince of Chymay to beseege it as we shall here The second of December some of the Estates men surprized Ville-woord two Leagues from Brussells the which they spoyled but being scituated in the champian country and not able to keepe it they abandoned it in their retreat some lewd persons seâ—… fire of it so as many houses were burnt The Queene of England being importuned by the king of Spaine to make a peace who vnder this pretext sought to lul her a sleepe vntill that his sea army were all redy was resolued to giue eare therevnto and to enter into some conference with his Deputies the place of their assembly being appointed at Bourbroue in Flanders and to that end she sent in October past vnto the generall estates of the vnited Prouinces Doctor Herbert one of her Maisters of request and Ioachim Ortels agent in England for the said estates to vnderstand their disposition and resolution toward a peace giuing them charge to protest openly that either they must send their Deputies with hers to treat of a peace or else she would call backe her troups into England The Estates hauing assembled all the Nobility gentlemen and townes not-with-standing all forraigne and home-bred troubles the mutinies of their soldiars ciuill factions and the threats of the great Spanish Armado which they were well informed was comming with so great a power waighing all circomstances with a constant and firme resolution they absolutly reiected all treaties of peace with the enemy And although they had giuen the Queenes Ambassadors a very resolute answer yet this yeare 1588. they sent Sebastian Loze and Leonard Cazembroot two councellors of estate vnto her Maiesty to disswade her from all treaty of peace for the which these were partly their reasons That in respect of her Maiesties honor they were to conforme themselues to any thing that should be pleasing vnto her yet they thought it fit to aduertise and fore-warne her that she could not expect any firme and assured peace from the king of Spaine being the head of the holy league which all former acts contracts doe plainely testefie for there is no disposition in the King of Spaine to yeeld to the free excercise of the reformed relligion wherfore they besought her Maiesty to surcease al treaties of peace for a while saying that time would soone teach them more experience desiring to know what conditions the Duke of Parma propounded and what her Maiesty pourposed to demaund on their behalfes and how shee ment to proceed touching the ancient alliances betwixt her Kingdome and the Netherlands Moreouer it was to be considered that the Estates of the vnited Prouinces were not to be held so poore nor desperate in regard of their power and willingnes to raise necessary contributions for the common defence of the country seeing that in the said Prouinces during the espace of two yeares whilest the Earle of Liecester was gouernor they had leuied foure score hundred thousand gilders which amounts to eight hundred thousand pounds starling onely for the extraordinary charges of casuall warre by sea and by land and that the Prounices being well and orderly gouerned were able not only to contribute the like summes but to rayse more so as they had no reason to despaire of the successe of their affaires In regard of the scituation and strength of the Prouinces which are vnited that there is no country in the world stronger then it hauing yet aboue sixty townes and forts able to resist the enemies forces where by they were not afraide of the enemies approch neither yet doubted to make head against him wherefore their countries cause was not to be held desperate As for the diuisions and factions that were within the said Prouinces they would presently cease the treaty of peace being broken of and that her Maiesties resolution might be openly deliuered that for the mayntayning and preseruing of those countries in vnity and concord she would appoint some Nobleman of quality according to the contract which they had made with her to gouerne the same and obseruing all good order to yeeld vnto euery one his due according to his office and authority which hetherto had not beene done and was the fountayne of all mistaking The treatie of peace would bring with it a despaire both in the maintaining of religion and pollicie and an abandoning of the country by the best Inhabitants and among such as are not yet well grounded and setled in religion a kinde of suspition and falling from the Church of God And they of the Romish religion should bee thereby the more imboldned and dayly fortified Many of the reformed religion and good common-weales men would presently make difficultie to contribute their money as thinking ready money their best marchandise to take with them when they shall bee forced to forsake the country And they of the Romish religion would refuse and hinder the contribution there-by to presse them to a peace The chiefe Collonels Captaines and Soldiers both by sea and land would bee the worse paide and would feare that a peace being concluded they would be little esteemed and for that cause they would practise priuate mutinies and treasons to purchase the enemies fauour and to get what money they could to the apparent losse of many frontier townes and fortes The prouinces and townes that are most diuided and in contention one with the other and haue alwaies beene so would now by procurement of the enemie in case it happened seeke their priuate reconciliations not-with-standing all promises what-so-euer made by them to the contrary Through the apparent disorder of men of warre the ceasing of contribution with many other inconueniences which might happen the common people would bee drawne into disobedience and the affaires of the countrie brought in question the which although she would cease all speech of peace her Maiestie should not be able to preuent neither by her owne nor by the Estates authority so as the enemy should haue meanes to prescribe what conditions he pleased A peace being once concluded yea with the fairest and best conditions the one halfe of those that are best resolued in religion would go out of the country and the rest
her forces and aide into England and let them defend themselues as well as they could without troubling himselfe any more with their affaires These speeches beeing deliuered with some vehemency made the Estates to bethinke themselues But when as the generall Estates and Prince Maurice had written letters dated the first of March shewing the ground of that diuision The Queene vpon the 27. of March wrot her letters to the Lord Willoughby commanding him to reconcile Prince Maurice and Sonoy for that she could not expect any good by the accepting of such offers from diuers townes who sought to yeeld themselues into her hands whereby rumors might be spred abroad that shee sought cunningly and vnder-hand to get townes into her powre and so to deliuer them ouer vnto the enemie and thereby to seeke to make her owne peace or else to force the Estates to such an agreement as shee pleased and therefore shee willed the Lord Willoughby to perswade all such townes to bee obedient vnto the generall Estates and that he should not meddle with any of them neither yet countenance them Wherevpon the garrison of Medenblike beganne to faint seeing the Earle of Leicesters gouernment to bee resigned into the Estates hands for the which cause they had begunne their mutiny yet the siege continued vnto Aprill in the yeare of Lord 1588. and so by the meanes of the English all was pacefied the souldiars of the garrison going out of the towne with pasports and Prince Maurice his souldiars entring into their places Collonel Sonoy went to Alckmar to make his excuse To whom afterwardes they of Medenblike and others did great harme spoyling his house and goods and afterwards in the yeare 1590. he went into England to make his complaint vnto the Queene as you shallhere after heare In Westfriseland there arose great troubles for that diuers sought to perswade the Queene to take the soueraignty vpon her or else to haue an absolute protection vnder the Earle of Leicester with ful authority but the general Estates knowing the Queenes Maiesties minde and seeing the sinister practises of the Earle of Leicester they sought to bring them to obedience by compulsion and for that cause they tooke the President Doctor Ielger Aysma a worthy and a zealous but yet a very violent man and committed him with others to prison thereby to daunt the rest of that faction the which in the yeare 1589. was some-what pacified About this time in Marche the garrison of Geertruydenberg began to mutine vnder pretence of seruice for the Queene of England and would neither accept of the Estates Prince Maurice nor of any other gouernor neither would they treate with any man but with the Lord Willoughby generall of the English forces tearing their Cornets Ensignes and Banderolles in peeces carrying themselues in all sorts like traitors and sworne enemies of the country taking and ransacking the boates and ships which past along betwixt Holland and Zeeland but at the last by the mediation of the Lord Willoughby they had two hundred sixteene thousand Gilders payed them in ready money vpon certaine conditions the which were not well obserued by them as here-after you shall heare and so the mutinie for that time ceased Collonell Sehenck Marshall to the Prince Elector Truhcses hauing surprized Bonne as you haue heard Ernest Archbishop and Prince of Cologne and Liege hauing reiected all treaties of accord which the Duke of Cleues did labour he sent to the Duke of Parma for succors to besiege it who hauing charge to attend the great armie that was comming out of Spaine against England sent the Prince of Chymay the onely sonne of the Duke of Arschot with diuerse troupes both of horse and foote And for that most of the Commanders lay then in Flanders with the Duke of Parma being ready to passe ouer into England as they thought Verdugo Gouernor of Frizeland with Taxis his Lieutenant were appointed to ayde them Don Manriques de Lara was also sent thether to giue them instructions as being well acquainted with the scituation of the country but hee stayed not long there but returned into Flanders to doe some exployte against the English Schencke seeing this storme approache and that the Princes of Germany had refused to meddle in these Princes quarrell the one hauing sued for succours of the Protestants the other of the Romish Catholicks and of the Spaniards hee went as Marshall to Truchses to an Imperiall dyet held in Germany Where hee declared that by commandement of Prince Truchses he had seized vpon the Towne of Bonne hauing wrested it out of the Spaniards hands for that it is an Imperiall towne the which the King of Spaine did seeke to incorporate to himselfe as if it had beene his owne inheritance That hee could hardly defend it against so mighty an enemie offring to deliuer it vp to the Empire who might easily defend and maintaine it seeing that hee had taken it with so little labour admonishing the Princes and Estates of the Empire that it was high time to preuent the Spaniard least hee crept farther into their limits for whatsoeuer he got was hardly got from him againe and that which they might now preuent with small charge should not bee neglected seeing it would not bee recouered but with great difficultie Wherefore the Germaines should now make shew of their wisdomes and discretions before that the Spaniard by his dilligence as hee had lost it by negligence should recouer it who not satisfied with that seeing himselfe planted there would not faile to extend himselfe into their territories Shewing moreouer that if the Prince of Orange had with small meanes made warre and with-stood the attempts of so mighty a King with greater reason they should striue to resist him and to preuent his haughtie desseignes Preuenting not onely the recouerie of the Netherlands which hee had lost by his owne fault but also to conquer Germanie and all the kingdomes of Christendome to make him-selfe a sole and absolute Monarke The Marshall Schenck sought by these speeches and other reasons which hee propounded to stirre vp the drouzie spirits of the Germaines Where-vnto answere was made him That experience had made them sufficiently wise in the assistance which they had giuen vnto France and the Netherlands and that the present matters were so farre aduanced by the forces and succours which the Bishop of Cologne had procured from the Spaniards whome hee had caused to enter into the limits of the Empire as there would bee little good gotten although they should free the towne of Bonna That they had sufficiently knowne what aduancement the assistance of the French King brought vnto the affaiers of the Duke of Aniou his brother and of the Queene mother to Don Anthony King of Portugall against the King of Spaine at the conquest of the Iland of Asores and that the Queene of England had succored the said Don Anthony with men and shippes all without
once Lord ouer England hee might easily debarre them of all traficke by Sea the which not without great and probable reasons was held easie to bee done by such as were best acquainted with the scituation of England and the Netherlands together with the trafficke and commerce of the sayd contries Whervpon the King of Spaine hauing preuailed little with one and twenty yeares warre in the Netherlands hee concluded with his priuie councell once againe to inuade the Netherlands by sea the which hee had often attempted but not with sufficient forces where-vnto hee should now bee constrained to vse a greater power in regarde that England was then his enemy the scituation of which great Iland is such as it may hinder all trafficke and negotiation in those parts what-so-euer Wherevpon hee was fully resolued first to inuade England which Escouedo Secretarie to Don Iohn of Austria and many subtill Spanish and Netherland spirits with some English rebells held more easie to bee conquered then Holland and Zeeland perswading the King that it would bee much more profitable to inuade both England and the vnited Prouinces by sea at one instant then to entertaine continually a mightie armie to prohibit the trafficke of England and the Netherlands into both the Indies For the effecting whereof in the beginning of this yeare 1588. hee had gathered together so great a fleete of shippes at Lisbon as in many hundred yeares before the like had not beene seene North-wards in the Ocean seas In the which there came so many great Commanders Noblemen and voluntarie Gentlemen as there was not any house of honor and credit in Spaine but had a sonne brother or nephew in this action who all thought with this inuincible armie as they termed it to winne eternall honor and to make them-selues rich in England and the Netherlands The description of this armie and of euery particular was set forth in Print by the Spaniards whereof I will make a breefe rehearsall Portugall did furnish to this great fleete vnder the conduct of the Duke of Medina Sidonia Generall of the whole Armie ten great gallions two small ships thirteene hundred Saylers three thousand three hundred soldiers three hundred fiftie peeces of great ordinance and all other things necessary Biscaie vnder the command of the Admirall Iohn Martinez de Richalde brought ten gallions foure pinasses seauen hundred Saylers two thousand soldiers and two hundred and fiftie peeces of ordinance Guypusco vnder the conduct of Michael de Oquendo furnished ten gallions foure-teene pinasses seauen hundred sailers two thousand saylers foure score peeces of ordinance Andolozia vnder the command of Pedro de Valdez ten gallions one pinasse eight hūdred sailers two thousand foure hundred soldiers two hundred sixty peeces of ordinance Italy vnder the leading of Martin de Bretendona ten gallions eight hundred saylers two thousand soldiers and three hundred and ten peeces of ordinance Castilia vnder the conduct of Diego Floris de Valdez foureteene gallions two pinasses a thousand seauen hundred saylers two thousand three hundred soldiers and three hundred and foure score peeces of ordinance And vnder the command of Iohn Lopez de Medina there were three and twenty hulkes seauen hundred saylers two thousand three hundred soldiers and foure hundred and ten peeces of ordinance Vnder the leading of Hugo de Moncado there were sent frō Naples foure galliasses with 1200. slaues to rowe in them 480. saylers 870. soldiers and 200. peeces of ordinance Out of Portugall vnder the conduct of Diego de Medrana were sent foure galleys with 880. slaues 424. saylers 440. soldiers with ordinance accordingly There were two and twenty pinasses and other small ships vnder the gouernment of Don Antonio Buccado de Mendoza with 574. saylers 479. soldiers and 193. peeces of ordinance Besides all these there were twenty Carauels laden with owers ready for the great ships if need required so as they were one and other a hundred and fifty sayles well prouided in the which they had aboue 8000. saylers and 20000. soldiers besides the commanders officers and voluntary gentlemen and 2650. peeces of ordinance Their shippes being so great as they might haue carryed three score thousand tunnes in burthen The gallions being aboue 60. in number were exceeding great faire and strong and built high aboue the water like Castles easie to bee fought withall but not so easie to borde as the English and the Netherland ships their vpper decks were Musket proofe and beneath they were foure or fiue foote thick so as no bullet could passe them Their Mastes were bound thick about with Ocham or peeces or fazeled ropes and armed against all shot The Galliasses were goodly great vessels furnished with chambers chappels towers pulpits and such like they rowed like galleys with exceeding great owers each hauing 300. slaues and were able to doe much harme with their great ordinance In this great fleete were one thousand sixe hundred great brasse peeces and aboue one thousand Iron peeces to the which were two hundred and twenty thousand bullets foure thousand sixe hundred Kintals of powlder one thousand Kintalls of Lead one thousand two hundred Kintals of Match seuen thousand Muskets and Caliuers ten thousand partisans and halberds with murthering peeces double canons and field peeces with great store of furniture for carriages mules horses and whatsoeuer was necessary for an Armie either by sea or land There was bread and bisket prouided for sixe moneths euery one hauing allowance of halfe a hundred a moneth Wine for sixe moneths Bacon sixe thousand and fiue hundred Kintals cheese three thousand quintals besides flesh rice beanes pease oyle and viniger and twelue thousand pipes of fresh water they had great store of torches lanthornes lampes canuas hides and leade to stop holes made with great ordinance and other things needfull for their vse This armie cost the King thirty thousand ducats euery day as Don Diego Piementell confessed reporting the same to bee two and thirty thousand strong In this armie were fiue regiments of old Spanish soldiers of the Tertios of Naples Sicilie and the Terceraes commanded by fiue Maisters del Campo The first was Don Diego de Piementel brother to the Marquis of Taueras and cousin to the Earles of Beneuent and Calui he was a Knight of the order of Saint Iohn and was allyed to many of the best houses of Spaine The second Collonel was Don Francisco de Toledo brother to the Earle of Orgas The third Don Alonso de Luson The fourth Don Nicholas de Isla or Patritio Anselmo The fift and last Augustin Mexia brother to the Marquis de la Garda who was afterwards made gouernor of the castle of Antwerp each Collonell hauing in his regiment two and thirty companies besides the Italian and Portugall bands No women nor whores were suffred to enter into any ship vpon paine of great punishment but such women as were with them hired ships and followed the armie
and were most cast vpon the coast of France The Generall of this mighty armie was Lodouicus Perez Duke of Medina Sidonia and Baron of Saint Lucas a Knight of the order of the Golden Fleese the Marquis of Sancta Cruce who was named for that charge being dead not long beford Iohn Martinez de Ricalde a wise Gentleman was Admirall Don Francisco Bouadille Marshall And for chiefe councellors in the warre Diego Pimentel Flores de Valdez Pedro de Valdez Michael Oquendo Don Alonso de Lieua Don Diego Maldonado Don Georgio Manriquez and many others Don Martin Alarson was Vicar generall of the holy Inquisition and with him aboue a hundred Monkes Iesuites and other religious men There were many Noblemen and aboue one hundred and twentie Gentlemen of good esteeme aduenturers that went at their owne charges to winne honor among the which were the Prince of Ascoly the Marquis of Pennafyel the Marquis of Barlango with many other Marquises and Earles of good account Whilest this armie was in this sort preparing the Duke of Parma receiued commandement from the King to make ready his forces in the Netherlands to ioyne with this armie where-vpon hee sent for ship-writes and worke-men out of Italy to build shippes setting many thousands on worke to digge and deepen riuers especially the riuer of Iperlee to bring certaine shippes from Antwerpe to Gant and so to Bruges where hee gathered together aboue three hundred small Boates lading them with victuals and munition the which hee thought to bring to Scluce and so into the Sea or through the new deepned water of Iperlee into the other hauens of Flanders Hee had also prepared three score and ten flatte bottomed boates which laye in the water of Watene euery one able to carry thirty horses with bridges made to shippe and vnship them There were also two hundred flatte bottomed boates more ready in the hauen of Newport but not so big as the others In Dunkerke they had made ready two and thirty ships of warre and hauing want of saylers hee sent to Hambrough Emden Breme and other places to hire them hee expected fiue ships from Hambrough well appointed with many saylers and had hyred fiue ships that then lay at Dunkerke These shippes hee went to lade with great store of piles of wood made sharpe at the ends with Yron pikes and at Graueling hee had twenty thousand emptie caske which might soone bee made fast one vnto the other with cordes like a bridge with all other furniture to make bridges to stoppe hauens and to pyle vp waters and to that end hee had prouided within Nieuport a mighty great heape of fagots and all other prouision for sconses Hee had shipt many saddles and bridles and other furniture for horses and horses also for carriages with ordinance and all other necessary prouision for the warre Neere vnto Nieuport hee had lying vnder the command of Camillo maister of the campe thirty companies of Italians two of Wallons and eight of Bourguignons euery company being a hundred men At Dyxmewe hee mustred foure score companies of Netherlanders three score of Spaniards three score of high Dutches and seauen of rebellious and trayterous Englishmen vnder the leading of Sir William Stanley and others which were ready to take shippe In the suburbes of Cortricke there were foure thousand lodged and at VVatene nine hundred horse with the Cornet of the Marquis of Guast who was generall of the horse To this great enterprize and imaginary conquest diuerse Princes and Noblemen came from diuerse countries Out of Spaine came the Duke of Pastrana who was sayd to be the sonne of Ruy Gomez de Silua Prince of Mileto but hee was held to bee the Kings Bastard sonne the Marquis of Bourgou one of the Archduke Ferdinands sonnes by Philippina Welserime Don Vespasian Gonsagua of the house of Mantua a great soldier who had beene Viceroy in Spaine Don Iohn de Medices bastard of Florence Don Amedeus bastard of Sauoy with many such like besides others of meaner qualitie Sixtus Quintus Pope of Rome forgot not likewise to send forth his Crusado as hee vseth against the Turkes published by his Bulles for the furthering of this great enterprise with great perswasions the which were Printed in all places The Englishmen and the Netherlanders scoft at these Bulls saying that the diuill was become a theefe by the high way and cared not for such pasports It was sayd hee had giuen the realme of England to the King of Spaine with the title of the defender of the Christian faith commanding him to ouer-runne the same vpon condition that hee should hold it as feudatorie of the Sea of Rome and to that end the Pope should contribute a Million of golde the one halfe to bee payed presently and the other when England or any notable hauen therein should be wonne The Queene hearing of this great preparation in Spaine shee sent forth her shippes of warre with other Marchants shippes the greatest to lye at Plymouth in the West parts vnder the command of the Lord Charles Haward Lord high Admirall of England and of many other Noble men of qualitie and the small shippes being some forty or fiftie sayle kept the narrow Seas betwixt Douer and Calais vnder the conduct of the Lord Henry Seymor sonne to the Duke of Sommerset The vnited Prouinces first of all in regarde of the shallowes and flattes of their coast made prouision of twenty small shippes to keepe all the hauens of Flanders from Lillo in the riuer of Scheld vnto Graueling by Calais putting great garrisons into their sea Townes and when as this great armie of Spaniards should bee ready to come they sent forth Captaine Loucke of Rosendale with fiue and twenty or thirty shippes to ioyne with the Lord Henry Seymor but when as the shippes were forced by a storme to leaue the Flemish coast and to sayle backe into Zeeland it beeing past they put to sea againe and with them Iustinus of Nassau the Admirall and Ioyâ—… Moyer vice-admirall of Zeeland being in all about fiue and thirty ships from a hundred and sixtie to fiue hundred tun burthen a peece very well appointed with great store of good saylers and 1200. old soldiers all Musketiers chosen out of the regements and well acquanted with the sea being fully resolued to fight and to keepe the Duke of Parma from bringing his fleet out of any hauen in Flanders whereon consisted the greatest part of their safety Vpon the nine and twenty day of May 1588. this great and mightie armie of Spaine put to sea and sailed from Lisbon to the Groine in Gallicia where they tooke in more men and munition it being the neerest hauen to England Being at sea they were scattered by a tempest the Duke of Medina entring againe into the Groine with foure score shippes the rest following as well as they could except eight of them which had spent their Maisters Of the foure
Galleies which came out of Portugall one by great fortune was saued in that hauen the other three were driuen into Bayon vpon the coast of France whereas one Dauy Gwin an English slaue with diuers French and Turkish slaues first ouercame the one and then wonne the rest whereas Don Diego de Mendiana was slaine the slaues sauing themselues in France with these Galleies they thought to haue driuen the Zeeland shippes from the coast of Flanders and so to haue drawne the Duke of Parmaes shippes out of the hauens The Spanish armie beeing refresht and their shippes rigged againe receiuing daylie commandement from the King to put to sea on the one and twenty of Iulie they went out of the Groine and sailed till they came to the entrie of the English chanell from whence they sent certaine small Pynnasses to the Duke of Parma to certefie him of their comming and to will him to make himselfe readie to ioyne with them The Spanish fleet being discouered by an English pinnasse and the Lord Admirall beeing aduertised thereof when hee little expected them supposing that the fore sayd storme would haue kept them longer in harbour on the nine and twenty of Iuly early in the morning hee made all the hast hee could to get his shippes out of the hauen of Plimouth imbarking his men not without great trouble and difficultie the same night hee himselfe with sixe shippes onelie put forth to sea and the rest following as fast as they could On the thirtie day of Iulie at noone they had a sight of the Spanish fleete the winde beeing then fouth-west holding their course as it seemed directly for Plimouth but perceiuing the English shippes without the hauen they sailed along the coast wherein many of good iudgement thought they committed a great error but they had expresse commission to saile directly towardes Flanders and both togither to assaile England about Margat but it is reported that the chiefe amongst them and such as had greatest experience in sea causes as Iohn Martinez de Ricalde Diego Flores de Valdez and other's shewed great reasons and sayd that it could not otherwise bee but that great difficulties would arise in their proceedings hauing such limmited instructions alledging many things that were to bee obserued in such actions as whether winde and tide to get out of the hauens of Flanders and to enter vpon the coast of England as also darke and light moone-shine nights roades and depthes all beeing subiect to the windes and other seuerall daungers but their Commission was they should followe their instructions and anchor about Calais where the Duke of Parma should come to him with his flat bottomed boates and so passe on vnder the protection and gouernment of the great shippes or els whilest they were in sight should saile along and land his men in the Downes but as the prisoners confessed they chiefe deseigne was to haue entred into the mouth of the riuer of Thames And as the Spanish fleete past along by Plimouth the English army made presently towardes them and got the winde of them On the one and thirtie daie the English bare vp close with the Spanish fleete within musket shot the Admirall shooting verie hotly against the Vice admirall of Spaine which when the Spaniardes suspecting and perceiued that the English played so on them with their great Ordinance they kept verie close togither in order of battaile and in the forme of a halfe moone carrying but little saile for that they would not loose any of their companie and holding their course in that manner one of their great Galliasses was wonderfully battred by the English shippes and they sailed so close and nere togither as the chiefe Gallion of Sicilia wherein Don Pedro de Valdez Don Basco de Silua and Don Alonso de Sayas with other Gentlemen were brake her mast against an other shippe whereby it was not able to follow the fleet neither would the army stay to helpe her but left her behinde which the Admirall of England descrying being loth to loose the sight of the Spanish fleet past by her in the night with as many shippes as could follow her for that Sir Francis Drake who was appointed that night to beare the Lanthorne had fiue great Hulkes in chase the which were seperated from the Spanish fleet and found them to bee marchants shippes of the East countries so as the English Admirall did all night follow the Spanish Lanthorne and in the morning found himselfe to bee in the midst of his enemies wherevpon hee made all the hast hee could to free himselfe of so great a daunger On the first of August Sir Francis Drake met with Don Pedro de Valdez ship hauing foure hundred and fifty men in her whom he sommoned to yeeld after some parle Don Pedro vnderstanding that it was Drake whose fame was so great yeelded himselfe and was well intreated In this shippe there was some part of the King of Spaines treasor about fifty fiue thousand ducats which was all made prize The same Vice-admirall Oquendos shippe was set on fire in the which there was great store of poulder and munition it was burnt downe to the water and verie fewe of the men saued this shippe was also taken and carried into England with many poore men miserably burnt yet the poulder beeing vnder the hatches was miraculously preserued This night the English Admirall had followed the Spanish fleet so close as in the morning hee was alone among his enemies so as it was foure of the clocke in the afternoone before that all his fleet could reach him It is sayd that at that instant Don Hugo de Moncado Generall of the Galleasses did presse the Duke of Medina to giue him leaue to charge the Admirall which by no meanes he would grant in regard of his limmited commission Vpon Twesday the second of August the Spanish fleet was thwart of Portland and then the winde came Northward which was against the English but they recouered it soone againe for they were small shippes and of better saile that day there was a verie great fight betweene them but the Spaniards seeing the English shippes maintaine it so valiantly all the daie long they gathered themselues againe togither and sailed on their intended course which was to ioyne with the Duke of Parma about Dunkerke In this fight a great Venetian shippe with an other smal shippe of the enemies were sonke The English armie increased daylie beeing about one hundred saile but most of them too small ships to board the Spaniards except two or three and twenty of the Queenes great ships which onely made the greatest fight Thether also came many Noblemen as the Earles of Oxford Northomberland Comberland and others with many knights and Gentlemen of the best houses of England to winne honor The third of August the sea beeing very calme the fight continued onely betweene the Galliasses and the English ships who for that they went with
but the English had the aduantage being better of saile and could easelier wind and turneabout them going close vp to them and discharging their broad sides and so continued the fight with their great and smale shotte all the day long vntill their poulder and bullets began to fayle them so as they thought it not conuenient to board the Spaniards in regard of the greatnesse of their shippes and for that they kept themselues so close together being content to haue driuen them from Callis and Dunkerke and from ioyning with the Duke of Parma but especially for that they had forced them to sayle before the wind and to passe a long beyond their coast That day the Spiniards receiued great hurt both in their shippes and losse of men by reason that many of their shippes were shotte betwixt wind and water In all these fights the English lost not one shippe nor any man of quality nor aboue a hundred men in all There were so many of the Spanish shipes shotte vnder the water as in the night and the next day two or three of them sounke among the which there was a great shippe of Biscaye whereof some of the men were saued who shewed that the commanders of that shippe had stabbed one another for that one of them perswaded the rest to yeeld so as the other thrust him into the body with his poiniard whose brother reuenged his death in stabbing him and there-with the shippe sounke presently The same night two great gallions of Portugall of fourteene or sixteene hundred tonnes a peece were forsaken by the fleet the one called Saint Phillip the other Saint Mathew being shotte so vnder water as they could hardly keepe them-selues vpright In the Saint Phillip was Don Francisco de Toledo brother to the Earle of Orgas and one of the 5. collonels with other gentlemen whose mast being shotte downe they sought to saue them-selues in Flanders but finding it impossible the cheefe men escaped in boats and the shippe was taken by the Flusingers In the Saint Mathew was Don Diego de Piementel an other of the Collonels being brother to the Marquis of Taueras with many other gentlemen and Captaines hauing a great leake before Graueling the Duke of Medina sent a boat for him and some of the cheefe to saue themselues but he to preserue his honor resused it then he willed him to stay by him the which he could not doe by reason that the water came in the night time so fast into the shippe as they were forced to keepe fifty men continually at the pumpe to keepe the shippe aboue water but at the last seeing him-selfe forsaken by the Admirall he sought to runne her on ground vpon the coast of Flanders and to saue his life desiring ayde of the fishermen but being descried by foure or fiue shippes of warre which lay vpon the coast they made towards him bidding him yeeld which he refusing they all shotte at him and slue aboue fourty of his men so as hee was forced to yeeld him selfe into the hands of Peter vander Does who brought the shippe into Zeeland with the other the which when as most of the goods were taken out of them through negligence sunke vnder the water An other small ship being forced to run a shoare about Blankenbergh in Flanders Sir Iohn Conway manned out 2. or 3. fisher boats for that the Spaniards were already gone out and had taken forth two peeces of ordinance and brought them on shore to take and ransacke the shippe who draue the Spaniards from her and brought the spoyle into Ostend On Monday the eight of August the Spanish armie being in this sort assayled they thought it best hauing done as much as they had in charge to retire themselues so kept togither with small sailes vntill they were past Dunkerke being followed by the English the next day hauing gotten some-what before they set on more saile seeming to haue more desire to flie then to fight wherevpon the Lord Admirall of England sent the Lord Henry Seymer with the small shippes backe againe to ioyne with the Netherlanders who lay before Dunkerke to keepe in the Duke of Parmaes forces and hee with the greatest shippes followed the Spaniardes but the winde rysing and the Spaniards bending their course towards Norwaye making shew as if they sought meanes onelie to get away and to commit themselues to a dangerous Northerne nauigation the English fleete wanting both poulder and shot returned backe into England leauing some small pinasses to follow them and to bring aduise what course they tooke The Spanish fleete being in the North seas tooke a fisher boate of Zeeland with twelue men in her who were carried into the Admiralls shippe and sailed with them into Spaine at their returne home they reported that whilest the English fleet followed them they saw a white flag preparing to bee set vp in the poope in token of yeelding or at the least to parle fearing to passe through the Northerne seas but beeing disswaded by certaine Clergy men and seeing the English desist from following them they changed their resolution Those fisher men also reported that in the Dukes shippe there was a place made Cannon proofe wherein the duke himselfe with twelue persons more remained all the time of the fight and that of 1200. men that were in the shippe there were 300. slaine and hurt Thus the Spanish fleete hauing lost ten or twelue of their best ships with foure or fiue thousand men hauing many sicke and wounded aboard their ships wanting many necessaries for their ships despayring of any aide from the Duke of Parma who expected their returne and continued still his preparation they resolued if the winde would serue them to saile home into Spaine behinde Scotland and Ireland hearing that they should finde small releefe in Scotland and that Norway could not supplie their wants they tooke all the English or Scottish fishermen they could to serue for pilots and doubting they should want fresh water they cast their horses ouerboard and so they past betwixt the Orcades and faire Island landing in no place but sailed so farre Northwards as they were vnder three score and two degrees and two hundred and forty miles from any land Being there the Duke of Medina commanded all the shippes to take the best course they could for Biscay and he himselfe with twenty or fiue and twenty shippes which were best prouided of fresh water kept his course very high into the sea which brought him directly into Spaine but the rest being aboue forty vnder the leading of the Vice-admirall held their course neerer vnto Ireland making towards Cape-Clere hoping to refresh themselues there but the winde being contrary a great storme arose out of the South-west about the second of September and cast most of them vpon the coast of Ireland where many of them perished and amongst others the Gallion of Michaell d' Oquendo one of the foure great Galliasses two
should receiue should be accounted at 48. daies to the month causing the Collonels Captaines common soldiers to sweare that they should rest satisfied with such pay but the entertainment of superior officers was appointed to be paied at 32. daies to the month And to the end that good order might be obserued concerning the payment of the soldiars which serue in the sayd Prouinces the Estates appointed the sayd soldiers to be kept in garrisons in the sayd Prouinces according to the order made concerning the contributions wherewith euery Prouince was charged according to their abilities whereof ensued many notable effects especially that the contributions of the respectiue Prouinces were not diuided but truely imployed for the furnishing of their seuerall taxations made for the payment of the soldiers which were in ech seuerall Prouince Secondly that the soldiers might know in what Prouince they were to demande their pay and if any default were made they might presently know how to seeke remedy for the same from the Councell of Estate And finding that the charges of warre grew so great as the ordinarie contributions were not sufficient to defray the same the sayd Prouinces were content to bee rated extraordinarilie ouer and aboue the old contribution which euery of the sayd Prouinces vsed to pay whereof the Councell of Estate had the disposition and imployed it for the extraordinary charge And it was agreed that at the end of the yeare the sayd Prouinces should assemble and account together to see if euerie of them had payd there new and old contributions orderly as they ought and what remained vnpaied The meanes wherby the sayd Prouinces raise their particular monthly contributions are not alike in euery Prouince for they of Holland and Zeeland beeing the richest and mightiest Prouinces do raise their contribution by excises and imposte rated vpon wines beere cattell gold siluer silke wollen-cloathes horned beasts sope salt vinager aqua-uitae and many other things the which are euery sixe monthes by certaine commissioners appointed by the Estates of the sayd Prouinces let out to farme and besides this by the poundage rated vpon all lands according to the yeerely value thereof and if the reuenues and taxations within the particular Prouinces will not extend to the summe ordained to bee paied by them in ordinary and extraordinary contributions then that which is found short is either made vp by the townes in Holland or els it is layed vpon the rest of the generall diuision that is equally and by a generall consent whereof the townes are satisfied againe either by selling or letting out of certaine rents belonging to the whole country of Holland or in money out of the poundage which is collected generally out of the whole Prouince aforesayd Some Prouinces haue other meanes to raise their contributions as the scituation and condition of the Prouinces may afford of the best meanes they can deuise for the preseruation of the sayd Prouinces townes and villages which prescribed contribution is not to be diminished but must bee paied out of such meanes as they shall finde least preiudiciall to their subiects With these and such like meanes the vnited Prouinces of Holland Zeeland Vtrecht and Friseland haue not onely valiantly defended themselues against the powre of so mightie a King but also as it shall appeere with the aide of Gelderland and Oueryssel haue oftentimes made offensiue warres against the sayd King and haue taken whole Prouinces with many strong townes and fortes from him wherein the sayd Prouinces haue neuer imploied any greater powre in the field besides the garrisons of Bourgers in their townes and fronter places then 12. or 13000. foote and 3000. horse well furnished and prouided of all kinde of munition for the warre as the necessity of the place besieged required hauing alwaies maintained their soldiers both in field and in garrisons in good discipline punishing open offences reforming abuses and satisfying the interessed The warre by sea is maintained by the Estates in as good order as that by land appointing in their sea Prouinces an office of the Admiralty which consists of diuers persons of good iudgement in pollitick affaires or els in traficke by sea and are diuided into fiue seuerall places where they haue their ordinary residence as at Amsterdam Rotterdam and Horne or Enchuysen for Holland at Midlebourg for Zeeland and at Harlinghen or Doccum for Friseland of the which Prince Maurice as Admirall Generall of the sea is the head In whose name all commissions and orders for the warre appointed by the sayd Officers of the Admiralty are sent forth the Officers vnder him are sworne and receiue their commission from the generall Estates The Admiralll hath three or foure Vice-admiralls which keepe in Holland and Zeeland in places that are most conuenient vpon the sea-coast as in Holland Iohn van Deuenvoord Lord of Warmont and vnder him Peter vander Doos and Iohn Gerbrantson In Zeeland Iustin Nassau and vnder him Ioos de Moor. The Officers of the Admiraltie direct all the warres by sea by aduise from the generall Estates and to that end they receiue such money as is payed for conuoies and Licenses rated vpon goods going out and comming in according to the order set downe by the generall Estates which taxes are raised higher euery yeare by the sayd Estates if necessity require it and be thought conuenient for the good of the Netherlands The money rysing of the sayd conuoies c. is collected by sworne Officers appointed by the sayd courts of Admiralty and is imployed to the paiement of the souldiars which serue by sea and are at the charge of the generality as also for the building and repayring of shippes of warre and for the rigging and furnishing them with all things necessarie the which is a very great charge in respect of the great number of shippes of war which they are forced to entertaine continually The warre by sea is ordered by the Admiraltie in this sort first they appoint diuers shippes of warre to watch the hauen townes which are vnder the enemies commande as before Dunkerke Nieuport Ostend c. Secondly there are certaine ships of warre sent out to keepe the seas Thirdly they vse yearely to send out some shippes of warre to defend the fisher-men which take herings and cod vpon the coasts of England Scotland and there-abouts fourthly as the Marchants shippes saile out of the said Prouinces to traficke with France England Scotland Denmarke and other places they are safely convoyed by certaine shippes of warre to defend them from their enemies and from pirats at sea Lastly they haue a great number of small shippes appointed for the warres which they vse within the land to keepe their riuers and fresh waters from Inuasion of the enemies as also for the beseeging of townes and forts which lie vpon the said riuers The said admiralty hath authority to punish offences and reforme disorders committed at sea to determine of
prisoners ransomes taken to value the prises of all goods brought in by sea Captaines And to the end the saylers should doe their duties and fight willingly euery one is allowed his part of the prises which they haue taken according to his place and they are often times rewarded by the admiralty for their good seruices besides their monethly wages This yeare the States garrisons made diuers incursions into the enemies country they of Heusden and Geertruydenberg in Brabant went forth with eight hundred men horse and foote the horsemen taking vp the foote-men behind them and went to Tilborch by Boisleduke whereas some of the Duke of Parmas troupes lay whome they charged and defeated whereof diuers being slaine the rest fled into the church but they durst not stay to force them fearing that vpon the alarume the garrisons there about would issue forth and charge them and so they returned backe with good prize The like did they of Berghen vp Zoom being lesse then a hundred soldiers whereof fiue or six were horse-men of captaine Baxe his companie and led by a Sargent they went to doe an exployt vpon Botchloon whereof they fayled yet they past valiantly through a company of soldiars and came to Thienen where there lay fiue or sixe companies of Spaniards into the which they got by reason that the towne is great and draue out the Spaniards putting three companies of them to the sword and then spoyled the towne the enemie attended them at their comming forth being about foure hundred strong but they making head valiantly not onely forced through them but came safe to their garrison withall their booty which is a thing almost incredible The Zeelanders being about seauenty strong past ouer the water into Flanders and there cut of a conuoie going to Cortrick where besides the foote there were aboue two hundred horsemen and thirty Marchants which did ride the Zeelanders first charged the horse-men with their shot and tooke some of them and then defeated the rest carrying away as much booty as they could and so returned into Zeeland Sir Martin Schenck in like sort was not Idle but made road as farre as Momedi and in December he had secret intelligence with some of Nymeghen meaning to vndermine the wall whereas the ditch was not very deepe and so to blow it vp but by reason of some store of raine which fell about that time and stood in the diches he could not effect his desseigne There were many subtill enterprises attempted about this time of either side both in Brabant Gelderland and Freezland some-times with profit some-times with losse for that there were many good soldiars of either side who sought daily to winne honor and credit Sir Martin Schenck to recouer some of his losses in the beginning of Nouember made a sconse at Herwerden vpon the Rine without the consent of the Estates which was some impayring of their publicke authority but by the perswasion of Prince Maurice and the Lord Willoughby hee had a great charge giuen vnto him that hee should throw it downe againe The English garrison in the Brill began to mutine for their pay being some-what long ere it came that garrison lying in such sort as the soldiars had good meanes to helpe them-selues by incursions vpon the enemie but for that their pay according to the contract was to be brought out of England the Estates of Holland disbursed the mony for the Queene and so stayed the mutiny The enemies garrisons being also in great want and misery began to mutine for want of pay for that the Kings Indian treasor was not able to counteruaile the great cost and charges of his warres part of those wants were supplied by the King of Spaines name and authority and yet not so well but diuers of their souldiers put themselues vnder the Estates where they might haue surer pay and better meanes to helpe themselues by incursions In the beginning of this yeare the garrison of Geertruyden bergh beganne to mutine againe it is a towne belonging to Prince Maurice lying right against Dort vpon the Mecwe or Vlack which is a water made by the Rhine and the Mase this garrison suspecting that some-thing might bee attempted against them they presently disarmed the Bourgers and staied all the shippes and boates that past by taking contributions burning villages and committing all insolencies as enemies to the Estates Vpon the sixe and twentie of Nouember past the souldiars beeing perswaded to vnion they made answere by writing the which they sayd was signed by Sir Iohn Wingfield Gouernor of the towne the Englishmen and other captaines that they would all die before they would deliuer the Bourgers their armes againe and beeing sent for to serue in any place they made them this answere that they were all resolued to serue vnder the enemie rather then vnder Prince Maurice or the Estates who considering of this their resolution and finding that they entertained all fugitiue souldiers and sought to incite other garrisons to the like rebellion hauing receiued intelligence that from the second day of February this yeare they had beene in treatie with the Duke of Parma Prince Maurice with the aduise of the Estates resolued seeing that the Lord Willoughby Sir Iohn Norris nor Maister Bodley could not preuaile with them and that the Lord Willoughby was as then to goe for England to besiege the towne both by water and by land considering the daunger thereof and of the townes lying about it and so comming before it the fiue and twenty day of March hee sent a kinde letter to them of the towne by a drum giuing them to vnderstand that the Gouernor Sir Iohn Wingfield and other captaines had threatned to deliuer the towne into the enemies hands and what a dishonor and danger they should thereby purchase vnto themselues offring them all contentment wherevnto they made answere that they would rather seeke aide from the enemie then yeeld to Prince Maurice or the States threatning to hang vp his messenger The towne of Dort did likewise write vnto them but they tare their letters And when as the Lord Willoughby wrot his letters on the eighteenth of March to Sir Iohn Wingfiled his brother in law desiring him to finde meanes to come away rather then his presence should giue any cause of offence Sir Iohn Wingfield refused it saying that he had sworne to liue and die with the souldiers as long as they would hold that towne for her Maiestie and the good of the Netherlands who protested to deliuer it rather to the enemie then to Prince Maurice or the Estates with other words to the like effect In the meane time Prince Maurice did what he could to win the towne and beganne to batter it furiously they within defended themselues yet there was a reasonable breach made and being readie to giue an assault they within cunningly offred a composition by a minister and a deputie whom they had sent forth to treate
Brakel the which was afterwards abandoned and burnt with the whole village But going to campe before Heusden the same moneth hee was forced to rise with shame and losse The same moneth three companies of the Estates horse were surprised nere vnto Boisleduc by the new garison of Gheertruydenbergh and defeated the one was of Prince Maurice his garde whereof Rysoyer was Captaine the second the Seignior of Kynschys and the third the deceased Marshall of Villers whereas Rysoyer and Kynschy with diuers horse-men were taken the rest were put to rout Whilest that the Earle of Mansfeldt with the duke of Pastrana and the prince of Ascholy with many shippes and boats beseeged the house or castle of Hele in the I le of Bomel Prince Maurice the Earle of Hohenlo and the Earle of Solms drew the garrisons about Heusden together in the moneth of August and by force victualed the towne in the face of the enemy who laie not far from it The Castle of Hele had bin sore battered with nine hundred shot at the least whervpon Sidenborch the gouernor yeelded the twenty foure of August by meanes of a dissention fallen among the soldiers who were most slaine whereof afterwards he excused him selfe From thence the Dukes army marched to Louesteyn lying at the end of the I le of Bomel and they made a sconse meaning to take Louesteyn but the waters being very much risen by reason of great store of rayne which had fallen they were forced to leaue it In September the Duke of Parma supposed by the inclosing in of Heusden and the taking of Hemert Hele and other sconses there abouts that the country was sufficiently garded on the one side Hemert to passe ouer the Meuse into Tielsche-Weert and so to go to Buren or Vtrecht but the Spaniards who had the fore-ward vnder Collonell Lieua hauing some quarrell with the Italiens and being set on by the Duke of Pastrana the Prince of Ascoly who were no great friends to the duke of Parma would not passe ouer the riuer but cryed out viue el Re fuora il mal gouerno and when the Earle of Mansfeldt would haue forced them to passe they shot at him and draue him away so went to their garrison in the Graue And for that Prince Maurice had gathered together great forces stopping their passage and beseeged the castle of Hele round about with sconses being the winter time the Dukes army was forced to leaue the field fortifieng the Castles of Hemert Hele and the Sconses at the mouth of the Deymse by Boscher This yeare the Duke of Parma was very sickly which some thought to proceed for that on the 10. of Nouember before cōming from Berghen vp Zoom riding to Mechline he fell into the water where vnto other misfortunes were added as the Melancholike humor which did possesse him for the vnfortunate successe of the Spanish army and his dishonorable retreat from Berghen for the which by the meanes of the Dukes of Pastrana and the Prince of Ascoly he was reprocht and flouted at It might also be furthered by an other occasion for that hauing taken vp certaine hundred thousand of Ducats by exchange to bee paid in Spaine by the practises of such as loued him not they were not discharged so as hee was forced to giue the Italien Marchants in Antwerp contentment out of his owne cofers Moreouer at the same time his vncle the great Cardinall Farnese dyed in Rome the three and twentith of March a man on whome hee much depended All these crosses made him sickly and very melancholy So as in Maie hee went to the Spawe in Sweborn and lodged at Mentfort or thereabouts drinking dayly of those waters for the recouery of his health Before his departure hee called togither the Estates of Brabant Flanders Arthois and Henault to ayd the League of France both with money and men and to take it out of the rents wherewith the reuenues were charged They were content to yeeld to his desire in many things although they were much impouerished by reason of the great taxations which were imposed vpon them the which were raysed with harder conditions then vppon them in the vnited Prouinces who had free and open trafficke in all places where as they that liued vnder the Kings commaund did flye dayly out of the Country by reason of their small trafficke dearth of all thinges bad protection so as the Duke of Parma grew daily to bee more dispised and hated not onely of the Country people but also of the Spaniards who imputed the bad successe of the Spanish flcete onely to him for that hee was not ready nor prouided of Saylers neither had forecast the dangers that might insue so as his enemies the Duke of Pastrana and the Prince of Ascoly knew well how to blemish his credit in Spaine as we haue said before About the same time hee had sent certaine Mules laden with rich Tapistries and cloth of Arras with other costly thinges out of the Netherlands to bee transpo◅ed into Italie passing through Lorraine or the Franch Conty they were sette vppon and taken away the which afterwards was openly reported and did manifestly appeare that it was done by aduise from Spaine whether it were by the Kings owne command or his Councels or by the practises of such as loued him not I know not but it was a great hindrance vnto him and bred a great dislike in him against Spaine Moreouer there fell a controuersie with great reproches betwixt the Lord of Champigny and the President Richardot the Duke of Parmas fauorite and afterwards with the Duke himselfe concerning the treaty of peace at Bourbrough betwixt the Deputies of the Queene of England and those of the King of Spaine of which number Champigni and Richardot were but both of diuers opinions Champigni sought to deale roundly and sincerely in the said treaty of peace the which being obtained hee perswaded him-selfe it should much aduance the Kings affaires hauing libertie to enter into the Ports and Hauens of England for the safegard of the great Armado which was the way to conquer Holland and Zealand and to subdue the Estates But Richardot had contrary instructions from the Duke of Parma to breake of the treaty holding the conquest of England easie according to the aduise and proiect which Don Iohn had left in writing at his death for the which Mounsier Champigni was much offended in regard that hee had past his word to the Queene of England that there was no other intent but to deale sincerely and vprightly so hee was thereby disgraced and proued a lyar where-vpon after the bad successe of the said armie Champigni complained thereof in many places and writte diuers letters vnto the King shewing that the onely cause thereof proceeded from the negligence and indiscretion of the Duke of Parma wherevpon hee grew into such hatred of Champigni as hauing written vnto the
as the humors of the councell of Spaine cannot be in any sort changed to the good of these countries as also there is no likelehood they finding them-selues wronged in the heighest degree would be more bening and yeeld more vnto them now then before the said offences or els that they can intreat these contries ouer whome they pretended a right more mildly then the Kings and kingdomes of France England and Scotland which are equall vnto them in dignity and authority Wherevpon the said generall Estates by reason of their duty and oth are so much the more bound to keepe them-selues from the false and cautelous practises of the said councell Especially for that the said murthers in these vnited Prouinces and against the French King and the Queene of England together with the open warre against the crowne of France haue beene manifest and continued sence his heighnes comming into the Netherlands And although that all these pretexts did cease which they with reason insist vpon yet their alliances leagues and communication of affaiers do require And admit we may well beleeue that his heighnes is displeased at such murthers yet we ought not to haue so great a regard there-vnto as to the desseignes and intentions of the King and his councell of Spaine from whence his heighnes receiued his commission and authority and that in this quality they may at all times reuoke him and appoint an other in his place against which change they cannot in any sort assure them-selues And withall the said generall Estates cannot comprehend that within these Prouinces nor without allied with one firme bond of confederation with the Queene of England the French King and other Princes Potentats and common weales as well friends to these countries as to all the comonalty of Christendome they may bring any fruite by the ouerture of a treaty of peace which is offred but they are resolued to rely vpon the hope which they haue in GOD and attend from his all-powerfull bounty and clemency although they haue alwaies and do daily obserue that worldly things are subiect to change a happy and commendable end of their iust cause not onely in regard of the vnited Prouinces but also for all the others of these Netherlands to the aduancement of his glory and holy word and the prosperity of all the Belgicke Prouinces Thus done and resolued in the assembly of the generall Estates at the Hage the 17. of May. 1594. This answere was giuen to Doctor Hartius and Coemans with an Autenticall coppy of the Kings letters whereof mention is made in this answere the which hauing bin intercepted and brought vnto the Estates two were found dated from S. Laurent which is the Escuriall of the 14. and an other of the 15. of October and of the fourth and seauenth of December 1593. signed with the Kings owne hand directed to Don William of Saint Clement his ambassador in Germanie By the first of the 14. among other clauses and whereof the Estates answere maketh mention there was that which followeth Touching the pacification of the Estates rebelled seeing you are so fully informed of that matter you can tell how to manage it in case there bee any means or likelehood to conclude it And you shall let all the world know that he seekes the publike good and to requite me for the good esteeme I haue of him that hee may effect this busines as the importance thereof did require Finally you shall giue collour by all possible meanes to this businesse to the end it may bee effected seeing it wil be so great a good for Christendome All this is breefly toucht vnto you hereafter you shal be aduertised of all occurrents and you for your part shall aduertise vs both before and after your departure towards Flanders particularly what your aduise is vpon euery point and what you thinke fit Moreouer vpon the way you shal be carefull to aduertise my cousin of such of my Estates as shall come to him and of those that shal write vnto him to the end that without any shew of distrust he may be wary and vigilant and not suffer himselfe to bee carried away by vncertaine aduertisements but that hee may know the humors and intentions of euery one And after his arriual he must haue this consideration to discerne the persons whom he must trust To which end you shall take particular informations from the Earle of Fuentes and Stephano d' Ybarra who will also dicipher the Estate vnto you and the humors of men which are in gouernment vpon whose discipline as also vpon the distribution of their pay it shal be needfull there be a great change for which there are in those parts particular dispatches of ours c. And by that of the seauenth day of December he sayth speaking of the Emperor the Arch-duke Ernestus the Turke and the Princes of Italy As also you shal represent vnto them that for that which concerns the Turke it shal be no preiudice as heretofore you haue let them know more particularly and you shall aduertise mee of all that shall passe Without doubt hee hath reason to apprehend the losses which hee hath made of Vesperin and Palotte and to complaine that they take no order to preuent a greater losse It were expedient if it might be to accommodate matters by an ordinary course of truce and of a greater present and that you seeke to win the good wills of the Bashaws by guifts for it is the ordinary and only remedy for difficulty concerning them I thinke you haue already condoled with the Emperor in my name as touching his troublesome trauell and that you know how to gouerne your self therein that I be no further ingaged but he rest satisfied with my good will You shall doe well to pursue that which you haue already propounded which is that to attaine vnto the pacification of Holland and Zeeland the point is there may be forces readie that afterwards they may giue the better assistance against the Turke Touching the Diet which you say they treate of order shal be giuen for that which shal be fit and you shal be aduertised as you shall doe the like of that which you shall vnderstand concerning that businesse for they write from Rome that if it may bee without calling of a diet they will giue the Emperor some contribution and meanes It is necessary you should aduertise me particularly of what passeth betwixt you and Cardinall Mandrucio in matter of leagues And in the meane time that wee shal be besied to giue you answere that you seeke to practise with him but yet in generall termes letting him vnderstand that to make this designe easie it shal be requisite aboue all things to make the Princes of Italie resolute in taking away all difficulties seeing they haue so great an interest in it And in regard of the title of a King which the Duke of Florence affects you shall hinder it whereof be carefull but as
the vnited Prouinces would make stronger and firmer alliances with their neighbours whereby they should be frustrate of all hope euer to attaine vnto it Seeing that the Estates of the said vnited Prouinces by reason of their waters and riuers together with their infinite number of shippes with the which they did sayle into all the partes of the world had better meanes to maintaine them-selues then they had who haue no hauens nor shippes to compare beeing also enuironed by three mighty enemies the French King the Queene of England and the said confederat Estates who had no more to doe but to defend their fronters with small garrisons Moreouer they said that the King of Spaine needed not to doubt that his Estates and Nobility which were so much bound and affected vnto him would by the said conference conclude or yeeld to anything that should bee contrary to his honor greatnes and authority And if it should be so that the King for the good of his people and preseruation of his countries should make no difficulty to yeeld a little And the rather for that by the said Articles the confederats did not demand that the reconciled Prouinces should change their Princes Estate Gouernment or relligion And that of all which should bee concluded by the said conference the confederate Estates should more trust the reconcyled then the King by reason of their distrust and feare of his power and desire of reuenge the which they needed not to feare in them Besides that by this treaty of peace they should much weaken their enemies there being some hope that the French King and the Queene of England would consequently become their friends who demand nothing more then the retreat of the Spaniards and of all strange soldiars their naturall enemies the which being retired they shall no more haue any such great occasion of warre for assurance of whose retreat they might giue good hostage where-vnto the Earle of Fuentes did willingly offer himselfe retaining the kings authority Where-vpon such as were Spaniards in heart and who preferred the Kings affaiers before al other things would in like manner haue his honor greatnesse authority reputation and generally his rights and prerogatiues preferred and be first obserued and that they should rather force the confederats to reconcile them-selues vnto his maiesty their naturall Prince who notwithstanding so many wrongs and indignities which he had receiued from the said confederats was yet ready to treat mildely and sincerely with them for the which they should intreat and sue vnto his Maiesty wherefore it was more then necessary that his Authority should be interposed as a principall party whome it did cheefely concerne Otherwise that in excluding the king from the said conference and treaty they giue him occasion to make warre against themselues being not qualified nor authorized from his Maiestie And that the confederate rebells nor all their actions nor doings had not deserued so great honor nor hee so small respect Besides it did not belong to them to prescribe conditions to their Soueraigne that by treating onely with the Estates to exclude him vnder collour of their doubts and distrusts and that their heresies and rebellions were the true causes and grounds for the which they would not acknowledg the King their naturall Prince neither will they euer acknowledge him with a good heart whatsoeuer is done to them Wherefore if they would not comprehend the King in their treaty that it could not passe without to great preiudice to his greatnesse and to their dutie of obedience and fidelitie by the which they are bound vnto him The which ought not to bee tollerated that his authoritie should depend vpon his vassalls and subiects which were rebells and heretikes Thus spake they which from the beginning of the troubles in the yeare of our Lord 1566. would neuer heare the other partie and who inricht themselues by the ciuill warres at the charge and with the sweat and bloud of the poore commons speaking in this sort directly against the opinion of all good and well affected countriemen to whome these violent courses for thirtie yeares past could not bee pleasing All these allegations of either side betwixt the reconciled Estates the good countriemen and them that were Spanish were not to aduance any great matter in the treatie of peace so much desired by the Commons the Nobilitie and the Clergie as indeed it tooke no effect But to entertaine the people and to keepe them in obedience they made them beleeue that great Princes should deale in it hauing once receiued the Kings answere vpon the sayd Articles And on the other side the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces made a manifest declaration that it was not their fault they entred not into conference of an accord but the Spaniardes and of their councell who did sticke more vpon that which they sayd depended of the Kings authoritie then of the preseruation of the common-weale and the good of neighbour Princes which they regard least hauing no other sound in their mouthes but that Our King is mightie c. About this time there was a letter dispersed abroad and in many mens hands some said it was written by that learned Scholler Iustus Lipsius who beeing desired by certaine councellors to deliuer his opinion whether it were better to haue warre then peace made answere bearing date the third of Ianuary in the yeare of our Lord 1595. Saying that the King had three seuerall enemies the French the English and the vnited Prouinces two of them were forraine and the third a domesticall enemie rather to bee tearmed a rebell then a right enemie for the first two if the house of Austria stood not in feare of the inhumaine and barbarous Turkes the King might easily bridle them proceeding in his warre with good discipline imploying his treasure well and aduancing men of merrit to places of commaund but in regard that the Turke threatned Christendome it was to bee considered whether it were better to make a peace with these two forraine enemies or with either of them seeing that the Hollanders were in a manner out of heart hauing both the French and English to their aide what then were to bee expected from them if wee made peace with one of these forraine enemies as namelie with the Queene of England who hath in her handes the two strong entries of Zeeland and Holland beeing of an opinion that shee would not stand verie much against a peace both in regard that shee was a woman as also for that her treasure was well spent and exhausted hauing but a small meanes and for that the warres were maintayned against the common peoples mindes who desired nothing but trafficke and freedome The cause why shee entertained these warres was more for feare then for any great hatred the greatnesse and power of the King and the valour and dexteritie of the Spaniards for these three-score yeares had beene fearefull to all neighbour Princes Wherefore to
them-selues for great summes of mony and being accompanied with fiue Cornets of horse hee charged the Marquis of Warembon Gouernor of Arthois who thought to defeat the marshall he hauing fiue or six hundred horse but he him selfe was put to rout and taken prisoner which gaue a terrible alarume to all the country of Arthois then hee ouer-runne the country of Saint Paul tooke the towne and some other places Some peasants defended them-selues out of their steeples and quarries of stoane as in such accidents they haue no other retreats but they were roughly intreated in regard of such as remayning in their houses did stay the violence of their enemies by contribution of mony and victualls All this was donne in eight daies Cardinall Albert vnderstanding of the taking of the Marquis of Warembon hee sent the Duke of Arschot in his place who whilest he entred into Arras had the French of an other side seting fire of one of the suburbes within hargubuse shot of the towne And for that they were laden with booty the Marshall being loth they should loose it râ—…red safely with them vnto the frontiers of Picardie Beeing discharged the one and twenty day of the month they entred againe into Arthois about Bapaulme spoyling Hebuterne Beruiller Courselles and other places sacking the Peasants that made any head against them The duke of Arschot camped with his forces close vnder Arras and intrencht himselfe carefully beeing resolued not to hazard any thing knowing well with whom hee had to deale The French set all places on fire carried away more bootie then before and returned quietly making a course towards Bethune Aire and Teroanne from whence they carried much cattell and many prisoners then they retired and camped in the plaine of Agincourt and yet no man made head against them in this second voiage for the space of ten daies The duke of Arschot beeing renforced with eight hundred foote ioyned to the Regiment of La Borlotte hee parted from Arras the fift of October and went and camped at Saint Pol whereas the Marshall of Biron leauing him hee entred seauen daies after with his horsemen againe into Arthois and beeing followed by his footemen hee staied at the Abbay of Mont Saint Eloy three leagues from Arras and on the thirteenth day hee did runne euen vnto the portes of Douay then hauing spoiled all hee returned into Picardie about some foure or fiue daies after the Duke of Arschot hauing recouered Imbercourt dismist his little army putting his companies into garrison In the beginning of Ianuary in the yeare of our Lord 1597. Prince Maurice beeing aduertised from diuers partes that Cardinall Albertus was resolued either by secret practises or by open force to attempt some great exploit that winter to the disaduantage of the vnited Prouinces The Cardinall hauing to that end lodged his army in December past at Tournhout in Brabant consisting of foure Regiments of foote that of the Marquis of Trevico a Neapolitaine in the which there were fiue hundred appointed Officers of many companies that of the Earle of Sults re-enforced with an other Regiment of Germaines Collonel La Borlottes Regiment and that of the signior of Hauchicourt vnder captaine Cocquielle his Lieutenant these two Regiments of Wallons beeing supplied with new men in their places that were slaine and dead since the siege of Hulst and of fiue cornets of horse of Nicholas Basta Don Iohn of Cordua Alonso Dragon Grobbendonc and Gousman hauing for Commander and chiefe of the whole army the Earle of Varax Barron of Balanson Brother to the Marquis of Warembon Gouernor of Arthois at that time a prisoner in France the Cardinall hauing commanded many companies of horse and foote as well Spaniardes as other Nations to march towards that campe with necessarie munition for some great action Prince Maurice to preuent him studied how hee might by some notable peece of seruice giue a good beginning to the new alliance and confederation which they had lately made with the French King and the Queene of England And although there seemed to bee many difficulties in this resolution of so great importance not onelie in regard of the discommoditie of the season beeing in the verie heart of winter and the time very variable and inconstant sometimes disposed to freeze somtimes to thaw but also for the great distance of the garrisons some beeing aboue twenty leagues from others from whence they must draw their souldiars with that which was necessarie for the execution of his enterprize a hard matter to mannage secretly and to drawe them to a fit and commodious place but the Spaniard should discouer it Yet the Prince laying aside all difficulties drewe together in lesse then eight daies and as secretly as hee could into the towne of Gheertruydenberghe about sixe thousand men foote and horse with all that was needfull for his enterprize The Estates according to their custome hauing appointed one day of publicke praier to craue his diuine helpe the two and twenty of Ianuary in the towne of Gheertruydenbergh to part the next day with his horse and foote two cannons and some field peeces and to march with all speede daie and night towards the Spaniard to force him in his lodging at Tournhout by the breake of day the Prince being accompanied by the Earle of Solms and Sir Francis Veere generall of the English The same day the Prince arriued at Gheertruydenberghe there arriued almost in two houres space aboue 150. boates full of men furniture and munition of warre whether also came the same day Sir Robert Sidney Knight now Vicont Lisle Gouernor of Flussing with three hundred of the choisest soldiers of his gouernment and the Lieutenant Gouernor of the Bryel with two hundred English more The Earle of Hohenloo Lieutenant generall to the Prince hauing a little before prepared himselfe with the consent of the generall Estates and of the sayd Prince for a voyage into Germanie for his owne priuate affaires being stayed some dayes by reason of the inconstancie of the weather and lying vpon the frontiers of the vnited Prouinces had newes that the Prince had sent for with all speed a good number of horse and foote towards Gorrichon for the 21. of Ianuary whereby the Earle did gather that this sending for men in the middest of winter was not done but for some matter of great importance wherefore laying his voyage aside hee resolued to bee an actor at it The Earle of Varax Generall of the Spanish armie being aduertised of the Princes approche with his forces and artillerie whereas hee should haue fortified his lodging or gone to incounter the Prince in good order and chose a place of aduantage with his lustie men to fight with them that were wette wearie and tyred with the length and discomoditie of the wayes the which seemed the most safe and honorable for him who had the reputation among the greatest Commanders beeing in a manner as strong as the Prince
where they gaue a very furious charge with about three hundred men led by Captaine Zanthen The sentinell hauing discouered them gaue the alarum wherevpon the Bourgers and soldiars being in the nerest Corpes de gard and those which dwelt in that quarter of the towne being awaked some halfe naked ranne to the rampar and the number increasing in an instant they made a braue defence and repulst the first charge they being chased behinde the rampar an other troupe of three hundred men led by captaine Malagambo approched to second and assist the first then soone after came the third troupe of three hundred men vnder the leading of Captaine Harman ven Ens who also gaue a charge the which continued almost an hower with such a vehement force and fury as they hard it to Blocxyel and to Cuinderl Those of the towne defended them-selues valiantly both with shot stones and all kind of other defensiue armes The assailants thinking to diuide them-selues into two troupes at thâ—… foote of the rampar to charge in two places seing it preuayled nothing for the great resistance they found in the end they made a more quiet retreat then their approch was carrying away through the fauor of the night as many of their dead men and wounded as they could so as there were but two of there dead men remayning in the ditches whereof the one was some Lieutenant and at the foote of the rampar eight or nine hurt and halfe dead the which were dispatcht except two that were carried inâ—…o the towne whereof the one was Lieutenant to Malagambo who declared the proiect and successe of this enterprze Of them within the towne there was but one Bourger called Cornellis Been slaine and one Martin Iacobs a gunner hurt whereof hee died afterwardes with some nine or ten other Bourgers and foure and fiue soldiars lightly hurt and soone cured These vndertakers at their retreat least in the towne diches all the instruments which they had brought for that exployt from whence with the seauenteene Wagons full of dead men and hurt they carried little honor yet the towne made a fayre escape for it was in danger to haue beene sodenly surprized In May Prince Maurice had an enterprize well laied but succeeded ill vpon the towne of Venloo in the country of Geldres at the which hee was in person with some horse and foote The exploite should be done with two shippes at the opening of the towne-gate which was towards the riuer of Meuse The first and least shippe wherein were the leaders of this enterprize with Captaine Mathis Helt and his Lieutenant did their endeuors well about fifty men that were in it seasing at the appointed houre both vpon the Kaye and the port but as the second shippe being the greater could not so easely mount by reason of the violence of the streame and for that the ships lay so before the towne as he could not come neere to land his men which were more in number the Bourgers had time whilest that the others kept the port to put them-seles into armes and to charge captanie Mathis and withall the mariners of Liege which were in their shippes shot at him and his men behind so as being vnseconded the Bourgers recouered the port where as the said Mathis and Schalck Captaine of the shippe were slaine and Mathis Lieutenant being wounded was carried away vpon pikes by certaine English soldiars And so this enterprize fayled to the great ioy of the Bourgers At that time Sigismond King of Poland and Sueden at the request of the King of Spaine sent an Agent of his vnto the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces who tooke vpon him the title of an Ambassador called Paul Dziali a gentleman of his househould and one of his Secretaries who arriued at the Hage in Iuly and was very honorable receiued by the Estates and Prince Maurice His chefe charge was to moue the states and the Prouinces in his Masters behalfe being a mediator for the King of Spaine to giue eare vnto a peace This Ambassador extolling the King of Spaine and his power vnto heauen and lighty esteeming the Estates seemed to threaten them in his maisters behalfe if they did not yeeld vnto the proposition of his legation yet the Estates gaue him the reception and did him the honor which his qualitie and person required making him but a short answere as the Queene of England did in like manner vnto whom he also went The Emperor also sent in the beginning of August to perswade them to a peace at the instance of the King of Spaine the Agent which hee sent to the generall Estates and to Prince Maurice was Charles Nutzel of Honderpuihel his councellor in the kingdome of Hongarie who had audience the tenth daie of the said moneth His legation was that the Estates would admit and heare certaine Ambassadors in the behalfe of the said Emperor and other Princes of the Empire to propound some meanes for a peace betwixt them and the King To whom a short answere was made that they could not change their first resolution wherefore that it would please his Maiestie not to take their refusall in bad part the which they did not by contempt but rather to auoide his indignation which they might incurre if such Ambassadors of so great state should not returne from them with something pleasing to his Maiestie being most certaine that if they desired to propound any thing of a reconciliation with the Spaniard the which was not lawfull for the Estates once to thinke of it would bee but labour lost else they would not refuse the sayd Ambassadors as they neuer yet had refused any especially from his Imperiall Maiestie besides the Estates beeing in league with the French King and the Queene of England they could not without their priuitie and consent beginne any thing especially in a matter of so great waight which concernes their gouernment wherefore they besought his Maiesty that he would hold them excused The French King presently after the surprize of Amiens by the Spaniards sent certaine troupes of horse and foote about the towne especially to those places where there are bridges vpon the riuer of Some as at Pont Remy Picqueni Corbie and other places attending vntill his army were readie to besiege it nere Cardinall Albertus whom it did much import to preserue this towne for the King his Maister as beeing the chiefe keye of France towardes Arthois sent all his Spanish forces to the fronters besides the garrisons which hee had in Cambraie Chastelet Dourlans Calais Ardres Monthulin and diuers other places in those quarters taken from the French that hee might at neede breake the French Kings siege and raise it by force if it were by any meanes possible But hee could not bee so soone readie for want of money or otherwise so as before hee could bring his army to field the King had so well intrencht his campe as the
Earle of Swarlsenbourg thether at the which refusing to yeeld any thing in the Kings behalfe touching the reformed religion nor allow the generall Estates of all the Netherlands to assemble together to that end in like manner there came no good of it But during the time of the sayd conuocation the Spaniardes did so much by their practises and warlike attempts as in few monethes they got more vpon Holland and Zeeland then otherwise they had done in many yeares Afterwards as by the grace of God the which the King of Spaine hath sought by all meanes to breake the Prouinces subiect to the oppression of the Spaniards freed themselues beeing assembled and in the end confederated with the sayd Prince and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland and their associates in the towne of Gant Whereas they haue made the pacification which followed with an order corcerning relligion and the conuocation of the generall Estates of all the Netherlands As after the death of the great Commander Don Louis of Reguesence and before the conclusion of the sayed Pacification Don Iohn arriued in the country of Luxembourg whereas many of the said Prouinces treated with him and in the end agreed notwithstanding the said Pacification and vnion which followed to receiue him for their Gouernor except those of Holland and Zeeland and their Associats who opposed them-selues for that the King of Spaine would not consent vnto the said pacification nor the assembly of the generall Estates but conditionally that it should not derogat nor preiudice the Popish and Romish Relligion and that the said Estates should sweate to entertaine the same And Don Iohn being receiued into the said gouernment hee not onely sought to suppresse the Prouinces whereas hee commanded but would also force them to enter into warre against them of Holland Zeeland and their associats wherevnto they would not yeeld hee then tooke armes againe and called backe the Spaniards the which by the treaty of Gant were gone out of the country hauing secret practises with the Germaine and Wallon garrisons to be assured of the towne and Castle of Antwerp and of many other places seazing vpon that of Namur where-vpon the Estates of Holland and Zeeland being againe required to send their deputies vnto an assembly of other Prouinces being revnited together they were long in treating an other accord with the said Don Iohn But when they could not attaine vnto it vpon reasonable and iust conditions that were propounded vnto him they were forced againe to returne to an open warre and to goe to field of either side In the meane time the King of Spaine sent the Barron of Selles to the generall Estates assembled at Brusselles who in outward shew presented some means of peace but in secret he labored to corrupt the one and the other especially the heads of the army being then camped at Gemblours whereof hee gayned some which was the cause of the rout of the said army by the absence of those Noblemen that were retired at the same time when as the Estates to shew their good and sincere intention and desire to a peace called Mathias Archduke of Austria to their gouernment After which rout the said Archduke Prince of Orange and some others of the chiefe Noblemen with the generall Estates appointing to raise a new army there was an other conference of peace propounded and therevpon a conuocation was held at the request of the Barron of Selles in the towne of Macklin whether the Earle of Bossu and some other Noblemen of the Estates were sent but all that was done there was that the Barron of Selles corrupted the Siegnior of Bours gouernor of the towne of Macklin so as within few months after it was yeelded vp and lost from the Estates Afterwards there was an other conference of peace held in the towne of Louuaine whereas the Ambassadors of the Emperor of the French King and of the Queene of England assisted but for that they would not yeeld vnto the least point which was required touching reformation of relligion all proued but winde As in like manner they could not doe any thing in that great assembly at Cologne in the which the Emperor that now is was a mediator by his Ambassadors Electors and Princes of the Empire by reason that they would not prouide for the safety of the said Religion nor for the Estate of the country according to their ancient rights and preuiledges during which assembly the disunion of the Wallon Prouinces was practised and of some of the cheefe of the Nobilitie with the reduction of the towne of Boisleduc and others to the Spanish party some by practises some by force So as in the end the states seeing that neither by intercession nor by any other meanes they could attaine to a good and an assured peace the were forced to resolue to choose an other Prince where-vpon most part of the said Prouinces did choose and call in the Duke of Aniou and Alanson the onely Brother to the French King after they had by sufficient declarations and by Edicts publikely proclaymed the King of Spaine to bee fallen from all right of Seigneurie and command which hee was wont to haue ouer the Netherlands And although the reasons why this hath happened bee notorious to all the world yet it merits to bee succinctly related in this place which is that the ground of all the warres and miseries of the Netherlands is for that the King of Spaine hath sought to suppresse the preuiledges freedomes liberties pollicie forme of gouernment and other rights of the sayd countries whereas he pretends to make this his Rendezvous and seate of warre to the oppression of all neighbour Princes and especially of them that were fallen from the Romish religion The which the Princes chiefe Noblemen and Estates of the sayd countries being not able to endure the King of Spaine tooke occasion to send the Duke of Alua with a mightie armie into these parts to execute his sayd desseigne by whom hee caused the Earles of Egmont and Horne to bee apprehended with a great number of Noblemen Gentlemen and good Cittizens whom hee did publikely and shamefully execute banishing an infinite number of people and chasing them away to the great griefe and sorrow of the poore inhabitants which remained Yea the Marquis of Berghes and the Baron of Montigny sent a little before into Spaine by the Gouernesse to shew the iminent danger of the sayd Countries and to seeke for remedie the King against the dutie of a good Prince against his othe made both in generall and in particular and against all lawe of nations caused them to dye and did confiscate all their goods Making Cittadels in the chiefe Townes of the countrie bringing in a new forme of iustice establishing a supreme councell called a Councell of the troubles in Flemish Blout-raed that is a Councell of bloud all against the preuiledges And vnder coulour of a generall pardon abolishing generally all the right
other Belgicke Prouinces or otherwise And therefore the said Estates doe humbly beseech that it would please his Maiesty to receiue their resolution in good part and in respect therof not to carry lesse affection to them then subiects and inhabitants As for that which the sayed Ambassadors haue charge from his Maiesty to insist vnto the Estates that all neutrall persons which haue nothing common with this warre might freely sayle and trafficke into all places so as they carry no munition of warre to the enemy and especially his Maiesties subiects in consideration of their her editary contract and good neighbourhood The said Estates declare that they confesse most willingly and will alwaies confesse that they are greatly bound vnto his Maiesty by reason of the said hereditary contract neighbourhood and good correspondency and in like manner for the security and fauor which the inhabitants of the vnited Prouinces receiue throughout all his dominions in regard whereof sence the beginning of these wars vnto that day they haue endeauored to shew vnto al Kings Princes and neighbour common-weales and especially in respect of the said King of Denmarke for matters of nauiyation and trafficke all good neighbourhood correspondency and friendshippe And that in this consideration they would not hinder the subiects and inhabitants of the realmes and countries of the said King nor any other neutrall persons from the nauigation into Spaine Portugall or any other westerne parts vnder the King of Spaines dominions or obedience or any other neutrall countries what soeuer no more then their owne subiects and inhabitants of the vnited Prouinces Touching Steyn Maltesen Collonell to his Maiesty and Amptman of Bahuysen of whome mention is made in the said proposition The saide Estates declare that it is not long sence that hauing taking information vpon his pretensions in quality of Lieutenant to the most famous William Lewis Earle of Nassau gouernor of Freezland they haue giuen him all satisfaction and ouer and aboue at his departure a gratuity of a chaine of gold so as in regard of his seruices done vnto the said Prouinces he cannot pretend any thing And as for the seruice which the said Collonel pretends to haue done as Captaine of the company which was raysed by the deceased Captaine Schagen since the twenty one of October 1580. vnto the first of February 1586. that the Seignor Nicholas Malte his Brother succeeded in his place he was in like sort paied as other Captaines which were in the same seruice had beene and are daily according to the order and vse of the country with the which al soldiars content themselues without any contradiction leauing the rest of their pay vnto the end of this warre And in the meane time if it happen that at the great sute and instance of any Captaines which leaue their seruice for some good considerations be it for their poore estate or otherwise they come to accord with them it is done with such a small composition abating that which ought to be abated according to the order that in that case there would bee little comming vnto the Collonell vpon the accoumpt of his seruices wherefore the Estates assure them-selues that the said Collonell being better informed thereof by their letters will the more willingly haue patience with the rest and attend the end of this warre rather then to accept of so meane a Composition as hath beene told him by mouth Finally the said Estates do humbly thanke his Maiestie for his good affection towards them beseeching God withall their hearts that it will please him to preserue his person his realmes Estates countries and subiects in a happy and prosperous gouernment good and long life to the good and quiet of all Christendome As for them that they would neuer faile of their duties and seruice in all good affections towards his maiesty the which they not onely desire to continue but also will striue more and more and at all times will bee ready to doe their best indeuor to increase it Thanking likewise the sayd Ambassadors of their great paines which they had taken in this legation Intreating them earnestly that they would bee pleased to make a good and fauourable report vnto his Maiestie of the good affection and humble inclination which they haue vnto him with their humble recommendations c. Made at the Hage the 24. of October 1597. The sayd Ambassadors hauing receiued this answer departed after they had beene stately entertained by the Seignior of Pipenpoix a Gentleman appointed to that end by the Estates as Steward assisting at euery meale to beare them companie two of the Deputies of the Estates and beeing richly and honorably gratified with goodly presents they went as wee haue sayd to see Prince Maurice in his Campe before Linghen where they were likewise well intreated and defrayed as long as they remained in the Estates territories taking their way from thence towards Denmarke According to so many Ambassages and pursutes tending to a peace at the great instance of the King of Spaine Cardinall Albert his Lieutenant sent in the beginning of the yeare 1598. his Commissioners vnto the French King the which were the President Richardot Ioan Baptista Taxis and Lewis Verreyken Audiencier to seeke some good course for a peace betwixt him and the king his Maister who should bee his father in lawe the Infanta of Spaine being promised him in marriage wherevnto the Queene of England and the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces did also inuite him For hee knew well that so long as those three great and mighty countries of France England and the Netherlands should bee vnited together in such a league as they had sworne that his affaires could not succeed well his power although it were very great not being sufficient to incounter all their three forces together fearing that hee should not onely bee forced to cast vp that which hee had deuoured in Picardie and else-where but also to loose the rest of his Netherlands and by their ioynt forces to bee assailed in Spaine On the other side the French King much incensed at the indignities which hee had receiued of his owne subiects leaguers and others knowing the desolation of his country and that his subiects by this warre were so impouerished as they could indure no more And to recouer that by the way of armes which the Spaniard had taken from him in two or three yeares before hee must imploy much time loose many men and spend his treasor which hee found to bee greatly exhausted And that Picardie was so ruinated as it was nothing but a desart so as there was no meanes to feede an armie there for the recouerie of Calais Dourlans and other places wherefore hee was aduised by his Councell to send his Deputies thether which were the Lords of Bellieure and Sillery both of his councell and the Generall of the Friars as a mediator to enter into conference with the Cardinalls Commissioners making the
place of their assembly at Veruine where they continued long before they could resolue The Queene of England and the generall Estates sent their Ambassadors into France concerning this treatie as nothing pleased with this conformitie of the French King with the Spaniards but they returned with-out any effect The Estates Embassadors by reason of the contrary windes came too late the Treatie of peace being concluded with the Spaniard Yet going to the king to Nantes they were welcomed much made of and had priuate audience whereas the king assured them of his loue and good affection to the sayd Prouinces so as they returned reasonablie well satisfied from his Maiestie Yet the Estates sent other ambassadours to the Queene of England to conferre of that which was to be done or not done concerning this peace the said ambassadors were Iohn Duyvenvorae knight Siegnior of Warmont Admirall and great forrester of Holland Maister Iohn Vanderwerck Councellor of the Estates of Zeeland and Iohn Hottinga a Squire both Deputies of the generall Estates And although it seemed according to the league made in the yeare 1596. betwixt France and England in the which the vnited Prouinces were comprehended that the King should not haue proceeded in this treatie of peace with the Spaniard without the consent of his allyes yet the French King thought himselfe sufficiently discharged in that behalfe to haue inuited and summoned the Queene and the said Estates who by their refusall or delayes could not bridle his will hauing giuen the Ambassadors both of the one and the other sufficiently to vnderstand how necessary peace was for his kingdome to restore and put his poore subiects in breath his condition being contrary to the Queenes and the Estates who preserued and maintained them-selues by warre and hee on the other side did but ruine his realme thereby In the end hee concluded the sayd peace with the Cardinalls Deputies in the name of the King of Spaine their Maister the articles whereof I haue set downe briefly and succinctly as followeth 1. First it is agreed that the Treatie of peace concluded and resolued betwixt the said Kings Henry the fourth and Philip the second in confirmation of the articles conteined in the treatie of peace made at Chasteau Cambresis 1559. betwixt the sayd Catholicke King and Henry the second the French king deceased of high and worthy memorie which treatie the sayd Deputies haue a new confirmed in all points without innouating any thing but all shall remaine firme except that which shall bee expresly derogated by this present Treatie 2. According to the which from the day of the date of this present treatie betwixt the said Kings their children borne or to be borne heires and successors realmes countries and subiects there shall be a good firme sure and stable peace confederation perpetuall league and amitie they shall loue one another as bretheren procuring by all meanes the good honor and reputation one of another and shall auoyde as much as they may the hurt one of another They shall not fauor nor maintaine any person to the preiudice one of another and from this day they shall cease all acts of hostilitie forgetting all things past the which shall remaine abolished without any future mention thereof Renouncing by this present treatie all practises leagues and intelligences which may tend to the preiudice of the one or the other either of them promising neuer to doe any thing nor to procure to bee done that may tend to the hurt and preiudice of the other nor to suffer their vassailes or subiects to doe it directly or indirectly And if here-after any of what qualitie or condition soeuer they bee shall goe against it and serue by land or sea or in any other sort to ayde and assist to the preiudice of eyther of the sayd Kings the other shall bee bound to oppose him-selfe and to punish them seuerely as breakers of this Treatie and troublers of the publick quiet 3. And by meanes of the sayd peace and strict amitie the subiects of either side whatsoeuer may in keeping the lawes and customes of the countrie goe come remaine frequent conuerse and returne in peace from one vnto the other in trade of Marchandise or conuersing and treating together as they shall thinke good by land sea or riuers And their subiects shall bee defended and maintained paying the duties in all accustomed places which shall bee appointed by their Maiesties and their successors 4. All letters of Marke aâ—…d reprisall which haue been giuen for what cause so-euer shall be suspended and here-after none shall be giuen by either of them to the preiudice of the others subiects but against the chiefe offenders their goods and adherents and that in case of manifest deniall of Iustice whereof and of the letters of sommation and requisition thereof those that pursue the said letters of Marke and reprisall shall make proofe as it is required by law 5. The townes subiects and inhabitants of the Counties of Flanders Arthois and other Prouinces of the Netherlands together with the realmes of Spaine shall enioy the preuiledges freedomes and liberties which haue beene granted by the Kings of France predecessors to the most Christian King and in like maner the townes subiects and inhabitants of the realme of France shall also enioy the preuiledges freedomes liberties which they haue in the said Netherlands and in the realme of Spaine as euerie one hath hereâ—…ofore inioyed and vsed them and as they did enioy them by vertue of the Treatie made in the yeare 1559. and other former Treaties 6 It is also agreed in case the catholick King should giue or transferre by testament donation or resignation or by any other title whatsoeuer to the noble Infanta the lady Isabella his eldest daughter or to any other all his Prouinces of the Netherlands with the counties of Bourgongue and Charolois that all the said Prouinces and Counties are meant to be comprehended in this present treatie as they were in the yeare 1559. together with the sayd Lady Infanta or hee in whose fauour the sayd King hath disposed it neither shall it bee needfull to make a new treatie to that effect 7. The subiects of eyther Prince as well cleargie as secular men shall returne although they haue serued the contrary party into their benefices and offices to the which they were preferred before the end of December 1588. except Curates others being cannonically called and to the enioying of their immoueable goods rents and annuities seazed on and held by reason of the warre begun in the sayd yeare 1588. to enioye them from the publication of this peace and in like manner of those which are since fallen vnto them by succession or otherwise with-out making any question or demanding of any of the fruites before time receiued since the seazure and holding of the sayd immoueable goods vnto the publication of this present Treatie nor of the debts which haue beene consumed before the
contained therein All this time they talked of nothing but of peace in England many and diuers discourses were made thereon the Queene finding her selfe prest the French king beeing disbanded from the vnion and the vnited prouinces not to be persuaded to submit themselues vnder the obedience of Spaine holding the transport of the Netherlands made vnto the Infanta in suspition sent sir Francis Vere vnto the generall Estates of the said prouinces beeing generall of all their English forces to vnderstand plainely what their resolution was either to peace or warre if not to peace then what meanes they had ioyntly with her to beare the burthen of the warre whereof shee demanded a speedie and absolute resolution whereof she desired to be duely informed by men well qualified hauing full charge and commission to deliuer their resolutions Whereupon the Estates meaning to aduice and resolue in their generall assemblie all difficulties and discommodities on either side beeing propounded debated and well ballanced seeming rather inclined and resolued to warre than to a doubtfull peace were it neuer so beneficiall they had at that instant newes brought them that the seignior Daniel vander Meulen of Antuerpe remaining at Leyden in Holland had suddainly beene sent for with a pasport from the archduke the which came from his brother in law who fained himselfe to be extreamely sicke to conferre with him before his death that he should come to Antuerpe where being arriued he was sent for to Brussels as he was a very sufficient man and well acquainted with affaires of Estate before the counsellors Richardot and Assonuille the abbot of Marolles and the marquesse of Haurec one after another who demaunded of him if there were no meanes to make a generall peace among all the prouinces of the Netherlands this was only to heare his opinion whereunto he answered That concerning that matter he had not any charge Then they declared vnto him to the end he might tell it againe That the king of Spaine and the archduke Albert were intended to make a peace in what sort soeuer and thereof to giue such assurance as should well content them they would leaue vnto the vnited prouinces their Religion their forme of gouernment and they should haue contentment giuen them from the least point vnto the greatest They said moreouer That the king was wonderfully affected to prince Maurice held him in great esteeme and desired not to impaire his estate but rather to confirme and make it greater yea he would gladly see him Generall of the armie against the Turke so much he was esteemed of all men for his vertues and valour That they would suffer all them that were in the gouernment of the vnited Prouinces to continue still in their offices estates and dignities and would promise to continue their children in them being capable if they would onely giue eare vnto a peace and acknowledge the said archduke Albert for their lord and prince These and such like speeches were vsed vnto him being carried before the archduke he sayd as much to him in Latine entreating him that he would make a good report thereof when it should be fitting All this being vnderstood by the Estates they presently conceiued that these baits tended to no other end but to breed some diuision in the countrey and to mooue the commons as if they desired to continue the warres without cause or reason whilest that they might according to their saying enter into an assured way of peace They did easily beleeue that both the king and the cardinall would gladly haue seene prince Maurice in Hongarie and that to him and the vnited Prouinces there should be made what promises they could desire if they could onely get but that point of them as to acknowledge the said archduke for their prince supposing if that were done that hee should easily become master first of them that had charge of the gouernment and managing of affaires who would presently seeke to creepe into his fauour and then generally of the gouernment of the Prouinces Some thought these speeches were but a common bruit to draw the Estates to giue eare to a parle and to enter into conference as some yeares before they had in the like manner circumuented them of Bruges and Gant which they caused to be bruited abroad onely to make a triall and then goe backe from it when they thought good such speeches seruing to no other end Thither were also brought vnto the Estates certaine letters intercepted both in Fraunce and in England by the which the king of Spaine gaue contrary instructions vnto the cardinall archduke which were That in the treatie of peace with France his Rebels for so he called the vnited Estates should not bee comprehended but vpon condition that the Romish Catholicke religion should bee receiued and established in all places the kings soueraignetie and dignitie maintained the old officers which had been displaced and chased away restored and that those which remained being capable and fit might be admitted if they were Catholickes and not heretickes and besides they might promise them a generall pardon that the French king ought not to procure any thing else if he were as he should be that is a Catholicke This instruction conferred with the former speech with many other aduertisements the Estates seeing how they sought with faire words to abuse circumuent them conceiued that there could nothing grow of such a peace but a change of religion and a translation of the gouernment out of their hands vnto banished men and Spaniolized more couetous of reuenge than the Spaniards thēselues And therfore not any one hauing serued or had any office in the said Prouinces might remaine knowing that with such conditions no other they should be yeelded to the Infanta who would bridle thē in the same manner that the Spaniard had done Wherupon the Estates nobilitie and towns in generall resolued not to giue eare to any peace or truce but to support the burthen of the warre to the extremitie and to attend such an issue as it should please God to send them rather than to abandon their countrey and to receiue their enemies into the gouernment thereof but rather to procure and aduance what they should find needfull for them especially to giue contentment to the Queene of England Hereupon they appointed a greater number of deputies in their colledges and in the generall Estates sending into England as her Maiestie had required certaine notable embassadors to induce her to continue the warre with them against the Spaniards the which were Iohn van Duyuen Woorde knight seigniour of Warmont of Woud c. Iohn van Oldenbarneuelt seigniour of Tempel first councellor and aduocate for the Estates and keeper of the seale of Holland and west Friseland Iohn van den Werke councellor and orator of Middlebourg Iohn van Hotting a esquier councellor and deputie for the generall Estates Andrew Hessels chiefe councellor of the councell
vnto you aspiring to more honour See how the English seekes to depriue you of that commoditie beeing mightie at sea both in men and shipping as for the French I doe not much apprehend them Strengthen your selfe with them of the Netherlands although they were part hereticks and would so persist vpon condition that they might freely sell their goods in Spaine and Italie paying the royal customes and other duties and in obtaining pasport to saile to the west or east Indies they should put in caution take an oath to discharge their goods in Spaine at the returne of their shippes vpon paine of punishment in doing otherwise I thinke they will not refuse to obserue it By this meanes the treasure of the Indies and Spaine shall be common and shall be vnited to the traffique of the Netherlands and then both France and England must goe without it My sonne I could represent vnto you greater matters for the conquering of other kingdomes but you find in my studie the discourses which haue beene offered me to that end Cause Christophel de Mora to giue you the key presently least such secrets should fall into any other persons hands I did cause some of the minutes of these instructions to be burnt the 7 of September I feare there are some imbesilled be carefull to seeke them out I haue this added that if you can like of Antonio Peres seeke to draw him into Italie or at the least that hee ingage himselfe to serue you in some other of your kingdomes but neuer suffer him to come into Spaine nor to goe into the Netherlands Touching your mariage the instructions are in the keeping secretarie Loo Read this note often which is sealed and written with mine owne hand Haue an eie alwaies to your most secret councellors acquaint your selfe with cyphers discontent not your secretaries keepe them alwaies occupied whether about important affaires or otherwise make triall of them rather by your enemies than by your friends If you happen to discouer your secrets to any familiar friend keepe alwaies the substance thereof within your owne bosome reueale it not to any This instruction was preserued from the fire among those papers which the king had commanded should be burnt whatsoeuer it be it may be as well true as likely by the circumstances that are noted therein The sixteenth of September prince Maurice beeing aduertised that a great supply of victuals artillerie and munition should come from the towne of Guelders vnto the admirals armie with a conuoy of 1500 foot and two cornets of horse he parted from his campe beeing accompanied with the earles of Hohenloo Nassau Solins and al his horsemen leauing the seignior sergeant maior of the armie to haue the care of the campe in his absence and hauing passed the riuer of Wahal in great boats neere vnto Bomel hee thought to watch for the said conuoie betwixt Venlo and Orsoy and there to charge them but the Spaniards hauing some notice thereof prouided otherwise so as the prince returned backe without any effect After that some mariners of Bomel and of Tyel which had runne away vnto the enemie came on the twentieth of September with a barke couered to set vpon one of the Estates gallies beeing in guard vpon the Rhine right against the towne of Rees suffering their barke to fall downe with the streame as if it had beene through negligence hauing but one man at the helme vntill it came to strike against the prowe of the gallie whilest that the mariners were at their praiers in the morning before beakefaâ—… not so much as dreaming of any surprize by such a boat whereof the mariners hauing lift vp the couering with their shoulders and cast it into the water they boarded the gallie and began to charge the men beeing thus suddainely surprized whereof some of them were slaine and others hurt The captaine called Simon Ianson of Eeedam saued himselfe with nine more in his boat and so escaped their hands So these mariners being masters of the gallie they tooke out their iron peeces of ordnance and all that liked them and abandoning the galley for that it was old they set fire on it The 25 of that moneth the duke of Iuilliers estates assembled to resolue what was to be done touching the taking of the towne of Orsoy and other attempts made by the admirall Some among the said Estates did secretly fauour the admirall knowing well that what hee did was by the king of Spaines commandement with whose double pistolets they had bin long fed and of the archduke Albert all which was done with a pretext to make warre that way against the vnited prouinces and after an other manner than all the other gouernors for those were the archdukes bragges at his comming into the countrie yet notwithstanding all difficulties the said Estates of Cleues did resolue to send and summon the admirall to restore the said towne of Orsoy seeing he had said it was but to haue a passage ouer the Rhine and that if he refused it and that they must go by way of force they would write vnto the earle Vander Lippe captaine generall of the inferior circle of Westphalia that from thenceforth hee should not suffer them to leuie any more men in his quarters and circle for the warres of Hongarie but for the defence and preseruation of the countrey they should gather together all they could and imploy the money which was gathered and appointed for the warres against the Turke and that hee should with all speed assemble the fiue inferiour circles in the towne of Dortmont to resolue of the meanes how they would assist them of the dutchie of Cleues Moreouer that the duke of Cleues would write vnto the emperour princes and imperiall townes and especially to the foure princes electors of the Rhine to the duke of Brunswic and Landtsgraue of Hessen making his complaints of the great wrong was done to him and to all his countries and demanding succours to remedie it and to diuert a greater mischiefe The said Estates did also depute some among them to go vnto the fiue circles when they should be assembled and to require some speedie remedie As in like manner they deputed some to them of Cologne who fauoured the admirals actions too apparently to persuade them not to send any victuals nor munition vnto the Spaniards campe as they had alwaies done There they also decreed that there should be a good garrison put into the towne of Duysseldorp Sibilla princesse of Cleues the dukes sister had before and soon after written vnto the archduke beeing at Niuelli on his way towards Spaine and by her embassadours shee made the dukes complaints and her owne of the taking of the said towne and other the admirals attempts to whom the archduke answered in these tearmes Most worthie and deere cousin c. The complaints and grieuances which your Excellencies embassadour and of the most famous prince the duke your brother hath
doubt not but you will dutifully consider them and not vpon any colour or presence whatsoeuer contrary to the commendable custome of all nations and to the blemishing of the emperors authoritie and reputation refuse to giue vs a pasport and without hearing vs speake so skornfully reiect the instructions sent vnto you by the emperours maiestie and the whole empire the which are done with a good intent but rather accept friendly and thankfully thereof and take them in good part whereby the cause may be aduanced and so without further delay we may proceed to a neighbourly audience of you and the discharge of the commission and embassage receiued by vs the which according to our instructions wee are to deliuer vnto you The consideration whereof in all friendly manner we recommend vnto your honours c. and therewith we commit you to the protection of the almightie and our selues vnto your friendly censures Dated as aforesaid c. The generall Estates hauing receiued this letter from the embassadors they made a reply the which for that it is very long in manner a repetition of the former I haue thought good for breuities sake to omit and to touch onely at the principal points First hauing made protestation of their duties and seruice to the emperours maiestie the holy empire they insist that for many vrgent reasons they could neither directly nor indirectly enter into any treatie of peace with the king of Spaine or the archduke and Infanta that not onely in regard of the welfare of the vnited prouinces and the inhabitants thereof but in respect of the Queene of England and other princes and common weales their neighbours and the good of all the inhabitants of the Netherlands sighing vnder the burthen of the Spanish yoake Touching the restitution of certaine places which was demanded they answered that they held them for their owne safeties the emperors seruice not onely to free the vnited prouinces but also the territories of the empire from the inuasions and oppressions of the Spaniards in which places they entertained garrisons at their owne charge for their necessarie defence That they would giue contentment to certaine embassadors which were at that instant come from Cleues Iuilliers and other territories of the empire to the same end so as the emperours maiestie nor the Estates of the empire should haue no cause to dislike of them protesting that they had no desire to hold any lands out of the vnited prouinces nor to doe any wrong vnto their neighbour countries offering to deliuer vp Emmeric and the Tolhus as soone as the enemie should doe the like and to giue securitie not to take any place vpon the frontiers of the empire nor to build any skonces nor to make any incursions vpon the territories of the empire so as the enemie would make the like promise giue the like securitie After that they make an ample relatiō of the Spaniards proceedings for the space of 15 months and the great insolencies committed by them vpon the territories of the empire all which they had done as they said in contempt of the emperours maiestie and of the holy empire In the end they persuade the princes electors other estates of the empire to oppose themselues against the enemie and to reuenge the wrongs done vnto the empire that hereafter he should not dare to attempt the like Lastly they desire them to censure of their proceedings as tōding onely to the seruice of the holy empire and that they would giue the emperours maiestie the princes electors and all the Estates of the empire to vnderstand in what honourable respect they held thē wold be alwaies ready to do the like vnto their honors to their best abilities Whilest the Estates were framing of this answer the embassadors came to Brussels to deliuer their charge whereupon the first of Februarie they had open audience of the archdukes they being accompanied with the admirall the prince of Orange diuers other noblemen Charles Nutzel made the speech the effect of his oration was that they did congratulate in the emperour their brothers name the archdukes comming into the Netherlands shewing how much the emperour desired to plant peace and quietnesse in the Netherlands who was bound by his office to defend the friends and allies of the empire from all force and inuasion then hee passed to the restitution which the archdukes were to make of the towne of Rhineberck to the elector of Cologne and the satisfying of them of Westphalia the countries of Cleues Marke and others for the wrongs and oppressions done vnto them the yeare past Whereunto the archduke made answere in generall termes That he thanked the emperor for his great loue and kindnesse promising to send him an answer in writing whereby the sincerity of his heart vnto the holy empire might be the better knowne wherof he said he was no vnprofitable member and how much he desired the peace and good of those countries which as then were his and that there should not bee any defect in him to enter into any honourable condition of peace that he might not be the cause as it was neuer his intent why his neighbors should endure any harme or wrong by his souldiers the contrary effects wherof were to be ascribed to the condition and fruits of warre and not to the disposition wilful suffrance of the commanders c. And so being feasted by the archdukes receiuing diuers presents they returned backe to the emperor by whom not long after they were sent againe about the same subiect After the archdukes comming into the Netherlands he wrote a letter with his owne hand vnto the Q. of England aduertising her M. of their arriuall in the Netherlands and what great desire he had to make a peace with his neighbors to renue the old league alliance which their house for many yeares held with the K. of England for the effecting whereof he said he had full power from the king of Spaine Whereunto the Q. of England made answere That she had alwaies sought that peace which might tend to the general good of all Christēdome wherunto she would willingly giue eare seeing they said they had authoritie from the king of Spaine to treat but that she was bound in honor as the vnited prouinces in like sort were not to enter into any treatie before she had first made them acquainted therwith and known their resolution if they meant to be comprehended therein to whom she would send to know if they would ioyne with her or that she should treat alone by her selfe the which whē time serued should be made knowne vnto them Moreouer her Ma. did congratulate the archdukes cōming into the Netherlands the rather for that she had had an vncle of their bloud who had done her great honour and therefore she wished the Infanta all good These letters with others being sent to and fro by 2 brethren called
disorder to Sâ—…luse yet carrying backe all their gallies beeing fauoured by the neerenesse of their retreat There died in this sea fight the generall Frederick Spinola with aboue eight hundred of his men and a great number of them hurt Of the Estates side there were sixe and thirtie slaine among the which was captaine Iacob Michelson and his lieutenant the viceadmirall Ioos de Moor and captaine Leger Peterson with some threescore others were hurt In the viceadmirall and in the gally of Zeeland there were some Englishmen of the garrison of Flessingue who did exceeding well of the which there were eight slaine and some fifteene hurt Ioos de Moor the viceadmirall commaunded at this fight in the absence of the seignior William van Haulstein who was admirall vnder prince Maurice he hearing the noyse of the ordnance parted presently from Flessingue with fiue ships of warre and one fregate to come and succour his companie before the ditch but the fight was ended and the enemie retired before he came In this battaile the saying of the royall prophet Dauid was verified That victories proceeded not from the force and strength of man but from the ayd and assistance of God Elizabeth Queene of England of famous memorie being dead vpon the foure and twentieth day of March and Iames king of Scotland called to the succession of the crowne vpon the 8 of Aprill the vnited prouinces did write a letter vnto the king of England as followeth Most high and mightie prince as we were with great reason grieued in our soules for the newes of the death of the most high great mightie and soueraigne princesse the queene of England of most worthy and famous memorie in regard of the great loue and affection shee did alwayes beare vnto our estate and for the ayd which we did still receiue from her princely bountie for our defence and preseruation against the king of Spaine and his adherents wherby the remembrance of her shall for euer remaine eternized in vs and our posteritie so were wee much comforted and reioyced in our hearts to vnderstand that your Maiestie with a generall applause of the Estates of the whole country was proclaimed the true and lawful heire successor and king of the kingdomes of England Fraunce and Ireland and the rather for that wee assure our selues that your Maiestie comming to the succession of the said kingdoms will not onely continue your princely grace and accustomed fauour but will also of your princely inclination inherit the same princely affection towards vs and our estate which the aforesayd noble queene of worthy memorie hath left vnto you thereby to continue your gratious ayd and bountifull assistance for our preseruation for the welfare of all Christendome and your owne good against the common enemie as we haue long hoped and expected the same And in effect to shew the resolution we haue alwayes had to please and serue your Maiestie so wee beseech almightie God for the first part of our dueties to blesse your Maiestie in this succession to his glorie and the propagation of his holy word to exalt your Maiesties gouernment with all state and happinesse and to giue your Maiestie health and long life not onely to the glorie and comfort of your owne kingdomes and subiects and of our estate but also to the good and peace of all Christendom against the insatiable ambition of the Spaniards and their adherents To which end we most humbly beseech your Maiestie seeing it pleased the aforesaid queene of famous memorie in her later dayes to grant vs leaue to take vp certaine souldiers in England for to fill vp and make compleat the English companies that serue vnder vs as wee likewise besought your Maiestie to suffer vs to doe the like in Scotland for the Scottish companies that it will now please your Maiestie to grant vs the effect thereof that wee may at this present take vp the said souldiers both in England and Scotland to be transported into the Netherlands there to be imployed in our seruice as the necessitie of our cause requireth and especially for the preseruation of the towne of Oostend wherein we refer our selues to your Maiesties consideration kissing your princely hands with all humilitie beseeching the almightie God to preserue your M. throne in al happinesse glory and your princely person in long life prosperitie Dated as aforesaid signed by the generall states of the vnited prouinces Presently after this letter they sent an honorable embassage into England the embassadors were Henry Frederic earle of Nassau yongest sonne to the late prince of Orange Walraue baron of Brederode monsieur Van Olden Barneuelt counsellor for Holland and Iacob Valck treasurer of Zeeland beeing accompanied with diuers gentlemen as the lords of Batenborgh Schagen Trelongh Herdenbrooke Borselle with many others These embassadors arriued in England the 14 of May eight daies after the kings entrie into London and vpon the seuen and twentieth of May they had audience where besides their congratulating of the kings comming to his new kingdomes they layed open vnto him the estate of their affaires and craued a supply of souldiers according to the contents of their letters the which was deliuered both by mouth and writing but for that it is but a repetition of that which hath gone before I forbeare to insert it The king made them a friendly answer in generall tearmes excusing himselfe that he was but newly entred into his kingdome and beeing ignorant of the estate and power thereof hee thought it requisite first to settle his owne affaires and to be fully informed of all particularities beeing most conuenient rather to seeke peace than warre and that with all friendly care and affection he would continue all loue and friendship with them as his predecessor had done with many other exceeding good wordes wherewith the embassadours tooke their leaues The archduke hearing also of the death of the Queene of England sent a gentleman called Nicholas de Schosy into Scotland to sound the kings mind how he stood affected whether to peace or warre and hearing that he had beene alwaies inclined to a good peace he sent to all the coasts of Flanders commaunding them not to touch nor molest any English man neither by water nor by land but to vse them with all loue and friendship and withall to set all their English prisoners at libertie And at the same time he sent an embassadour into England which was Charles earle of Aremberg knight of the golden fleece chancellor of estate and admirall generall for the archdukes beeing accompanied with his sonne the baron of Seuenberghen the earle of Bossu the baron of Robles the lord of Wakene the lord of Swevigem the earle of Phirtburg the baron of Neuele with many other gentlemen his embassage tending besides congratulation to mooue the king to a peace and to crosse certaine designes of the vnited prouinces and for that the plague was great in
the gouernor promising to giue them satisfaction in the towne of Bruges 7 That all muster-masters and other officers which haue mannaged the accounts paying of souldiers may also depart freely with their mouable goods and papers touching their charges not taking away any of the charters or registers of the towne 8 That all officers and commissaries of the victuals of the admiraltie and of the king of Spaines armie shall do the like 9 That the gouernor shal be bound to deliuer the castle this night into his Excellencies hands that he may put 200 men into it 10 That to morrow the garrison shall depart out of the towne Made in the campe before Sluce the 19 of August 1604. Behold how the vnited Estates tooke this towne of Sluce by prince Maurice their great captaine and admirall generall euen in view of the archdukes armie There were found in it eleuen great gallies wherof 7 were verie much shaken but afterwards repaired by them the rest were verie good and new with a great number of other sorts of boats 84 peeces of brasse and 24 of yron with great store of powder bullets and other munition for war the which made them much stronger both by sea and land And with these honourable conditions they departed out of Sluce being about 4200 men almost hunger starued The Estates after this conquest being contented for this yeare with the importance therof spent some time in fortifying Sluce and Isendike the which they did inlarge more than halfe and haue made it a good towne with a capable hauen they fortified Ardenbourg also and other places in the which they haue many Oostends and so much the stronger for that they are neere one vnto another Besides these places are more commodious to make war in Flanders being in the heart of the countrey and neere vnto Bruges and other greater townes than Oostend which is in a remote quarter among the downs and sand hils the which they might block vp with forts and so leaue it as they did since the yeare 1599 whereas Sluce is the key of traffique The news of this losse was soone diuulged the which caused great murmuring and sodaine alterations in the countries thereabouts In Holland and Zeeland there was nothing but giuing of thanks to God bonfiers banquets and ioy yea at Oostend whose end drew neere the souldiers shewed their ioy with their canons and muskets In the archdukes country there was nothing but heauinesse the people murmuring and saying That what they feared was come to passe seeing that Oostend held good after the losse of Sluce Some did imagine that the prince would go with his victorious armie and raise the siege of Oostend and that by meanes of the intelligences which he had in some townes he would strangely shake the archdukes affaires But things fell out otherwise as we will shew The archduke hauing lost Sluce resolued to haue Oostend rather to repaire his honour and losse than to reape any fruits of his three yeeres labour holding that his reputation was not in so great danger as the good of his wiues countrey which he enioyed whereas now there was no practise nor inuention omitted to take the towne And the besieged being encouraged by the victorie of Sluce made a wonderfull resistance there was a generous emulation and miraculous deedes of armes There were diuers mynes made which wrought diuers effects sometimes hurtfull to the besieged and sometimes to the assaylants Spinola hauing made his approches by mine and other deuises to Sandhill he resolued to giue an assault but finding the Spaniards vnwilling and to flye from all seruices for the enuie that they bare vnto him and to the Italians he made choise of the Germane regiments vnder the earles of Folgia and of Barlaimont being most of them old soldiers and of great resolution who after great resistance tooke Sandhill and slue all that had not retired in time the which was a great losse to the besieged it was said that Spinola gaue vnto these soldiers out of his owne bounty fortie thousand gulderns to drinke with great thanks and commendations The besieged expected succours daily but they fayled them as there is nothing more doubtfull than the euents of warre There was great hazard in the reliefe of Oostend the which although the siege had been raised could hardly haue been kept and in the end would haue wearied the vnited Estates especially wanting succours from England by reason of the peace concluded betwixt the kings of England and Spaine besides it might be dangerous for the Estates armie if they should faile in their attempt or receiue any affront whereby there would haue growne an ineuitable mischiefe which was the diuision and weakning of their army the which would haue giuen a great aduantage vnto the enemie wherefore they resolued to fortifie the towne of Sluce with all their armie the importance whereof made them not to apprehend the losse of Oostend The besieged in Oostend hauing attended succors a moneth after the taking of Sluce and had sent often vnto the vnited Estates and to the prince aduertising them in what estate they were and that the archdukes Germanes had taken a part of the towne from whence in short time they might cut off their hauen and depriue them of the benefit of the sea they thought that without doing wrong vnto their honours they might lawfully compound with so couragious an enemy besides they had aduice from the prince to make the most honourable composition they could being of opinion that the Estates should not charge themselues any longer with that towne seeing they had taken Sluce which was held of farre greater importance and so many other new forts conquered the which they must furnish According to which aduise monsieur Marquet gouernour of the towne of Oostend with the councell of warre entred into treaty with the marquesse Spinola and hauing first sent a-away their best ordnance into Zeeland leauing some only for a shew they yeelded the towne vnto the archduke leauing it all ruined and without inhabitants after a siege of three yeeres and eleuen weekes the which hath not been seene these many hundred yeeres in Christendome and departed the 22 of September with their full armes and marching like soldiers in battell with foure peeces of ordnance and munition for tenne shot the most honourable composition that could be and passing along by Blankenbergh they went vnto the princes campe being yet about Sluce busie in his fortifications The archduke hauing Oostend at command would needs goe see in what estate the towne was whereas they found nothing but hils of earth and trenches and heapes of stones of the houses and churches which had been ruined with the canon where they had worke inough to repaire so as he was forced to entertaine his army there all the rest of the summer before he could bring it to any good order and cast downe his trenches with many of the forts For
so as he might retaine the soueraignty But being ready to enter into a treaty of peace and the prouinces vnder the archdukes gouernment in good hope thereof the bad gouernment in Hongarie and Transiluania bred an open rebellion so as Stephanus Botschkay tooke vpon him to be their leader and besides this disordered gouernment bad pay mutiny of the soldiers they sought by means of the Iesuits to force mens consciences and to alter their long reformed religion in so dangerous a time of ciuill and forraine wars and for that cause they grounded their rebellion vpon the same foundation which the Netherlanders had done as breach of priuiledges gouernment of strangers and constraint of conscience the which gaue cause of suspition vnto the Emperour and the king of Spaine In the meane time there were many things propounded how a peace might be made the which for that it is a matter of great importance I haue thought it fit to bee inserted One terming himselfe a Netherlander yet dwelling out of those countreys sets down his opinion in three speciall points and first concerning the bad gouernment of the vnited prouinces Secondly that they will not be still able to continue the wars and thirdly that they shal be forced to submit themselus vnder Spain France or England Of these 3 points he maketh a long discourse and also of the forces and qualities of each one in particular If any man would argue and maintain that it were the best course to yeeld the countreys ouer to prince Maurice in regard of his great seruices done for the same with perpetuall confederation and league with France and England thereby to defend and support the said prouinces hee was of opinion that it would be too difficult a matter for prince Maurice to vndertake so great a quarrell with the Estates of Holland and Zeeland and that they which are so well seated and at this present in the gouernment would not willingly giue their consents vnlesse they were forced therunto by the said kings Therfore he setteth downe a means how to settle the archdukes after another maner in the said Netherlands which if it were not found good conuenient then they should deuise how to further prince Maurice in this designe The meanes hee speaketh of are That seeing the king of Spain and the archdukes are so vnited as they are not to be trusted in regard of the maxime of pias fraudes holy deceits that therfore to bring the 17 prouinces into a perfect vnion they must procure the kings of France and England to bee mediatours to the king of Spain to yeeld vp al his right absolutely vnto the archdukes vpon pain of breaking the league with them the emperor also in regard of affinity France must likewise resigne al maner of pretences vpon condition that their heires males after the maner of the Salike law by this or any other mariage of them both and no other shall succeed and that after both their deaths without heires males that neither the king of Spain nor the emperor in regard of their great suspected powers shold inherit the Netherlands but it should descend to the rest of the heires males of the emperors Ferdinand Maximilian with the like conditions and if it so fell out that the said successor in the Netherlands were chosen to be emperor he should then likewise giue ouer his title to the Netherlands vnto the next heires males of the same house and that if the whole house of Austria should chance to die and be extinct only the emperor and the king of Spaine remaining in that case it should be lawfull for the said prouinces to choose themselues another prince where they pleased that all the Netherlands might continue vnder one Lord and Prince It should bee also necessary that the king of Spaine should giue security for the effecting thereof vnto one of the two kings aforesaid which if hee refused then the said kings of England France with the Netherlands shold force him therunto with the consent of the emperor which he affirmeth is easie to be done by many reasons by him alleaged for that cause men must take heede of the Iesuites maximes or subtile fetches He also maketh answere to many arguments obiected to the contrary by the Spaniards who would not endure to be cut off from their patrimoniall inheritance but Christian peace ought to persuade him thereunto that so he may employ all his power against the Turke therewith he setteth downe certein articles to be obserued in this peace which are 6 in number which if the king of Spaine will not agree vnto and that the said articles were not liked on either part then the kings of France and England shall seeke to put the said countreys if it were possible into the hands of prince Maurice of Nassau but the other contract with the archdukes he saith were better he sheweth moreouer what profit all Christendome may expect and attend by the said peace wherein we should neither feare pope nor Iesuite but call a generall councell whether it were with the good liking or otherwise of the pope and according to the decrees thereof to begin a war against the Turke in such order as monsieur la Noue describeth whereunto all other princes would willingly giue consent and by that meanes the golden world would begin againe Another being a catholike and vnder the archdukes gouernment setteth downe certaine reasons for a peace as followeth He sheweth the strength of the vnited prouinces which are compassed in with the seas and great riuers that are nauigable hauing great store of shipping therewith to prouide them of all things necessary and on the other side hee setteth downe the difficulties whereunto the prouinces vnder the archdukes commaund are subiect As that their soldiers can hardly liue or get any thing from such an enemy but would bee ouer chargeable to their owne countrey that the aid which they had out of Spaine was great in shew but in effect small and was most of it drawne from the vttermost parts of Italy and the deepest parts of Spaine and that many times it was intercepted by the way and being come it did melt like snow against the sunne that by protracting of the soldiers pay mutinies did arise That the vnited prouinces are alwaies first in the fields and that they could thereby giue the first onset that Spaine of it selfe is poore that the Hollanders tooke his gold siluer and traffique from him at the Indies that his mynes are drawne drie that the yong king is not so sparing as his father and so his charges are greater and by that meanes money grew scant and mutinies daily increased so as to pacific the soldiers and to giue them some contentment besides their robbing and spoyling of the countrey they are often paide twelue or fifteen stiuers a day for a footman and foure twenty stiuers a horsman not any other are full paid vnlesse they
the liberties of Holland and Zealand now vnexpected releeued and deliuered them out of their necessitie and trouble making the peace at Gant with them from the which that your eyes and hearts might againe bee withdrawne from mortall ayde and relye more vppon GOD they fell againe and remayned no longer constant therein but vntill that their countriemen and those of the religion had gotten their heads aboue water and taken breath after that you sought other forraine ayd the which how much greater they were in outward appearance and worldly respect the greater blow they gaue vnto your Estate some made the shippe euen to cracke againe and some ranne it almost on ground You are alwayes much bound to praise and commend the affection of the famous and praise worthy Queene of England although some of hir Commanders brought your Estate for a while into no small combustion the best most assâ—…ed most constant ayd you had alwaies from your selues yet before all things you must craue it at GODS handes who till this time neuer fayled you at all What better assurance of his fatherly regard and care for your preseruation can you haue then that hee hath defended you contrary to all mens expectations not onely against the power and force of forreyne enemies but also against so many domesticall deceipts practises and treasons your owne protectors and Gouernors sought to deceiue you as the Earle of Renebergh in Freezeland and Ouerissell the Earle of Bergh in Gelderland and in the Earldome of Zutphen and the Prince of Chymay in Flanders The chiefe of your Deputies sent to the treatie of Cologne in anno 1579. as the Duke of Arschot the Lord of Grobbendoncke and the Abbot of Maroles were better affected to the enemie then to you and sought to deliuer you into their handes but all their long pretended councell and as they thought most secretly contriued Gods powerfull hand confounded and like Achitophels wisdome brought it to nought It is not impossible in mans iudgement that the losse of so many townes so many treasons so many crosses in battailes giuen in the field as at Hardenberge heath at Gemblours at Northoorn at the Borentang at Boxum and elsewhere The losse of the strongest townes in the countrie which were partly taken by force and famine and some willingly falling from you could not ouerthrow yours nor better the enemies state You see the people by meanes of ouerthrowes and other losses became vigilant wiser and more prouident all your losses were to your furtherance and the enemies victories turned to his owne hurt the populous and rich townes of marchandise vnder his command by his triumphes in the twinckling of an eye became poore desolate and empty both of men and tafficke yours in all crosses and aduersities had meanes to increase and inrich them-selues Villages became Townes and weake Townes made inuincible those that before were great and strong you were forced to make them more spatious greater because they could not comprehend the multitude of people which sought to inhabit within them Euery yeare you haue built an innumerable number of shippes of war made infinite store of Ordinance all manner of weapons munition and other necessaries for the warres but aboue all the experience of the warres increaseth and teacheth yoâ—… rightly to know how to vse that power and meanes which God hath giuen you You haue reduced your contributions into good order GOD sheweth you how to trade in strange countries which before were not knowne by you and blesseth the same euery yeare more and more in dispight and to the subuersion and hinderance of the Kingdomes of Spaine and with no small admiration of all nations who thereby see that God withdraweth the trade and trafficke from the King and the whole countrie of Spaine and directeth it vnto you and giueth you such power at Sea as you are able to inuade Spaine and other places To the contrary they see that all the Kings proceedings goe backeward that the cancker and cursse is falne into his treasor that hee notwithstanding all his money of the Indies must breake his credit with the Marchants and disauow his contracts that hee is continually vexed with mutinies of soldiers that are vnpaid they see clearly that as now their reputation and name is greater then his power that hee must indure that you inuade and braue him in his owne countries and Hauens and that in steed of striking terror into others hee him-selfe must feare Finally hee must needes bee blinde that from these wonders doth not acknowledge his fatherly blessings vnto you and his wrath and displeasure vppon the Kings house who acknowledgeth not the honor power and dignitie wherein it is placed by God but to the rooting out of his word and Church to the procuring of all troubles in Christendome and to the ouer-running of strange countries where-vnto they had no right wherein they haue shedde much Christian bloud for the which God is iustly offended Therefore oh Netherlands seeing you haue for so many yeers defended your freedomes of soule and body and likewise spent so much blood and treasor in the sayd quarrell and caused your name and fame to bee spread abroade throughout all the world now at the last leaue not of your labour when the greatest wants and greatest dangers are past That which remaineth with the helpe of God is but small now you doe dayly see your enemies decay both in power and riches and their ruine approching You haue seene the end of King Philip the second that with all his treasure wise counsellors great respect authoritie and experience and continuall labour for thirtie yeares together lost more then hee gotte from you Much more hope is there then that by Gods grace you shall goe thorough with the cause to your honor against his sonne whose counsell authoritie and experience is nothing comparable vnto that of his Father who findeth the spring of his treasures exhausted and drawne drie and his credit weakned whose imposts and reuenues by meanes of forbidding trade and traffike and your happy new trade decrease and his charges increase for that continually both by Sea and by land vppon the coast of Spaine and others his kingdomes hee must arme against you and withall thinke vpon his owne defence whereas his father oâ—…ely practised and deuised how hee might ouer-come and vanquish you Suffer not your selues as in the beginning you were deceiued by the Duches of of Parma to bee againe now at the last circumuented with policie and faire speeches for the treasure of Spaine will not come so aboundantly vnto them as it hath done neither shall they bee able to drawe it from the bare and impouerished Prouinces which through their gouernment will soone bee wearied and seeke some alteration bee not slacke yet for a short time to continue your liberall contributions for the freedome that is bought therewith is not to bee valued by any treasure you neede not so to feare and
other Spaniards and Iraliens that were commanders in the army With this Attendance the Arch-duke receiued the English Ambassador with all honor and state but whilest they were feasting and merry at Brusselles Prince Maurice had an enterprize vpon Antwerp so as Spinola velasco vanden Bergh Busquay with many cmomanders were forced to packe away speedely for the defence of the country The Earle of Hertford hauing seene the Arch-duke sweare to the contract of peace leauing Sir Thomas Edmonds there for Ambassador leeger tooke his leaue of the Arch-dukes hauing performed his legation and charge with great honor and bounty from Brusselles he went to Antwerp and so into Zecland where hee tooke shipping for England Prince Maurice hauing taken Wouwe castle hee made a generall muster of his army and vpon the second of Iune hee past ouer the Scheld into Flanders and landed neere to Isendike leauing the forts vpon the riuer well apointed of men as in Lillo there was Abcl van Catz bailife of the marquisate of Campuere making a shew as if hee would haue beseeged the Sas of Brugges and so drawe the war into the enemies contry but Prince Maurice could begin no seege for that the Marquis Spinola was still at his heeles redy to charge him by meanes of the said bridge ouer the Schelld which Prince Maurice doubted at the first and therein hee was of a contrary opinion to all the estates holding it more profitable for them to go to the Rhine and for that cause to assure his conquest of Sluice Isendike Ardenborgh and the sconses thereabouts hee lodged his army at Watervliet for that there were some speches giuen forth that the Arch-dukes had an intent to beseege Sluce and with the great number of men which they expected from al places they would with a second army beseegeRineberke and yet keepe a flâ—…g campe to preuent all dangers Prince Maurire insconsed him-selfe very strongly at Watervliet and to let him from attempting any thing against â—…as and other forts Spinola came withall his power to campe by him in a place full of wood where they could hardly come one at the other but onely by bankes where they made sconses one against the other euery day seeking some aduantage The Generall Estates of the Vnited Prouinces beeing aduertised of a Fleete of shippes which was preparing at Lisbon in Portugall to bee sent into the Netherlands they also made readye their shippes of warre which attended them in the narrow Seas betwixt France and England but in the end this great Fleete proued to bee no more but eight shippes in all with some twelue hundred men in them thinking to land them at â—…unkerke Ostend or Neuport But the Estates shippes hauing discouered them on the fourteenth of Iune they charged them and sunke some the rest retired them-selues vnder thâ—… Castle of Douer in England where they landed their men and stayed there aboue sixe moneths before they durst crosse the Seas for feare of the Estates shippes In the end hauing lost many of their men and receiued some number of Irish-men the Estates shippes hauing wayed their Anchors they all recouered Dunkerke In this moneth of Iune the Towne of Meurs belonging to Prince Maurice was by certaine traytors fired on the which the enemie had an enterprise the which the Gouernor discouering hee did forbid them to open the gates for the sauing of any thing Where-vppon the whole Towne except some foure of fiue houses was burnt the Gouernor desiring rather to preserue the gates walles and fort for the Prince then the houses and lette it fall into the enemies handes In Iulie following the Marquesse Spinola sent a good part of his Armie out of Flanders causing it to march towards the Riuer of Rhyne vnder the command of the Earle of Busquoy the which past a League aboue Cologne going from thence to lodge at Dugts a Village opposite vnto the towne and some dayes after in Keysers-Weert where hauing gotten a passage to passe the rest of Spinolas men ouer the Rhyne they turned head towards Friseland The Estates hearing that Spinola was past and what course hee intended they presently gathered together all their troopes out of their garrisons of Berghen Breda and other places giuing them their Rendezuous at Berke vppon Rhyne Whether came also such companies as were in Flanders who seazed vppon the Iland right against the towne on the fourth of Iuly Vppon the which day all the Burgers of Weezel which were able to beare Armes were mustered the which the young-men also of the said towne did the next day promising and swearing to assist and succor one an other with all their meanes bloods and liues And if there were any that would transport their goods to any other place of safety that it should bee taken as good prize as their enemies goods Cont Henry Fredericke of Nassau Brother to Prince Maurice and Ernestus of Nassau his cousine passing the ninth of the moneth with three thousand foote close by the Towne of Weezell and Collonel Edmonds Generall of the Scottish men with tenne Cornets of horse approaching the rest of their troopes which were before Bercke they made new fortifications without the towne if happily the Marquesse Spinola should come and beseege it as it seemed he had an intent On the nine and twentith day of the moneth there was such a great storme of rayne and hayle in the camppe before Bercke and thereabouts as in the memory of man the like had neuer beene seene before it continued aboue a quarter of an houre There fell hayle-stones of a most strange fashion poynted and they were as big as Hennes egges The bridge which they had made vppon the Rhyne to passe from one quarter to an other was broken with the great violence of the wynde and was carryed downe the streame with the carts wagons and men that did guide them whereof some were drowned On the fourth of August the Marquesse Spinola parting from Keysers-Weert with three thousand horse two thousand foot he left the Earle of Busquoy with fiue thousand foote and eight hundred horse along the Rhyne to guard these new Forts which hee had taken and marcht him-selfe towards Essen in the countrie of Westphalia and from thence to Dorsen where he past the bridge and then to Coesvelts Grenou from whence he marcht towards Oldenzeel in the country of Oueryssell the which was held by the Estates with an intent to beseege it the which hauing inuested and knowing well that it was not very strong in one place he planted his Canon there and began to batter it The beseeged beeing but foure companies of foote knowing the weaknesse of the towne and that they should not be long able to resist his forces beeing better aduised then to cast away them selues wilfully and the Bourgers beeing loath to haue their Towne ruined with the Canon and them-selues in the end sackt and spoyled they compounded with the Marquesse vpon
captaine as hee bent his pistoll vpon him which hee likewise did to him but both fayled wherewith the Spanish captaine thought to haue taken hold of the Earles scarse and for to haue pulled him to him the which Bax perceiuing hee bent his pistoll at him thinking to shoote him into the face but with ouer great hast hee shot him lower in the armor and their they sat both on horse-backe hardly be-sted amongst their enemies and but weakely releeued by meanes of the noise and cries which the Earles horsemen had caused amongst them they had manie shot made at them but in the end Baxes Nephew came and releeued them and by that meanes they gathered some horses together and once againe charged the head of a troupe but were againe put backe and in that sort they fought for the space of seauen houres In the meane time Prince Maurice came on with three field peeces and some troupes of footemen which as then were more necessarie then the horsemen who beeing ledde on by Cont Ernestus and collonel Marquette they discharged a volley of shot amongst the Spaniards at which time Earle Theodoro Trivultio was slaine beeing Lieutenant generall of those troupes a braue souldier and of a Noble house and therewith certaine horsemen led on by the Earle Henrick giuing a new charge the Spaniards were once againe put to flight and were driuen vp a hill some ranne into the wood and many saued themselues in the house of Brooke which at the first they tooke by policie but it was taken from them againe and for want of good order they recouered it againe and so it serued them for a good retraict many were taken and slaine in the flight and diuers horses wonne but such as fled into the wood heareing of Spinolaes comming from Roeroort with the whole armie gathered together againe After this long and tedious fight Prince Maurice hearing of Spinolaes approch hee caused his men to returne willing Bax to staie there to fauour the retraict as hee did but was ill seconded by the other horsemen the Spaniards hauing gotten fresh supplies fell vpon them againe and the horsemen getting ouer Roere the Spaniards fell vpon the English foote who valiantly defended themselues as long as they had any powder but the Earle of Chastillion standing with two troupes vpon the Roere about a hedge shot so fiercely as the Marquises horsemen were forced to retire and so they made an orderly retraict the Spaniards following them still shooting but comming to a heath they left each other where as Prince Maurice called for those horsemen which had fled giuing them many reprochful speeches and shewed them what confusion they had made amongst his men whereas he put his greatest trust in them and by that meanes mist so good and faire an occasion to ouerthrow his enemy It was thought in this fight there were about fiue hundred of Spynolas men slaine whereof one was the Earle Theodoro Trivultio whose body beeing imbalmed was the next yeare sent vnto Milane where hee was borne and Gambarotta and others of account amongst the prisoners one was Nicholas Doria cousin to Spinola and others hauing two cornets taken from them and of Prince Maurices side they lost two Ensignes and about two hundred men amongst the which Mousier Dumdeville was one and certaine captaines the prisoners were Mounsier de Bethune who was presently exchanged for Nicholas Doria as also captaine Sald captaine Pigot and captaine Ratclif but Sir Henrie Carie a gallant Gentleman and Maister of the Iewell house to the King of England after his father was put to a great ransome for that hee serued as voluntarie and was not contained in the quarter This was donne vpon the nineth daie of October which gaue Prince Maurice great cause not to put so great confidence in his horsemen beeing as then but weake of foote so as after that hee durst not by any meanes hazard the like againe This Winter there was little done in the Netherlands touching the warres onely that the garrisons on either side made many enterprises one vpon an other as vpon Nuys Graue Erckelens Deuenter especially ouer the Ice during the frost but they tooke no effect the feare thereof beeing the cause which made the generall Marquis Spinola to staie longer in the Netherlands then hee thought to haue done so as it was the first daie of Ianuary before he tooke poast to passe through France into Spaine where on the waie hee was hindered by sickenesse and beeing in Spaine hee found more want of money then hee expected by the bad traficke in Spaine for that the East and West Indian fleetes were not come as also in regard of the dearth in Spaine whereby al the Spanish ryalles were paied and carried away for corne which was brought thether in great aboundance out of France England and other countries so as in Spaine they were forced to vse most copper money the which was wont to bee as plentifull of siluer as any other countrie In this winter also the counsell of warre assembled in the Hage to giue their censure vpon the gouernor and captaines of Linghen for that they had so basely yeelded vp the towne this counsell consisting of the Earles Henricke Ernest and Iohn of Nassaw the young Earle of Solms the Lord Vander Noote gouernor in Flanders Emerie van Lidie gouernor of Williams Stat Mounsier van Lookeren with some English and Scots Colonels and other captaines with Collonel Warner du Bois as president which met the last of Ianuary They of Gelderland with certaine of the Barron van Hemerts kindred who was beheaded in the Earle of Leicesters time by rigor of lawe said that if they were not beheaded that then the said Barron of Heemert had great wrong offered him for that hee had endured three assaultes giuen against the towne of Graue and receiued aboue a thousand eight hundred cannon shot whereas they to the contrary suffered three bridges to bee laid ouer the towne ditches in the daie time without any resistance and that therefore if they would proceed seuerely against the one and not against them they should then haue good cause to apeale against the Iudgement giuen vpon the Barron de Hemert This counsell sitting tell the 11. day of February at last they gaue sentence that the gouernor of Lynghen called Marten Cobbe and captaine Iohn Witte should bee dismist and with ignominy declared vncapable euer after to beare armes and that the Drosart Albert of Itersome Iohn Ruysch Iohn van Dyck Ernestus Mellinga Nichalas Audaert and the Licentiate Iuthiema should bee deposed from their places cassiered and should serue vnder such companies as they should be appointed vnto to recouer their credits againe if they could This sentence was much spoken of for that many were of opinion that if at the first these men had beene censured they had beene likely to haue lost their heads but so much time passing ouer before they
Flanders An admirable thing in the breaking of Images Breaking of Images in Antuerpe Throwing downe and breaking of Images in other places of the Netherlands The Regent in great feare The Regenâ—… being in â—…eare accuseth the lords vnto the king Letters of assurance from the gouernesse to the nobles In the moneth of Mâ—…y before the nobles had demanded any assurance An act of the promise of the contederats giuen vnto the Gouernesse An extract of the kings lâ—…tter to the duches after the peti A iustification of the Prote stant ministers at Antuerpe Those of Alcmar complain of thâ—… secret instructions The kings resolution in Spaine The emperour Maximilians answere to a letter sent him by the king of Spaine The kings letter to the prince of Orange Francisâ—…d All â—…as 〈◊〉 letters to 〈◊〉 duchesse of Parma * To turn the Netherlands into a royaltie Thinke of this both French English The nobles abouemeÌ„tioned * The marqui of Bergh 〈◊〉 baron of Mon tigny O'Alua and Rigomes * Of Lorraine The queene mother Another letter from the 〈◊〉 to the regent 〈◊〉 Egmoâ—…t and 〈◊〉 The prince of Spaines speech to the duke of Alua. The earle of EgmoÌ„ts speech The duchesse armes and forbids all exercise of the religion Valenciennes besieged 1567 Valenciennes yeelded Noircarmes breaks his faith with them of Valenciennes The people of the Nâ—…therlands complâ—…ine vnâ—…o the king of Spaine The confederated gentlemens requâ—…sts The Gouernesse answer A reply and distrust of the Protestants A new othe propounded by the duchesse The duchesse plais her part The Protestants defeated at Austerweel A tumult in Antuerpe The magistrat excuseth himselfe to the Gouernesse The secretarie Torre goes to the lord of Brederode The lord of Brederode complaines of the duchesse What the magistrat of Amsterdam granted to the Protestants A petition si oÌ„ them of Antâ—…erpe to the Gouâ—…e The ducasse answer The prince of OraÌ„ges speech to the earle of Egmont bidding him farwell Vianen abandoned An apologie made by the Protestants The duke of Alua sent Gouernour into the Netherlands The beginâ—… 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of Alua's 〈◊〉 â—…ment 〈◊〉 â—…nous The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 of the â—…bles The tyrannie of the duke of Alua and his bloudy couÌ„sell All authoritie taken from the generall states by the bloudy couÌ„sell The pitifull estate of the Netherlands The duke assuâ—…es himselfe of Gand. The earls of Egmont and Horne prisoners The castle of Antuerp built The duke of Aluaes proud image 1568 A commission to apprehend the prince of Orange The prince of Oranges answer to the commission Articles concluded by the Inquisition of Spaine agaiâ—…st the Netherlands The sentence of the Inquisition of Spaine against the Netherlands The kings con firmation of the sentence A sentence for the rasing of Culembourgs place in Brussels The regent ducâ—…sse of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out of the Nethâ—…nds An enterprise to take â—…he duke of Alua Production of fiue â—…cles of the priuiledges of Brabant Art 1. Art 3. Art 5. Art 17. Art 10. of the second additioÌ„ The articles of king Phâ—…oious entry Art 1. Art 57 Art 5â—… The duke of Aluaes money staid in Germany The lord of Villers defeated Coqueuille defeated at S. Valery Cont Arembergh defeated and slaine Executions done by the duke of Alua. The earle of Egmonts letter â—…o the king of Spaine The death of the earleâ—… of Egmont and Horne The death of the marquesse oâ—… Berghen in Spaine The baron de Montigni poysoned in Spain CoÌ„t Lodowic besiegeth Groningen The siege of Groningen raised The duke of Alua pursues CoÌ„t Lodowic Cont Lodowic saues himself The duke of Alua campes by Maestricht Dom Frederic skirmisheth with the prince The death of the earle of Hoochstraten The duke of Alua bringeth in the new bishops and the Inquisition 1569 The duke of Alua pâ—…kes a quâ—…rell against the Queene of England 1569 A description of the duke of Aluaeâ—… image 1570 The earle of Lodron taken prisoner by hiâ—… own souldiers The great crueltie of the duke oâ—… Alua. A general pardon by tâ—…e duke oâ—… Aluâ—… wiâ—…h â—…any restrictions The king of Spaine maries his neece the emperours daughter Great flouds in the Netherlands The duke of Alua inuents now impositions 1571 A new stile in criminall causes erected by the duke The 10 20 100 peny demanded by the duke of Alua. The states answere The dukes replie The states duplication to the duke of Altâ—…aes reply Conditions how the states did consent vn to the 10 peny The duke com mandeth the 10 peny to be taxed all the land through The duke seeketh by force to constraine them of Brussels to pay the 10 penie The case that the 10 peny was not taxed The towne of Bryele taken The earle of Bossu dâ—…uen from the Bryel The duke of Alua seekes to assure himselfe of Flessingue The Spaniards being refused at Ter Goes surprise Berghen Arnemuyden taken by the Spaniards Mons in Henault surprised by Cont Lodowic Sâ—…ncho d' Aâ—…â—…nt to beâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Protestants of Zeeland besiege Ter-Goes The duke of Medina Coeli sent to gouern the Netherlands Enchuysen reuolâ—…th The earle of Marche as lieu tenant to the prince of Orange seâ—…seth vpon Holland Mons inuested by Dom Frederic Genlis and the French Protestants defeated The barbarous 〈◊〉 vsed 〈◊〉 the French The duke of Alua comes beâ—…ore Mons. The prince of Orange comes with an armie to succour Mons. The prince of Oranges protestation The bishop of Cologne comes to succour the duke of Alua. Mons yeelded to the duke of Alua. The duke causeth Macklyn to be sacked Zurphen sacked by the Spaniard The sacke of Naerden and thâ—… execrable murthers committed therein Dom Frederic before Harlem The words of captaine 〈◊〉 to the â—…ssembly of Harlem The fort of Sparendam taken by the Spaniards Harlem besieged the 11 of December The â—…corder 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 beâ—… at Delft 1573 A halfe moon made wâ—…n the towne Zâ—…land Zeeland Holland Zeeland Zeeland The siege before Soubourg Soubourg yeelded by accord burnt Zeeland A fight at sea Holland Zeeland Holland Zeeland Holland A sea fight Holland The princes ships defeated Zeeland Libertie giuen by the prince to traffique Holland Great famine 〈◊〉 Harlem Zeeland The seignior of Laten slâ—…ine Holland A conference betwixt them of Harlem and the campe The succours of Harlem and the princes armie defeated A composition to yeeld the Towne vpon vnsure conditions The yeelding vp of the town agreed vnto The mercie of of the duke of Aluâ—… and his son at Harlem The souldiers in the Fuyck sconce steâ—…ued to death This siege continued 31 Weekes The earle of Marke accused before the States of Holland for his cruelty against church-men The earle of 〈◊〉 seeketh to â—…ue the princâ—… of Orange betred The Spâ—… returne 〈◊〉 â—…uest Aâ—… Zeeland Ramekins besieged by the Zeelanders â—…e castle of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The first skirmish of the two fleets The Spanish viceadmiral taken Holland Letters from the Gouernor Sonoy which comfort the
besieged Letters from the state of West-FriselaÌ„d to the besieged Alcmar freed from the siege A Prouerbe The emperor seeketh the peace of the Netherlands Zeeland Geertrnydenberg surprised by the prince Maesland sluce yeelded 〈◊〉 Romerswael yeelded to the Zeelanders The prince of Oranges comming into Zeeland The duke of Alua's retreat What the duke of Alua's enemies write of him 〈◊〉 duke of 〈…〉 〈…〉 Those of Middelbourg in great extremity Don Lewis his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The towne of Leyden besieged Braue sallies made by the besieged of Leydâ—…n The small Barkes of the Spaniards giue an alarme to the Zelanders A victory of the Protestants The signior of Boysot hurt The Commander a spectator of his mens ouerthrow Iulien Romero sauâ—s himselfe and d' Auila flies with his troupes Captaine Strenchant taken Strenchant exchanged for â—…uert and Mâ—… Deputies of either part at Rammeken to makâ—… a composition fâ—…r Middelbourg A composition for Middelbourg The conditions Cont Lodouic comes to succor the Protestanâ—…s of the Netherlands The Spaniards leaue Leyden Sanchio d'Auila views the Protestants armie Mondragon ioynes with Auila The defeat death of Cont Lodouic of Nassau The spaniards come to Antwerp the 26. of Aprill Champigni would haue beaten the spaniards out of the towne The spaniards being by the castell enter Antwerp where they mutine A Iesuite preachâ—…ng in the market place they said they would haue money nâ—… preaching The 〈◊〉 spâ—…ch to the mutinous souldiars The towne of Antwerp was forced to pay 400000. gilders to appease that mutiny and so it was ended The Zeelanders takes the ships of warre of Antwerp The spaniards returne to Leyden The spaniards about Bomel Gorrichom The taking of Vandrichom Leerdam The Spaniards buâ—…d forts vpon the riuer of Mâ—…use Three diuerse desseignes of the Commander A vaine enterprise vpon Delfe A generall pardon giuen by the King in the Netherlands The spaniards seeme to desire peace Difficulties vpon the order of the treaties of peace 〈◊〉 letters tâ—… Saâ—… Aldeguâ—…de A petition of â—…e Stâ—…es of â—…lland 〈◊〉 This petition more dâ—…slikt then the first Doctor Iunius letter to 〈◊〉 The Princes aduice to the States A couragious resolution of the States of Holland The endeauor of captains Ruyckhauer at the Hage Some English defeated The English rewarded for thâ—…ir trechery by the Spaniard to whome they had yeelded The Spaniards meane not to batter Leyden A short and resolute answer of the besieged at Lâ—…yden A happy incounter vnex pected for them of Leyden Thierry of Bioâ—…chhorst Gouernor of Lâ—…yden A tâ—…xe vpon the victualls Money coined of paper at Leyden A sallie made by the besieged 1574. A surious sallie of the Burgers of Leyden The Prince of Orange ve ry sicke The great resolution of the besieged of Leyden The Admirall Boysot sent for by the Prince Separation of three Iurisdictions The spaniards come to skirmish The army aduanceth tosuccor Ley den 1574. Collonel la Garde informes the Prince The Protestants charge the Spaniards A fault is some times profitable Captaine Catteuille others drowned An other passage to succor Leyden A passage into Rhinlandt The Protestants intrenched at the passage The Spaniards quit their lodging to the Protestants The Protestants enter into the lake of Noorda The Protestants lodge aâ—… Soetermeer Those of Leyden distressed importunâ—…d A braue answer made by the beseeged of Leyden The Prince comes to visit the army 〈◊〉 Proâ—…s 〈◊〉 â—…uance 〈◊〉 succors all â—…y can The Protestâ—…nts in great 〈◊〉 Stompischwech attempted in vaine A tumult in the tâ—…wne agâ—…st â—…he Magiâ—…te The couragious answer of the Burgeumaster of Leyâ—…en A flying messenger Vnexpectâ—… succors which God sends by the winde The Spaniards amazed A passage opened The Protestants passe the dike The Spaniards â—…e Many Spaniards perished in this out The Spaniards loose aboue 100. boats A diuision in the towne of Leyden The extreme famine in Leyden 6000 persons dead at Leyden during the siege What the fort of Lemmen was The spaniardâ—… abandon the fort of Lemmen The deliuerance of Leyden the 3. of October A testimonie of Gods prouidence A peece of the towne wall falls The Admirall enteâ—…s Leyden with the army The Prince of Orange aduertised of the deliuery of Leyden A gallâ—…nt enterprise with 〈◊〉 The Prince comes to Leyden The Princes admonition to the Magistrates of Leyden A generall coâ—…lection of armes to releeue the poore commons of Leyden The courtesie of them of Leyden to the Admirall Boisot Worcum 〈◊〉 â—…y the Spaâ—…rds Leerdam won by the Spaniards The Spaniards mutine and take Francisco valdes prisoner The Spaniardâ—… leaue South Holland The Mutyned Spaniards faile to surprise Vtrecht 1575. The great Commander makes a shew to desire peacâ—… The emperor Maximilian seeketh to make a 〈◊〉 The deputies that were sent â—…o make peace Articles of the peace ofred by the King vnto them of Holland and Zeeland 1575. The States answer to the King proposition of peace offered to the Netherlands Wherefore the Spaniards are straingers to the Netherlandes The Kings deputies replication to the States declaration touching peace A monethes time dâ—…manded by the States to consâ—…r of the caâ—…e The Erale of 〈◊〉 taking his 〈◊〉 of the de 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…th 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 â—…use The Statâ—… declaratioâ—… in the second assembly at Breda The opinions oâ—… the comâ—…ers counâ—…â—…d others â—…ng the 〈◊〉 and moâ—… on oâ—…â—…on The Prince of Orang and the States answer to the assembly at Breda The Kings Deputies answer to the 〈◊〉 last 〈◊〉 at the breaking vp of the treaty of peace 1575 This treaty of peace made the Princes cause to be better thought on by all men The commander resolues to warie The towne câ—…stell of Buren yâ—…elded Leyden in 〈◊〉 â—…de an 〈◊〉 The Prince of Orange third marriage Ouâ—…water beâ—…ged The fort of the Scluse basely abandoned A gallant 〈◊〉 made by captaine Morcant Resolution of them of Oudwater 〈◊〉 proffit hurts the geneâ—…all Goâ—…d order in the towne 1575. Oudwater sommoned to yeeld and refuseth The beseeged prepare to defend the breach The deligenâ—… of the beseegâ—… Oudwater taken by Assault The cruelty of the Spaniard Schoonhouen 〈◊〉 by the Spaâ—… Schoonhouen yâ—…lded by an honest Composition The Spaniards deâ—… vpon Ziricxzee The Spanâ—…s 〈◊〉 â—…nto the 〈◊〉 Ziricxzee 1575 The siege of ziricxee A fleete from Spaine with new soldiars The Commander sends an agent into England The States resolue for thâ—… preseruatioâ—… 1576. The vnited states send to demand succors from England The CoÌ„manâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 The King of Spaines bâ—…bt The demand of Flanders to the commander The request of the comander The fort of Crimpen taken by the Protestants of Holland The death of the great Commander 1576. 〈…〉 The Admâ—…ll 〈◊〉 slame Ziriczee yeelded to the Kings councell of state A mutinâ—…e amâ—…ng the spaâ—…ards 〈…〉 The mutineâ—… proscribâ—…d All the contry in armâ—…s to chase away the spaniards The Kings councell of state seazed on and
Brabant to diuert the siege of Scluâ—…e The Earle of Leicester returnes into Zealand Haultepenne defeated and slaine D. Leonlnus spâ—…ech to the generall estates in his Excellencies name 1587. Sir Roger Willâ—ams words in his discours 1587. 1587. The Earle excuseth himself The generall estates held at Dordrecht where the Earle excuseth him-selfe 1587. The States declaration to the Earle of the Leicester For want of a natural Prince the gouernment returnes to the Noble gentry and townes 1578. The forme of the othe made by the men of warre The Earle of Leicesters answer to the declaration of the first of September 1587. The estates seeke to reconcile the Earles of Leicester and Hohenlo The Earle of Hohenlos answer to the estates 1587. Great consusion by mistaking betwixt the Earle of Leicester and Hohenlo 1587. The Earle of Leicesters declaration to the estates The Earle complaines of their letter to the Queene the forth of February If the estates meanes were not sufficient ther was bope of a peace 1587. The Earle desireth mâ—…re contribuâ—…ion The Queene desiteth to entertaine the ancient contracts The Estates answere to the Earle of Leicesters letters 1587. The â—…states complâ—…ine of the act of restraint They excuse tâ—…e bitternesse of their â—…etter of the 4 of February 1587. The Hollanders contribution in two yeares The Estates hoped that the Queene vvould make no peace without them 1587. Another declaration made by the Estates to the Earle of Leicestâ—…r 16. October That the Estates haue lausuâ—…l authority ouer the Prouinces The Estates desire an oth of the soldiars accordâ—…ng to the contract 1587. The Estates desire to haue the authority of particular Gouernors maintained A declaration of the Estates of Holland and Friseland touching their preuileges 1587. During the minority of the Emperor Charles the Estates had the soueraignty The contempt of the Estates cause of the troubles 1587. From whence the authority of the Estates is deriued How the towne of Holland Zealand are gouerned The Councell chose the Burguemaisters Schepen 1587. The forme of gouernment What the Estates be Whence the soueraignty of the Estateâ—… proceedeth 1587. The Duke of Parmas new disseigne The Ministers perswade the Estates to reconciliation with the Earle of Leicester The Estates answer The Magisstrates of Vtrect write vnto the Estates Their answer 1587. The Earle of Leicester seekes to seize vpon Leyden The Estates do wisely conceale the cause of the execution at Leyden Meppel surprized by the Estateâ—… 1587. The towne of Enchuysen desier the earle of Lâ—…icester to forbeate to enter into their towne being iealous of Sonoy Speeches in England touching the Netherlands 1587. The Earle of Leicester called home into England The Earle of Leicesters letter at his departure out of the Netherlands The estates write to the Earle of Leicester 87. The Earle of Leicester resigâ—… his gouernment of the Vni ted Prouinces Schencks enterprize 1588. Schenke surpâ—…seth Bonne Bonne spoiled and ransomed 1588 Ville â—…orde surprized by the estates Deputies from the Queene vnto the states Deruties sent from the estates into England The contributions of the Prouinces in two yeares 1588. 1588. A certaine coyne made by the Estates Commissioners sent out of England to treat with the Duke of Parina The reasons that mooued the Queene of England 〈◊〉 treat 1588. Hattem atempted by the Spaniards with great losse Verdugo armes sâ—…ps of war at Delfziel A mutiny at Medenblickâ—… 1588 Medenblicke besieged by the Estates The Queene refuseth to speake any more for them 〈◊〉 Medenbâ—…ke 1588. A mutinie inâ—… Geertruyden berg Bonne besieged by the Prince of Chymay Schinek goes to an imperial dyet An answer made to Schenck at the Imperiall dyet 1588. Bonne yeelded vp againe Sir William Russel entertaines them of Campuere in the Queenes obedience 1588. St. Williá Russel writes to the Councell of Estate The Councell of Estates answer They of Campuere Arnemuyden refuse to obey the Estates 1588. Prince Maurice retiers himselfe notwithout cause That he had not done any thing but by expresse â—…rant The Queenes letters to the Estates The Estates answer to the Queene Prince Maurice writs to the Queene 1588. partiallities begin to cease A petition by the Captaines discharged to the Queene for recompence 1588 Opinions on both sides touching the gouernment of the Nether lands 1588. The commissioners sent to treat with the duke of Parma The commissioners for the King of Spaine The Queenes demands The Spaniards answers The Queenes replication 1588. Cardinall Allens booke against her Maiesty The Queene sends to the Duke of Parma about the in vading of England and his ansvver 1588. The last answer of the Spanish comissioners The treatie of peace broke off 1588 The King of Spaine prepares to inuade England and the Netherlands The descriptioÌ„ of all the ships saylers and soldiers 1588. The description of the ordinance and munition A Kintall is a hundred waight Description of the victuals and other necessaries The Commanders of the armie Chiefe officers and gentlemen The Duke of Parmas preparation to ioyne with this armie 1588. His forces Great noble men came into Flanders The Popes helpe towards the conquest of England the Netherlands Preparation made by the Netherlands 1588. The army of Spaine puts to sea Disperst by a tempest They put to sea againe The Commission of the Spanish army was to ioyne vvith the duke of Parma Difficulties for the effecting of the Spanish commission 1588. Don Pedro de Valdez ship taken A fight before Portland 1588. The duke of Parma prepares himself His troupes are not ready shipt A notable stratagem vsed by the English to driue the Spanish fleet from their anchors 1588 A sight before Graueling the 10 of August The Spaniards losse in the last fight Two Gallions brought into Zeeland 1588. The Spanish army in despaire Many of the Spanish fleet cast away vpon the coast of Ireland The Duke of Medina excuseth himselfe Many Spanish Noblemen and Gentlemen died soone after their returne 1588. The Duke of Parma and la Motte being blamed excuse themselues The duke of Parmaes deseigne to besiege Berghen 1588. A declaration of the troubles in Vtrecht 1588. The Earle of Mâ—…urs reconciles Vtrecht with Holland The action at the â—…use of Berghen 1588. 1588 1588. The Duke of Parma raiseth his siâ—…ge from Berghen 1589. Prince Maurice installed Marquis of la Vere Wachtendonk besieged and taken The subiects of the Netherlands arrested out of the country for the States debts Iames King of Scotland sends to the vnited Prouinces for pay due to Collonel Stuart The Estates send Monsieur de Voocht to the King of Scotland 1589. The Queene writes vnto the King of Scotland in fauor of the vnited Prouinces The pollicy of the vnited Prouinces touching martiall affaires 48. daies to the month for the paiement of their soldiers Their care to pay the soldiars where they serue 1588 The vnited Prouinces haue done great exploits with small numbers of men Prince Maurice is
1601 Oostend 1601 Dom Catris general of the Spanish armie slaine 1601 The estate of the besiged 1601 Aduertisemâ—… out of the Spanish camp Boisleduc besieged by the prince 1601 The estates raise their siege â—…rom Boisleduc 1601 T' was not your archdukes sword but the keene frost That saued Boisleduc it had else bin lost Our archdukes sword as well as the keene frost Defended Boisleduc t' was your paines were lost Oostend The Spaniards charge the English trenches 1601 The towne in danger to be taken Supply of victuals comes to Oostend 1601 Sir Francis Veer makes an oâ—…er to parlâ—… Succours of men come to Oostend 1602 The archduke giues a general assault to Oostâ—…nd The archdukeâ—… losâ—…e at thiâ—… assault A wonderfâ—…ll sâ—…oyle of the Spaniardâ—… 1602 The archdukes souldiers â—…utine 1602 Graue besieged by prince Maurice The descrscptâ—…on of Graue 1602 Sir Francis Veer shot before Graue Graue yeelded by composition 1602 Prince Maurice dissolues his armie Mutinie in the admirals army The mutiners seize vpon Hoochstrateâ—… 1602 The admirall discharged of his generals place 1602 1602 1602 160â—… 1602. 1602 1602 The mutiners protected by the vnited prouinces 1602 A fight betweene â—…xe gallies and certaine English and Holland ships 1602 One of the gallies sunke o Another gallie sunke The losse of the gallies 1602 Frederick Spinola saues himselfe with his treasure Oostend 1602 The crueltie of the earle of Embden 1602 They oâ—… Embden demand aâ—…d of the vnited prouinces 1603. Oostend The Poldeâ—… square taken 1603 A fight at sea with Spiâ—…ola's gallies Spinola slaine â—…e nuâ—…ber â—…e dead 1603 The vnited prouinces letter to the king of England The vnited Estates sent embassadors into England 1603 The kings answer to the vnited Estates 1603 Lopers of Oostend 1603 Prince Maurice comes before Boisledue 1603 A fort of the Spaniards taken with great slaughter of their men Oostend Crueltie of the Spaniards 1603 The seignior of Ghiâ—…lles gouernor of Oostend 1603 An assembly of the Estates of the empire The emperour writes to the vnited prouinces 1604 Prince Maurice retires from Boisleduc Oostend 1604 The seignior of Ghistelles gouernor of Oostend sâ—…ine 1604 The armie lands The prince master of a the isle of Cadsant Oostend 1604 Isendike besieged Isendike yeelded vpon composition 1604 An enterpise in Brabant made by prince Maurice and the squadron 1604 The prince camps before Sluce 1604 The mutiners reconciled to the archduâ—…e The disposition of the princeâ—… campe before Sluce 1604 The conuey ouertaken by the prince and defeated Another conuoy in rout 1604 Many souldiers come to the prince The besieged in Sluce in great extremitie 1604 The mutiners serue the Archduke at the reliefe of Sluse Spinola comes to relieue â—…luse 1604 Spinolas men run away The great want in the towne 1604 They of Sluce demand a parle The princes offers to them of Sluce The articles of the composition 1604 What the prince found in the towne 1604 They of Oostend resolue to compound An honorable composition at Oostend 1604 The marquesse Spinola goes into Spaine The death of Lodowike earle of Nassau 1604 The vnited prouinces giue their Agent in England the title of their embassador The Spanish embassadour complaines of it The kings answere Death of Ernest earle of Mansfeld His life 1604 His children The archduke will no suffâ—…r the generall Estates of Brabant to assemble 1604 The archduke prepares to warre The vnited prouiaces prepare for warre 1604 Certaine considerations of peace being very weighty containing three points The first 1604 The second reason to mooue men vnto a peace made by a catholike vnder the archduke 1604 1604 The third discourse touching peace in the 〈◊〉 made by an indifferenâ—… partie 1604 Note 1604 1604 The admonition vnto the vnited prouinces against peace 1604 1604 1604. 1605. 1605. 1605. 1605. 1605. 1605. 1605. 1605. 1605. 1605. An enteâ—…pise made by Prince Maurice vpon the riuer of Scheld and Antwerp 1605. The States men defeated The Gouernor of Ordam sconce slaine Wouwe Castle beseeged Prince Maurice tooke the Castle of Wouwe 1605. 〈◊〉 The Emperor sends for a pasport to the Hage for his Ambassadors to treat oâ—… a peace which they refuse The Estates answer to the Emperor who refuse his request 1605. 1605. A vaine enterprise vpon Bercke The Earle of Hertforâ—… sent to the â—…chduke out of England Ladyes attending on the Infanta 1605. Attendance vpon the Arch duke 1605. Shtâ—…s men come out of Spainâ—… defeated by the Estates shippes Meurs set on fiâ—…e by traitors The Marquis Sp nola marcheth tovvards Friseland The Estates bring their armie neere vnto Rhynebercke 1605. Oldenzeel yeelded to Spinola by composition Spinola besiegeâ—… and tooke Linghen The indiscretion of the Gouernor Commanders in Linghen Linghen yeelded by composition An enterprize made vpon Berghen vp-Zoome by Mounsier Hericouâ—…t 1605. Berghen in danger The Spaniard repulst from Berghen An enterprize vpon Graue made by the Gouernor of Boisleduc 1605. Bergen vp zoom once againe assailed by the enemy vpon the 20. of Septemb. 1605. The endeuors of them within the towne The Spaniard retires from Berghen Wachtendonk taken by the Spaniards 1605. 1605. Earle Theodoro Trivultio slaine 1606. Marquis Spinola goes into Spaine 1605. A sentence pronounced against the gouernor and captaines of Linghen for yeelding vp the towne The Archdukes in iealousie of the Duke of Bouillon 1606. And abandoned againe Philip Earle of Hohenlo died An enterprise made against Sluce by the Archduke 1606. 1606. Certaine captaines and soldiars punished by the Archduke for failing of the enterprize before Sluce 1061 The castle of Wouvve and Hoghestrate razed An vprore in Antvverp Two women murthered by a Spaniard in Gant 1606. Spinolaes enterprise to get into Suider sea Grol besieged by Spinola 1606. Groll yeelded 〈◊〉 Spinola 1606. Reinbergh besieged by Spinola 〈◊〉 6. 〈◊〉 â—…d 〈◊〉 ne 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 why 〈◊〉 Mauâ—…uld â—…e 〈◊〉 â—…es 〈◊〉 bâ—…o â—…rcke 1606. The Estates send to perswade Prince Maurice to releeue Rhynbercke An enterprize vpon Venlo 1606. Reinbergh yeeldâ—…d to Spinola The Spaniards losâ—…e at the â—…ge of Rhine-â—…erck 〈…〉 1607. The mutines of Dyest Peace made betweene the Earle of East-Freezeland the towne of Embden 1607. 1607. The castle of Groning broken downe The Earle of Brooke murthered by the Spaniards Erckelens taken and spoiled by Henrick Earle of Nassaw The King of Spaine the Estates prepare to warre at sea 1607. The Estates shippes sally towards Spaine They resolue to enter into the riuer of Lisbon The Estates shippes go to seeke the Spanish fleet 1607 The number of the Spanish fleete The Admiral Hemskerke slaine 1607. The Spanish Vize-admirall burnt A Galleon burnt The Spanish Admirall offers to yeeld The Estates win the battaile 1607. Their losse of shippes Their losse of men The resolutiof the Estates ships after the battaile The Admiral Hemskerke buried at Amsterdam Mounsier Hurst and maister Iohn Geuarts make an offer of peace or truce 〈◊〉 Holland 1607. The States answer to
Noortsterwoude Oudherspel Waermenhuysen Nyeulandt Duringhersorn Emgebroerk Oeterleeck Veenhuysin and Medemblyck All which aboue named hauing made their peace with Cont Floris tooke their othe of fealtie and did him homage as well for himselfe as his successors for euer yeelding that in their countrey hee might diuide the wayes at his owne good pleasure for the performance whereof they graunted him the tenth of all kind of graine In recompence whereof the Earle granted them many priuiledges such as those of Vrolen and Oudtorp had obtained from king William his father This reconciliation and accord was made vpon Saint Agnes eue in the yeare 1288. The Earle being still iealous of the loyaltie of the West-Frisons notwithstanding all their othes and homages not trusting them but vpon good assurance caused the castle of Medemblyck to bee finished and to that end camped with his armie at Meloorde vntill it was ended He caused also the fortneere to Veâ—…a vpon the Gheest on the frontiers of Friseland to bee new built againe to the end they might passe frâ—…ly from Alcmar whither they would And he built the fort of Middlebourg along the dike to keepe them from breaking it in that place the castle of Tornenburch which the king his father had built there was heere vnto it The which he did to the end they should not easily besiege neither the one nor the other for that they were within two or three bowes shoot one of another He also built the castle of Nyendoern which since the Frisons ruined Cont Floris hauing bridled the West-Frisons went to Staueren those of that quarter knowing how he had subdued them of West-Friseland by the meanes of so many castles being loath to make triall of the like rigour submitted themselues willingly vnto him with an othe of obedience as to their lord and prince as well to himselfe as to his successors hereafter Earles of Holland who seeing their readinesse and willingnesse gaue them many thankes and granted them freedomes and immunities which were too long to repeat Hauing thus pacified all and settled a good order in Friseland hee parted from Staueren beeing followed by the best and chiefe noble men of that countrey vnto Albrechts-bergh soliciting the confirmation of their priuiledges the which were dispatched in due forme vnder his seale in the yeare of our Lord God 1292. Cont Floris hauing made al Friseland quiet Guy of Dompierre earl of Flanders entred again with an armie into Zeeland pretending to conquer the isle of Walchren Cont Floris posted presently thither with all his forces to chase him away or to giue him battaile Iohâ—… dukel of Brabant desirous to preuent this mischiefe came into Zeeland by whose good 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 peace was concluded betwixt these two princes of Flanders and Holland vpon condition That Cont Floris should take to wife the lady Beatrix daughter to Cont Guy by meanes of which mariage they continued good friends and euery one retired to his owne home Cont Floris had by this lady his wife many children Iohn Thierry Floris William Otto William and Floris Beatrix Mathilda Elizabeth and Marguerite the which died all young except Iohn the eldest who succeeded his father in the counties of Holland and Zeeland c. Hee had also two bastard sonnes Witten the chiefe lord of Hamstede in Zeeland and William both of them braue knights He caused many goodly buildings to be made as the castle of Vogelsanck in the wood of Harlem where hee often held his court by reason of hunting and hawking and other pleasures of iusts and tourneyes hee did also greatly inlarge his court at la Haye The bishop of the clergie of Vtrecht complained to Cont Floris of the wrongs the lords of Amstel and Woerden being cosin germains did vnto them demanding his helpe against them The Earle went and besieged the castle of Vredelandt planting his rammes and other engines of batterie whither he sent the seignior Costin of Renesse knight with a supply of soldiers out of Zeeland The lord of Amstel hauing knowledge of his comming sallied foorth and went to incounter them neere vnto Loen but hee was repulst and defeated by the said seignior of Renesse whereas the lord of Amstel was taken prisoner with a great number of his subiects Arnould of Amstel who remained in the castle hearing of his brothers imprisonment fearing the Earles power yeelded himselfe and the place vnto his mercie who hauing receiued it caused it to be manned with a strong garrison And for that Herman of Woerden had assisted the lord of Amstel against the bishop the Earle went likewise against him to spoile all his lands Herman knowing well that he was vnable to resist so powerfull a prince hauing fortified his castle of Montfort and manned it with a good garrison and all things else requisit for a long siege leauing a good captaine therein whom he trusted absented himselfe out of the countrey The Earle vnwilling to desist notwithstanding his absence besieged the castle a whole yeare together giuing many assaults so as in the end he forced it causing all their heads that he found within it to be cut off two onely reserued then hauing manned the place with souldiers and made hot warre for a time against the said Herman in the end there was a peace concluded betwixt them by the which these two noblemen of Amstel and Woerden did sweare fealtie and obedience vnto the Earle of Holland and the bishop of Vtrecht vpon paine of confiscation of all their goods and neuer to rise nor rebell against him restoring to the bishop of Vtrehct his castles by meanes whereof all quarrels were ended The Earle hauing pardoned what was past held them for his most familiar counsellors which prooued hurtfull vnto him as we shall presently shew In the yeare 1290 Cont Floris and Thierry of Cleues met at la Haye in Holland there to recreate themselues together Cont Floris keeping open court during which time the earle of Cleues did resigne and absolutely yeeld vp vnto the Earle of Holland his cosin the soueraignties and homages of the townes and castles of Heusden Vandrichom and Altena quitting and discharging all his vassals and freed men of their othe of fealtie which they ought vnto him mediatly or immediatly and that afterwards they should hold and depend of the countie of Holland in the like manner as they were woont to hold of the earledome of Cleues So Iohn of Heusden receiued of Floris Earle of Holland by right of reliefe his fees and seigniories of Heusden Altena and Vandrichom which from that time were of the iurisdiction of the countie of Holland and so continue vnto this day Cont Floris seeing himself at rest hauing thus augmented his seigniories and reuenues he prepared a goodly fleet of ships and accompanied with a great number of barons knights and gentlemen went into England to king Edward the first of that name to demand aduice and succours to get the possession of the realme of Scotland
which was fallen vnto him by the decease of his great great grandmother Ada daughter to the king of Scotland who died without heires male wife to Floris the third of that name and thirteenth Earle of Holland which Cont William the first by the death of Henry king of Scotland his vncle by the mothers side did not prosecute by reason of the rebellion of some noblemen of his countrey which hindred him besides the Frisons were reuolted and the earle of Loos during his absence thought to reconquer Holland as wee haue said before Cont Floris being then with king Edward who dissuaded him from this war of Scotland for the great difficulties he should find there they concluded an alliance together which was That Iohn sonne to Cont Floris being then but young shall marie Elizabeth the kings daughter by which mariage they should remaine for euer good friends and allies as since England hath alwayes beene and is at this present well affected to Holland and Zeeland and to the other vnited prouinces of the Netherlands Guy of Dompierre earle of Flanders repining at this friendship and alliance betwixt the king of England and Earle of Holland leuied an armâ—… in the countrey of Catsand to inuade the isle of Walchren during the absence of Cont Floris but Didier lord of Brederode and Iohn of Renesse knights the one in Holland the other in Zeeland made hast to leuie men to oppose against him Cont Floris hauing hewes therof imbarked without any delay and came to land at Flessingue Cont Guy staying too long vpon his passage the seignior of Renesse by commandement from Cont Floris past into Flanders burnt the towne of Scluce and spoiled the whole countrey about This done the lords of Brederode and Renesse enter ioyntly with their troups into the isle of Catsand which they destroyed also The Flemings who were not faire from them being about 4000 men thought to compasse in the Hollanders but the seignior of Renesse who had but 300 Zeelanders choyce men and he a braue and hardie knight went first to charge them and put them to rout so as there were a great number slaine and drowned besides prisoners and the bootie which he carried into Holland returning a victor to the Earle his Prince This happened on Simon and Iudes day in the yeare 1296. The Flemings being retired after this defeat Cont Floris fortified his countrey of Zeeland with good garrisons against their inuasions and spoyles then hee returned into Holland to his court at la Haye One day among the rest he bethought himselfe that in the great wars which hee had had against the Frisons Flemings and others he had lost a good number of his knights and of his best noblemen besides many were dead of the plague the which had beene very violent in his countries so as to his great griefe he was then very destitute whereupon he resolued to send for one day in Christmas to his court at la Haye fortie of the chiefest and most substantiall of all his subiects that were not noble the which had good meanes and great reuenues to entertaine the traine and estate of a knight With these fortie good men specially chosen he held open court made them knights and gaue them armes and blasons In this sort did he honour his good and vertuous subiects who by their wealth might well maintaine their estate in the seruice of their prince Withall he did repeople his countrey with nobles and did beautifie his traine and court for the more noblemen a prince hath the more is hee honoured and feared True it is that in the beginning the antient nobilitie did scorne and hate these new knights it may be for that they had not so great meanes but in succession of time their sonnes grand-children and great grand children were taken for good gentlemen The chief knights and gentlemen issued from antient nobiline and knighthood in the time of this Earle Floris were these that follow Iohn of Holland his sonne Herman earle of Heneberg husband to Marguerite his aunt who had so many children Didier the Gentle lord of Brederode William lord of Theylinghen Iohn lord of Heusden Iohn lord of Heesben Arnoult lord of Escluse brother to the lord of Heusden Iohn lord of Arckel Hugh Butterman lord of Buttersloot Iohn lord of Heucklom Otto seignior of Aspren and of Abkoy Peregrin seignior of Lederdam his brother Ieams lord of Wassenare Didier of Theylinghen Nicholas Persin seignior of Waterlandt Simon of Harlem Ghysbrecht lord of Amstel Arnould of Amstel his brother Herman of Woerden Iohn of Leck lord of Polnen Hugh of Vianen Ghysbrecht of Yselsteyn Wolfard lord of Vere Iohn of Renesse Witten bastard to Cont Floris the first lord of Hamstede and William his brother Nicholas lord of Putten and of Stryen William of Egmond Gerard of Egmond his sonne Baldwin of Nueldwick Ieams Vander Vuoude Arnould of Heemskerke Henry of Heemskerke his brother Didier vander Goude Gerard van Velson Gerard of Heemskerke Didier of Raephorst Gerard of Raephorst his brother Hugh of Craelinghen Werembault Witten Hage Albert his sonne Gerard of Harlem Iohn Dortoghe and Floris of Duynen all knights And in Zeeland the chiefe noblemen were the lords of Borssele of Brigdam of Zandtwick of la Vere of Cats of Cortgoen of Mourmont of Renesse and of Ornyninghe all which carried the Earles order which was a coller of gold interlaced with cockle shels and the image of S. Iames hanging at it There was in the Earls court a valiant knight put in the rank of these nobles named Gerard van Velson whom the Earle held a whole yeare in prison after that he had caused his brothers head to be cut off through the false reports and pernitious counsell of some that hated them The Earle being afterwards better informed of the truth and of their innocencie hauing set Gerard at libertie he sought by all meanes to repaire the wrongs that had beene done him and to honour and aduance him among all the rest and to make him the more affectionat to his seruice the Earle thinking therein to doe him honour and sauour would haue giuen him his minion in mariage the which was a faire gentlewoman But Gerard disdaining her like a generous man would none of her The Earle insisting still to haue him mâ—…ie her in the end Gerard angrie at his importunities answered him plainly That he was not so abiect not base minded vsing a common Dutch phrase as to put his feet in his old shooes which is as much to say as to marie his leauings or strumpet The Earle displeased at this answer said vnto him And truly thou shalt haue my leauings Gerard who regarded not the Eaâ—…ls words goes from court and a while after maries the daughter of Herman seignior of Woerden neece to Ghysbrecht of Amstel Cont Floris hearing afterwards that Gerard was maried and that hee came no more to court by the persuasion of his minion he sent for him being
being seconded by many Noblemen Knights and Gentlemen of the country of Vtrecht it selfe who ioyning with the Earle for some discontent did also defie him among the which were Arnold of Yselstein Iohn of Culenbourg Ghysbrecht of Vianen Iohn of Culenbourg sonne to Iohn lord of Woudenbourg Iohn of Haerlaer Iohn seigneor of Langerack Ghysbrecht of Nyeuwenrood Knights then the siegneors Iohn of Blomstein Zouthin Vanden Rhin Hubert van Schoonhouē Zuveer vā Nesse Gerard van Vlyet the siegniors of Sleydon and of Dyckelen strangers came to succor the Earle which 2. strangers being entred into the territories of Vtrecht thinking to go to Oudwater being vnskilfull in the passages and wayes they approched too neere the towne of Montfort which was of the Bishops party and well affected vnto him as their soueraigne Lord and depending on him The Bourgesses of Montfort hauing discouered them although that Assuerus Vicont of the said towne was not there being then at Vtrecht went out in Armes and fell vpon these two Knights and their traine whom they defeated and tooke prisoners Cont William hauing a goodly armie readie accompanied with a good number of Princes great Noblemen Barons and Knights of Holland Zeeland Friseland and Henault entred with ensignes displaied into the territories of Vtrecht to forrage and destroy it Approching neere vnto the Towne of Wiickter-duyrstede he went and lodged ioyning to the village of Motten where hee camped eight dayes to see if the Bishop who was a souldier would come forth to giue him battaile during which time his men spoiled all the villages about The Bishop would willingly haue hazarded a battaile if the inhabitants would haue gone forth and followed him to the field But the Lords of Yselstein Culenbourg and Vianen were so well beloued and had such good correspondencie with the chiefe of the towne as they would not take armes against Cont William And withall those of the great Bourg of Emenesse were againe reuolted from the Bishop and ioyned to the Hollanders causing themselues to be written among the members of Holland During the Earles stay in this village of Motten Iohn of Egmond marched with a troupe of Hollanders towards Bunschoten those of the towne sallyed forth vpon them comming to skirmish with them but they were so well entertained as they had no better leisure then to seeke for their towne gates leauing some seuentie men behind them This done the Earle returned with his armie laden with good booty The Bishop much greeued and discontented to see his country ruined euen vnder his nose sought all the meanes hee could to be reuenged of the Hollanders And the yeare following 1356. hauing leuied a small armie went and campt before the Towne of Wesep the which hee battered in such sort as hauing made a great breach the fourth day of the siege hee tooke it by assault the inhabitants leaping ouer the walles into the ditches to saue themselues then he tooke the towne and castell of Muyden a quarter of a league from Wesep and then returned to Vtrecht halfe reuenged carrying with him great spoiles and many good prisoners The same yeare Assuerus Vicont of Montfort then Marshall of the campe to the Bishop by the meanes of Arnold of Yselstein treated an accord with the Earle of Holland and reuolting from the Bishop to gratifie the said Earle hee freed out of prison the siegneors of Sleyden and of Dyckelen with their squires and all their traine sending them free vnto the earle the which the bishop tooke very impatiently for that he maintained the said prisoners to be his the said Vicont being his marshall whereof vntill that time he had neuer giuen him any accompt A while after Ghysbrecht of Nyenroode a Knight and a braue Captaine by the commandement of the Earle of Holland gathered together a good troope of men both of foote and horse-back of the countrie it selfe to take reuenge for Wesep and Muyden hauing drawn them to Naerden he marched directl to the towne of Zoest the which he spoiled and burnt Otto of Lare then Marshall to the Bishop went forth with all his forces to Emelandt meaning to fight with Ghysbrecht and his Hollanders These two Captaines hauing ioyned in fight together the siegneor of Nyenroode was wounded almost to the death and carried speedily out of the presse Those of the towne of Amersfort who were with the Marshall Otto were so roughly charged by the Hollanders as they began to wauer and there the said Marshall was slaine with 36. Amersfordins in the end the Hollanders remained Maisters of the field then hauing put the siegneor of Nyenroode being wounded in a safe place they retired by the marshes Fens and entred safe into Naerden The bishop marching to succour his Marshall with fresh men arriued too late In the yeare 1357. Cont William reioycing at the victory which his men had gotten against them of Amersfort entred himselfe in person with his armie into the country of Vtrecht he camped at Hooghewoert destroying all that was there-abouts sending Iohn of Egmond with some troupes to besiege the Castell of Stephen of Nyeuelt the which he battered for the space of sixe weekes with great and mighty Engins wherewith he brake downe the walles and although the said siegneor of Nyeuelt were well prouided and furnished of all things yet he yeelded vp the place by composition to the Earles mercy The Hollanders hauing it in their power set fire of it and ruined it to the ground hauing receiued no such command from the Earle their Prince After all these petty warres and spoiling one of another in the end by the mediation of some good Noblemen there was a peace concluded betwixt the Earle and the bishop of Vtrecht by the which it was ordered that either of them should returne to his owne home laying aside armes That those of the Bourg of Emenesse should returne as they had been accustomed vnder the Bishops obedience That the Lord of Vianen with the assistance of the towne of Vtrecht should build againe his Castell of Ghoreel That all prisoners on eyther part should bee set free without ransome and especially that the seuen Gunterlins banished out of the towne of Vtrecht should re-enter freely that was Henry Vanden-Rhine Prouost of the collegiate church of Saint Ihon in Vtrecht Pelerin his brother Iohn of Woerden Ghysbrecht Gunter Hoogue-land Gerard and Didier Bolle brethren Iohn Witten sonne to Rodolphe and Peter Kanmaker all which had beene to succor the Lord of Vianen at the siege of Ghoreel with many others After this Iohn of Arckel bishop of Vtrecht liued two yeares in rest without any warres the which he had not done during all the time that he had gouerned his bishoprick In the yeare 1358. on Saint Georges day Edward the third King of England kept a sollemne feast and open Court for all commers Princes Barons Knights Ladies and Gentlewomen whether William of Bauaria Earle of Holland
was also inuited both by the King and the Queene his Ante of whom he was honourably receiued with great shewes of loue At his returne from this voyage into Holland this poore Prince I know not by what vnknowne accident was distempered of his sences and vnderstanding so as being very big and strong of all his members he slue Gerard of Wateringhen a Knight with one blow with his fist so as they were forced to shut him vp and to set good garde vpon him where he was keâ—…t for the space of nineteene yeares vntill he dyed Hauing before his distemperature gouerned his countries of Holland Zeeland and Friseland seauen yeares and Henault two Foure yeares after him dyed also the Lady Mathilda his wife who lyes interred in the Abbay of Rhynsbourg by Leyden ALBERT OF BAVARIA 26. EARLE of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland and Palatin of Henault Adelbertus Bauariae I had two wiues both which one name did beare The one a Polonois the other was Marguerite of Cleues the Frisons stood in feare Of my strong hand that did their strength surpasse And oft subdu'd their proud rebellions Delfe taken by me I demantled it At t'Hage iâ—… Holland I appointed Chanons Good men I choosd and for their places sit Hage Castle in the Chappell now containes My body freed from all his eâ—…thly paines DVke William of Bauaria Earle of Holland Zeeland and Henault Lord of Friseland being as we haue said distracted of his sences put into safe keeping the faction of the Hoecks Cabillaux reuiued for the Cabillautins would haue the lady Mathilda wife to the said Cont William to be gouernesse of the said Countries but for that the said lady had no children the Hoeketins did choose Albert of Bauaria Palatin of Rhine siegneor of Nubingen brother to the said Cont William The Nobles of the Contie of Henault consented for their parts to this election and sent a notable Ambassage vnto him into Bauaria beseeching him that hee would take vpon him in his brothers place who was distempered in his braine the gouernment of the said countries Albert vnderstanding the iust request of the Estates by their Ambassador went well accompanied with many Barons Knights and Gentlemen going downe by the riuer of Rhine into Holland where he was honorably receiued of both parties as well Cabellaux as Hoekes and acknowledged as Tutor to the Earle his brother and gouernor of his countries and siegneories Then it was agreed that he should pay yeerely vnto the Countesse Mathilda his sister in lawe the summe of twelue thousand French crownes and no more by meanes of which accord both parties were content and continued good friends but not long This Prince Albert of Bauaria had receiued the order of Knight-hood before making warre in the country of Granado against the Moores and Sarazens At the first hee was married vnto Marguerit daughter to the Duke of Briga in Polonia by whom hee had three sonnes and foure daughters the eldest was called William Earle of Osteruant who was borne in the yeare 1365. the second named Albert siegnior of Nubingen who dyed yong the third was Iohn chosen bishop of Liege borne in the yeare 1374. The eldest daughter Katherine was first married to Edward Duke of Gelders and Earle of Zutphen after whose decease being yet a virgin she married with Duke William of Iuilliers and of Geldres but she had not any children The other daughter named Ioane had to husband Venceslaus King of Romaines and of Bohemia sonne to the Emperor Charles the 4. who also had not any children Marguerite the 3. daughter married with Iohn Duke of Bourgongne Earle of Flanders and Arthois sonne to Duke Phillip the hardie by whom shee had Phillip Duke of Bourgongne called the good and afterwards Duke of Brabant Lembourg and Luxembourg Earle of Flanders Arthois Henault Bourgongne Holland Zeeland and Namur Lord of Friseland and foure daughters the first Iolente Countesse of Poitiers the second Anne Countesse of Bedford the third Agnes Duchesse of Bourbon and the fourth Ioane wife to Duke Albert of Austria by whom shee had one sonne called Albert who married the daughter of Sigismond King of Hongarie who afterwards was Emperor of the Romaines after whose decease this Duke Albert did inherit all these realmes in the right of his wife and was afterwards chosen Emperor but he raigned not long for hee died in the flower of his age his wife was brought in bed soone after his death of a sonne named Lancelot who dyed at two and twenty yeares of age leauing no children This Albert had one cousin germaine sonne to his fathers brother named Frederick who afterwards was also Emperor the third of that name and had to wife the daughter of the King of Portugall by whom hee had Maximilian Archduke of Austria who was also Emperor the first of that name who had to wife Mary the daughter and sole heire of Charles the Warlick Duke of Bourgongne who was slaine before Nancie by whom he had one sonne named Philip and a daughter named Marguerite Philip married with Ioane daughter to Ferdinand King of Arragon and to Elizabeth Queene of Castille Marguerite was married to Iohn Prince of Castille and of Arragon who dyed yong and after married againe to the Duke of Sauoy Philip had by the said Lady Ioane his wife two sonnes Charles the â—…ift and Ferdinand both Emperors and foure daughters Elenor Ioane Mary and Elizabeth The Emperor Charles the sift had one onely sonne Philip king of Spaine Lord of the Low-countries father to King Phillip the third now raigning Behold in briefe the genealogie of the Kings of Spaine and of foure or fiue Emperors issued from the houses of Holland Bourgongne and Austria As for the second wife of Duke Albert of Bauaria Earle of Holland of whom wee now intreate wee will speake of her hereafter The said Cont Albert displaced Iohn of Blauwestein from the Baylewike of Kermerlandt inuesting Renald the eldest sonne to the Lord of Brederode in his place the which those of the faction of the Cabillautins tooke in very ill part and laide ambushes neere vnto the village of Castrichom to kill him when hee should passe that way One day this yong Nobleman doubting no harme riding towards Castrichom he incountred them that lay in ambush for him but hauing discouered them a good way of he saued himselfe by flight they pursued him and slew three of his seruants Those of the village of Castrichom seeing it went to armes to defend their new Bayliffe so as they were forced to retire Some of them saued themselues in the Castell of Walter of Hemskerke the rest fled to Delf where they were receiued for that the said towne was of the Cabillautins faction Cont Albert hearing of these newes did presently leuie some troupes and marched towards Kermerlandt where he besieged the Castell of Hemskerke for that Walter who was Lord thereof had receiued
munition of warre against vs our meaning is not to stoppe it but are willing that your subiects shippes shall enter with their lading into our ports and hauens at their pleasures as they haue formerly done About that time Cont Charles Mansfeldt marched out of the countrie of Rauesteyn with the chiefe regiment of Spaniards beeing foure thousand strong all old souldiers and passed ouer the riuer of Meuse into Bommels Weerd which is a rich island betwixt the riuers of Wahal and Meuse the which had not of a long time seene any enemie The Estates beeing aduertised hereof were at the first somewhat troubled but hauing inuested the riuer with their shippes round about the island the earle was very much perplexed fearing to be shut vp in the meane time the prince of Parma beeing returned from Antuerpe to Brussels where he had beene receiued with all ioy and state as a victorious prince hearing in what danger Cont Mansfeldt was went to horse-backe with foureteene of fifteene post horses only and came to Boisleduc to succour him This island which may be easily drowned is a claie soile and very myerie when it raines The earle of Hohenlo hauing inuironed the whole island with the Estates shippes and broken the dikes in diuers places the countrey was in a manner couered all ouer with water the Spaniards retired vnto the other side of the riuer of Meuse to a castle highly seated called Empel where they might preserue themselues from the inundation from the frost and from the windes besides they endured much pouertie and famine for they were in a manner besieged by the waters and by the Estates shippes which Hohenlo had caused to enter into the drowned land beeing seperated from the rest of the prince of Parma his armie the which lay on the other side of Boisleduc so as they grew to despaire hauing continued there foure daies in great miserie by reason of the cold and if the weather had not changed it was likely that all this troope beeing foure thousand of the oldest and best souldiers Spaniards that the king of Spaine had in all those countries had beene consumed or else had fallen into the earle of Hohenlo his hands God sent them a Northwest winde vnexpected with a sharpe and bitter frost so as the fields and medowes began to be frozen and the water to fall Hohenlo finding this suddaine change in good time fearing his shippes should want water as without doubt they had and so not be able to retire them yea he had beene in danger the Spaniard beeing sixe times stronger than he to haue beene lost there with all his men whereupon hee weighed anchor and went away His shippes were no sooner retired but the weather changed and it began to thawe so as the townes thereabouts especially Boisleduc did helpe to retire the Spaniards from the place were they were with boats and barkes beeing halfe starued with hunger and cold whereof many died afterwards and some had their limbes so benummed and frozen as they fell off and some were forced to be cut off And thus by a suddaine change of the weather they escaped a great danger The prince of Parma thanked them of Boisleduc for their readinesse to releeue his Spaniards he gaue vnto the poore of the towne fourescore fat oxen and to the towne it selfe a gilt cuppe The earle of Moeurs was still lodged before the towne of Nymeghen for by reason of the waters the lord of Hautepenne had no meanes to dislodge him but the fourth day of Nouember the waters beeing fallen he caused certaine barks to be made readie at Nymeghen to passe his troops to the other side of the riuer into the Betuwe causing them to passe along the riuer towards Bomel which put the Hollanders shippes in great feare and made them to flie so as Hautepenne had good meanes to passe ouer sixe thousand choise men Spaniards Wallons Germanes Italians Burguignons and Albanois the English knowing them to bee so neere before they retired they set fire on the church of Lents as they had done the night before on a gentlemans house whereas the earle of Moeurs had lodged they did the like vnto the church of Oosterholt whereas they had a farre greater fort than that of Knotsenbourg The lord of Hautepen meaning to besiege it caused it to be inuested the night of his arriuall but approaching neere they found that the English men had abandoned it with sixe peeces of artillerie and great store of victuals and munition for warre in it The lord of Hautepenne hearing that they were retired sent part of his men before the castle of Dornick they of the garrison burnt the bridge themselues yet the Spaniards gaue them so furious a charge and did so amaze them as they yeelded vp the place the captaine was kept prisoner but the souldiers were slaine the rest of the lord of Hautepennes men which pursued the English tooke the castle of Boenen where they hung vp all the souldiers that they found in it The sixteenth day of December the lord of Hautepenne brought his troopes to the other side of the riuer of Wahal and went to besiege the castle of Duekenbourg the which he wonne the next day the English men which were in the castle of Berckshooft beeing terrified with the flight of their companions out of the Betuwe they in like maner left the place the nineteenth day of December the same day the Spaniards tooke the castle of Hoemen vpon the Meuse from thence they approached by little and little towards the towne of Graue meaning to besiege it afarre off in cutting off and hindring their prouision of victuals On the twentieth day of the same moneth of December the souldiers of the garrison of Nuys surprised the strong castle of Grimmelyckhuysen which was then held and commaunded by captaine Hambach for the bishop of Cologne whereas they slew some of the souldiers of the garrison and kept the rest prisoners and thus they made warre against the bishop and diocesse of Cologne The prince of Parma beeing at the same time in the coâ—…ntrie of Brabant with his Spaniards thought to haue put in practise and executed some secret designes which he had vpon the Cloender Rogghenhill and Geertruydenbergh by reason of the hard frosts but they tooke no effect Robert Dudley Earle of Leicester Lieutenant and Captaine Generall for the Queene of England Protectrix of the vnited Prouinces of the Netherlands ROBERTVS DVDLEVS COMES Lâ—…YCESTER GVB BEL My Princesse that Protectrix was of the vnited lands Aduancing me to high estate did put into my hands The rule and gouernment thereof the which though not long time I managed vnto my power but in the very prime My gouernment it was so bad and found so full of trouble That it did not their griefes decrease but rather made them double So that in fine suspition growne twixt me and them I left The countrey and in England was of vitall breath bereft THe
of religion if the King would not heare of any tolleration of the exercise thereof then they of the said Prouinces should be forced to for sake the religion wherein they were borne and bred from their youths or bee constrained to liue in perpetuall exile out of their countries by which meanes all those that would not leaue their religion would for sake the country wherby it should become desolate Neither could the King with any reason refuse his subiects that which in times past was by his father the Emperor Charles permitted vnto the Germanes and by other Princes and namely by him-selfe in his perpetuall Edict and that by the aduise of the best and the most learned Doctors in diuinity and councellors of estate the breaking whereof had beene the cause of all the tumults and troubles in the Netherlands as also in France and other places and was likely to bring many more inconueniences to the King in his old age and like-wise to his sonne who was yet but very young To all the points of this replication the King of Spains commissioners made none but dilatorie answers to no effect In the meane time the Queene of England was aduertised of an English booke printed at Antwetp written by Doctor Allen who not long before had beene made Cardinall at Rome being an admonition to the Nobility of England and Ireland to execute the Popes sentence against her Maiesty which executions the King of Spaine had taken in hand as Allen said and the Duke of Parma was appointed by the King cheefe Commander in that action The Queene was also aduertised of a Bull sent forth by Pope Sixtus conteyning many false and scandalous points against her Maiesty wherein was also contayned that he had concluded with the Catholike King to imploy all his power and meanes to expell the Queene out of her Kingdome straightly commanding all her Maiesties subiects in a most fearefull and thundring manner to ayd and assist the great noble and invincible army prepared to that end vnder the command of the Duke of Parma The Queene being made aquainted with these things during this treaty of peace shee commanded Doctor Dale one of the commissioners to go and speake with the Duke of Parma in person and to charge him in good sort with the things contayned in these aduertisements and to know his direct answere whether he were not appointed to bee generall ouer the army that was then preparing in Spaine and of the enterprise thereby pretended and to tell him that if it were true as shee could heardly beleeue it shee ment no longer to contynue the treaty but to call home her Commissioners The Duke of Parma made answer to Doctor Dale that he knew of no such booke neither had he any knowledge of the fore-said Bull sent forth by the Pope neither had hee attempted any thing of him-selfe but honorably in regard of the dislike that was betwixt her and the King his maister and that as a good and faithfull seruant hee was to execute his maisters commandement with many such Court-like speeches But her Maiestie was not satisfied with that answer for that hee did not say directly whether hee had vnder-taken to inuade England or not with that armie wherefore shee resolued not to call home her commissioners yet commanding them to treat with the Spanish commissioners by word of mouth and try if by that meanes better then by writing they might finde more reason and better furtherance But to the contrary and beyond their expectations they found that the longer they continued in this treatie the lesse hope there was of any good conclusion The Kings Comissioners telling them that they were grieued they had spent so much time about the matter and that the King of Spaine had kept fifty thousand men in pay almost a whole yeare to lye still and doe nothing to his great charge by the meanes of that treatie and so they blamed one an other At the last the Kings Commissioners said plainly touching the religion that the King of Spaine were better to giue his one and onely Sonne vnto them of Holland then to allow them the excercise of their religion And that the Queene had no more to doe to trouble her selfe with the religion of his countries then hee had to meddle with the religion in her Dominions As for the pacification of Gant they would not heare of that for that it had beene broken by the makers thereof saying that the Prince of Orange had receiued a iust reward for the same The forraine soldiers might not bee sent away so long as there was any warre with Holland and feare of France To conclude they refused all the English demands But Sir Iames a Croft riding priuately to Bruges shewed secretly vnto the President Richardot and to Mounsier Champigni certaine articles concerning a peace but much to the preiudice of the vnited Prouinces which Champigni seemed to like well of beeing very desirous by that meanes to haue the vse of the English Hauens for the harboring of their Spanish fleete for the which after-wards there grew great dislike betwixt him and the duke of Parma Before the departure of the English Commissioners the Earle of Darbie to discouer the Spaniards intents asked them if they intended to haue the cautionary Townes deliuered ouer vnto them without any conclusion But the Spanish fleete approaching then in August brake off all further conference either side hearing the shotte at Sea and so all dissembling was laid aside and the Duke of Parma was found contrary in his word hauing protested to some of the English Commissioners vppon his Princely word and faith as the English reported that the armie came not for England if they could agree vppon the fore-said articles of peace propounded But the Queene obseruing the constant resolution of the vnited Prouinces and seeing the fleete of Spaine already before her dore she called home her Commissioners wherevpon they desired a conuoy to conduct them safely from thence being in some feare for that they had no hostages but after fifteene daies stay they got a passport with certaine wagons and a conuoy to guard them to the Frontiers whether the Kings commissioners did very honorably conduct them for the which they gaue them great thanks much commended the Duke of Parmaes honorable disposition hauing kept his word so iustly with them Now I come to that great Spanish fleete whereof although there haue beene some petty discourses written and published in our owne language yet for that it concerned the vnited Prouinces as well as England I haue thought good to make a briefe relation in this history for posterities sake both of the preparations and the successe The King of Spaine hauing long fore-cast and sought by what meanes hee might bring the Realme of England into subiection and so to re-establish the Catholike religion there hoping by that meanes to re-possesse his inheritance in the Netherlands for that beeing