The Muses Neptune Mars and Mercury Haue sett their rests vp in low Germany A GENERALL HISTORIE OF THE NETHERLANDS With the genealogie and memorable acts of the Earls of Holland Zeeland and west-Friseland from Thierry of Aquitaine the first Earle successiuely vnto Philip the third King of Spaine Continued vnto this present yeare of our Lord 1608 out of the best authors that haue written of that subiect By ED. GRIMESTON LONDON Printed by A. Islip and G. Eld. Anno Dom. 1608. TO THE RIGHT NOBLE AND MOST WORTHY OF ALL HONOVRS AND ALL TITLES ROBERT Earle of Salisburie Lord High Treasurer of England c. THOMAS Earle of Suffolke Lord Chamberlaine to his Maiestâ—…e MY most Honoured Lords The same forme of Inscription wherewith once and first I haue sacred your Altars I make it a Religion now to alter since there is nothing required in an Act of Pietie aboue Constancie and with that studie I come now to offer my second deuotions Your Honours indulgent acceptance of my trauels in the French Storie hath lent prosperous windes to this my course in that of the Netherlands wherein I haue chiefely followed Iohn Francis Petit an Authour yet liuing and residing in our London What I haue added out of others who respect the same Center for the more perfection let it be your LL. prerogatiue and theirs that are experienced to pronounce I that know too much boasting a mans owne paynes may spend prodigally both of his merit and modestie am willingly silent The reason of my vndertaking this worke is the same with the former for that of Fraunce want of being imployed in more fruitfull seruices In which I would rather it should bee vnderstood my Fortunes fault than mine where the world must see how contented I am to labour in the hard and rough quarries But your Honours when you please may redeeme mee not to a course of more ease I affect it not but of more vse To which since I haue vowed my selfe your LL. already I will not now iterate the vow as if I thought not my selfe then beleeued but with honest perseuerance of my dutie expect your fauour And for your Honours since nothing can be added to things perfect and at their height my next wish is That Heauen will ratifie them and make what he hath giuen to you most particular and lasting Your LL. deuoted in all duetie and seruice EDVVARD GRIMESTON Iohn Francis Petit to the courteous Reader POlibius a Greeke writer courteous reader saith that such as thinke a priuat historie sufficient for the knowledge of the generall doe no lesse in his opinion erre from the truth than he which seeing the members of a goodly creature diuided doth thereby iudge of his perfection but if you take these distinct and diuided parts and make it a perfect creature giuing it life and forme and then shew it him againe without doubt he will confesse his own errour and say he was like vnto them that dream True it is we may haue an apprehension of the whole by the parts but it is impossible to haue any certein knowledge For my part I do herein concurre with Polibius and say moreouer that he which thinkes to vnderstand perfectly the moderne storie of any countrie or state without knowledge of the auncient drawne from the spring manners and gestes of their auncestors whose actions he pretends to write is like vnto him that saies hee knowes a man for that he hath seene him or heard him speake and yet cannot say of whence he is what his parents were nor from whence he is descended euen so whosoeuer reads the historie of any nation without knowledge of their beginning can neuer be fully satisfied seeing he hath not laid a true foundation vpon antiquitie for by the comparison and resemblance of auncient deeds with the moderne and conferring one with another it is impossible but they should find out the truth and reap a singular content and profit by the historie So it fals out with me who for my owne delight and to auoid idlenesse hauing in the heat of our warres and other domesticke imployments vndertaken to write the historie of these prouinces I did thinke I could not be well satisfied with the knowledge of laâ—…e accidents which haue happened since my time for these sixtie years whereof I haue learned something from my deceased parents and haue beene my selfe an eie witnesse for these fourtie yeares and as the Poet saith Quaeque ipsa miserrima vidi quorum pars magna fui Which miseries I wretch did see And bore a share in each degree if I had not endeauoured to recouer what I could of the antiquitie of the said prouinces both out of their owne ancient chronicles and from their neighbours If I haue herein vsed a haâ—…sh style it is no wonder hauing not therein laboured to please the French whose eares are something delicate but remembring the manlinesse of the nation to whom I write I haue left this womanish nicenesse seeking only those things which are proper and profitable for the storie And in these latter times I haue beene forced in many things to follow the rough style of them of Arthois Henaut and of the court at Brussels in many declarations which I haue beene forced to insert although they differ much from the manner of French writers Who so writes a historie should not labouring to adorne his style alwaies striue to mooue mens affections neither is it fit to pursue with a continued style the miseries of the time by inuectiues or otherwise the which is more proper for tragicall Poets but he must make a true relation of mens words and actions for a historie and a tragedie haue contrarie ends In a tragedie if the truth be not apparant wee must striue to mooue the auditors to hope feare care anger ioy and such like passions by coniectures but in historie wee must endeauour by all meanes to relate sincerely whatsoeuer we will write of men and of their actions for coniectures may serue the one to entertaine and abuse the audience and truth the other for the readers instruction and profit I must confesse it is a commendable thing in an honest man to affect his friends and his countrey and to hate their enemies but he that vndertakes to write a historie must moderate those passions with discretion sometimes commending his enemies when their deeds deserue it and blaming his friends and neighbours when their faults doe merit it least he be reproached with Paulus Iouius of whom it is written Dum patriam laudat damnat dum Iouius hostes Nec malus est Ciuis nec bonns Historicus Iouius in praising Italie and baiting of her foes Against the lawes of historie though not of dutie goes Beleeue me as the bodie of any creature when the eies are out is vnprofitable euen so if truth wants in a historie the discourse is fruitlesse and therefore when occasion is offered they must not forbeare to blame their friends nor
shew themselues but kept in holes or led a rusticke countrey life neither after that day durst any man carry the armes of any of those three houses The Emperour Rodulphus the first of that name had in the yeare 1290 giuen East-Friseland vnto the riuer of Lanuvers vnto the earle of Gueldres to hold it in fee of the Empire but by reason of the ferocitie of the Frisons and their heat and resolution to maintain their auncient liberties graunted them by the Emperor Charlemaigne and other precedent Emperors knowing also that the Earle of Holland pretended an interest thereunto hee durst not aduenture to take possession thereof by force Besides Cont Floris hauing as we haue said before subdued West-Friseland and taken the town of Staueren did much annoy the East-Frisons and withall the bishops of Vtrecht would neuer quit their part who to free themselues from so many lords sent their embassadors to the king of Denmarke desiring him that hee would take them and their countrey into his protection The king being loth to let slip this goodly occasion receiued them and sent one of his noblemen to gouerne the countrey in his name and to be his lieutenant and to the end he should be the more respected and haue the greater authority he gaue him his sister in mariage A while after he came himselfe into Friseland making many lawes and ordinances and imposing a certaine tribute which was reasonably tollerable This done he returned into Denmarke but before six moneths were expired this lieutenant began to oppresse them and to vse them tyrannously contrary to their accord the which did so incense the Frisons against him as they slue him sending his wifebacke being with child to the king her brother in the yeare 1295 who was soone after brought in bed of a sonne who reuenged his fathers death as we shall see hereafter IOHN THE FIRST OF THAT name the twentieth Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland 20 Joannes Hollandiae This IOHN the King of Englands daughter had to wife In whose short time the towne of Delft hap'ning to fall in strife VVith him attempted for to kill two of his counsellors Accompanied with WOLPHAR he did enter into warres Against the Frisons and subdu'd them in short space But death when he had rul'd foure yeares his conquest did deface And without heires it was his chance to die VVhose bones intomb'd with his valiant ancestors do lie COnt Floris the fifth being thus murthered as we haue said by Gerard van Velsen Iohn of Holland his only sonne succeeded him and was the twentieth Earle He being absent in England with the king his father in law Didier earle of Cleues tooke vpon him the gouernment of the quarter of North-Holland On the other side Guy brother to the earle of Henault Treasurer Cathedrall of the bishopricke of Liege came and tooke vpon him the gouernment of South-Holland made his residence at Gheertruyden-bergh By the diuisions and factions of these two noblemen there happened great troubles in Holland the subiects being diuided during the absence of their prince Cont Iohn of Henault and Guy his brother were sonnes to the deceased cont Iohn d' Auesnes and the lady Alix sister to William king of Romanes and Earle of Holland who was father vnto the last Cont Floris and so were cousin germanes to Cont Iohn of Holland his neerest kinsmen and more apparent heires than the earle of Cleues and therfore Guy maintained that the gouernment was due to him rather than to the earle of Cleues but Cont Iohns return from England ended all these quarrels William Bertold subrogated in the place of Iohn Zirich chosen bishop of Toul in Lorraine to the bishopricke of Vtrecht hauing an actiue and stirring spirit reuiued the ancient quarrels of them of Vtrecht against the Hollanders went to besiege the castle of Muyden the which he maintained to be part of his reuenues the which in the end he forced and constrained Didier of Harlem to yeeld it vp to haue their liues saued he remaining his prisoner The bishop puffed vp with this happie successe went into West-Friseland after that hee had caused his pardons to be preached for all such as would carry armes against the Hollanders The Frisons according to their auncient manner of doing being still readie to reiect the yoke of the Earles of Holland by the persuasion and encouragement of this bishop besieged the castle of Widenesse which they battered and gaue many assaults so as in the end Baldwin of Naeldwyke for want of victuals and munition of warre was forced to yeeld it vp by composition to depart with bag and baggage and to returne freely into Holland which done they rased it the like they did also to the castle of Euigenburch then passing on they besieged the castle of Medemblycke hauing burnt the base towne Floris of Egmont and other gentlemen that were within it defended themselues valiantly making many braue sallies and skirmishes vpon their enemies they were so long besieged in this manner as for want of victuals they were forced to eat their horses Cont Iohn of Henault hauing newes thereof and that the Frisons with the said bishop of Vtrecht did what they pleased without any or very small resistance tooke vpon him during the absence of his cousin the gouernment of Holland and with an Armie of Hannuyers Hollanders and Zeelanders went into Friseland where he defeated the Frisons raised the siege from before Medemblycke and relieued it with all things necessarie The Seignior Iohn of Arckel and Nicholas of Putten knights of Holland tooke the towne of Enchuysen whence they caried away a great spoile and in their retreat burnt it During the diuisions and partialities betwixt the earle of Cleues and Guy of Henault the which increased more and more in Holland the lords Didier of Brederode Floris Regal Abbot of Egmond Henry Vicont of Leyden and William of Egmond accompanied with some gentlemen of marke imbarked to goe and fetch their prince Cont Iohn out of England and for a strange and new thing they led with them Claes van Keyten where they were graciously receiued by king Edward who hauing rigged forth a goodly Fleet of shippes sent away the Earle his son in law with his daughter Elizabeth recommending vnto the lord of Brederode the gouernment of the said Earle his prince being then very young Being at sea the wind turned contrary so as they were forced to land in Zeeland whereas Wolfart of Borssele lord of la Vere reiecting and contemning the Noblemen of Holland did cunningly seize vpon the guard and gouernment of the young Earle chasing from him all the Nobilitie of Holland to whom the king of England had so much recommended him The Earle being one day at Romerswael by the persuasion of the said lord of Vere sent the lord of Brederode who was a plaine dealing man and nothing malicious to Ziricxee to treat of some affaires and in the meane time the said lord
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
â—…or besides that which he solde alienated and surcharged yea ingaged his reuenues this ladie carried with her all the goodly Iewels riche Tapistrie massie plate both of golde and siluer that great and famous Flower de Lys of Diamants one of the nailes wherewith our Lord IESVS CHRIST â—…eredere fasâ—…est was nailed vnto the crosse and the great Besome of Flanders To conclude she left not any thing causing all to be packt vp all which was in those dayes esteemed at nine Millions of gold After the death of â—…ing Philip all the Noblemen of the Netherlands were sent out of Spaine neither were they very welcome there so as the greatest part of these riche moueables plate and Iewels was stolne and lost onely some little which Iohn Earle of Nassau Lord of Breda recouered with great diligence and care and brought them with him into the Lowe-countries In the yeare 1507. the Dutchesse of Burbon Ante to the Duke of Gelders by the mothers side sent as it was reported certaine troupes of Frenchmen vnto her Nephew the which being come to Ruremonde the Duke lead them being ioyned wiâ—…h his owne forces to Tournhoult in Brabant to spoile it then hee went before Dyest pretending to surprise it but Cont Iohn of Nassau made such resistance as he got nothing but blower From thence the Duke went to Tillemont which he tooke by assault where he lost a Germaine Earle the which hauing spoyled and taken many good prisoners he abandoned carrying all the bootie to Ruremonde and putting his men into Garrisons The Frenchmen passing by the countrie of Liege to returne into France with their prey being in the Forrest of Ardennes lodgeâ—… about Saint Hubert and making good cheere vpon the poore country men and as they say sleeping after the French fashion some Namurois Houilliers and Bocquillons to the number of 600. men vnder Iohn Despontin their Captaine came early in a morning to wake them they first slew their Sentinels and corps de garde then entred into their quarter and surprized them in bed whereof there were many slaine who thought but too late to take armes there were many prisoners especially of Gentlemen to conclude all were defeated and happy was he that loosing his horse armes and baggage could sane himselfe on foote in the Forrest So as these Namurois by this hard enterprise wone much honor and a riche spoile both of horses armes gold siluer plate silkes and veluets which the French had gotten in Brabant casâ—…ng vp all at once which they had gotten in the diuers towns which they had spoiled Soone after the Geldrois burnt that goodly great village of Bodegraue betwixt the townes of Woerden and Leyden in Holland Iohn of Egmont Gouernour of Holland to be reuenged of the Geldrois weâ—… at the Hollanders charge and of them of Boisleduc to besiege the strong plaâ—…e and Castell of Puydroyen whereas then the Seignior of Seewint Marshall of Gelders did much harme vnto the Marchants to whom the sayd Marshall was a capitall enemie But the Duke of Gelders came himselfe in person forcing the Lord of Egmont to dislodge After the death of the King of Castile the Emperour Maximilian tooke vpon him the gouernment of the Netherlands as gardien to Charles and Ferdinand his Grand-children and by the meanes of the French King and the King of Arragon a peace was concluded at Cambray betwixt the Emperour in qualitie of gardien and the Duke of Gelders the which was of no long continuance the warre kindling againe soone after by some occasions offred by the Lord of â—…selsteyn CAROLVS 5 IMPERATOR CHARLES OF AVSTRIA THE 2 of that name the 35. Earle of Holland and Zeeland the first Temporall Lord of the Towne and Diocesse of Vtrecht of Friseland Oueryseel and Groninghen The fift Emperour of that name England France Afrique Turkey Germanie Haue felt my spirit to their seuerall losses Beyond Gibralter are my pillars planted My wife a Portugaise and Philips daughter Through my victorious powers fayre Italie Hath seemd to tremble when nâ—…re Pauia I plotted 'gainst the French and tooke as Captiue Francis the first their famous warre-like King Then with fresh Souldiers being from Spaine supplyde I quite did tame the haughtie Germaines pride I call to witnesse prisoners that were Princes As Saxonie and the Lans-graue the rich Ransomes Engines of warre with which as gifts constrainde They made peace with my furie great and small Were ransomde as I pleas'd my Spanish Forces Tooke holy Rome the Italians greatest Terror There three dayes was their Pillage in no place The Pope found succour but his powers and hee Lay in their Forts besiegde not Issuing forth Vntill their Ransomes bought them a free way From which the Almaine armie receiu'd pay Was it not I with blowes as quicke as lightning Conquerd Golletto Tunis and Argier And made the famous Pyrate Barbarosa At Ariaden shrinck vnder my Sinewe Who bade fare-well to Africa by flight Which also stoopt and sunke vnder my might Did not I Muly-assen then erect When I Barbarians and the Moores had tamed Was it not I that with my Campe of Almaynes From Austria chasde the great Turke Solyman With which the noble conquests that I held In the West-Indyes may be paraleld Were not my men the first that did finde out Those mynes of Peru-gold and made bolde way Through sandy bounds of rich America Vnder the obedience of the Spanish lawes Bringing their Kings what though at first afront They Kingly stroue being vanquisht there my slaues Nor ought the world forget my souldiers deedes That two and twenty millions put to sword Of rebell Indians forcing the remaynes Like brutish beasts to vnder-goe base paines Am not I CHARLES fifth Emperour of that name Throughout the vniuersall Globe the Terror But when I thought mee firme-vnder my stroake The Spaniard toucht the Almaines left my yoake And a new Trouble nere conceiude before Did vnawares beset mee Germaine Princes Confederates came vnexpected Foes And forest me flie from Inspruck all vnfurnisht I that was woont Foes with a whip to chase Was forst to worke my safetie by my flight Death to my pride and furie of my Sword Yet all I wrought either by force or Law When I to narrow straights the Cleuoys forest That Gelders Freezeland Vtrecht in the end And beyond Island all the wealth was mine Vnder my Lawes stoopt Groninghen and Cambray Fiftie two yeares I Holland did possesse Then to my Sonne all titles I resignde My flesh lyes at Granado my soule fares Like her eternal selfe from humaine eares The Argument of the sixt Booke THe birth of the Emperor Charles the fifth warre betwixt the Esterlings Danes and Hollanders The Duke of Geldres makes warre against the Bishop of Vtrecht and the Hollanders The state of Friseland A quarrell betwixt the Duke of Saxony and the Earle of Emden for the siegmory of Groningen Henry Duke of Brunswyke slaine there The Groningeois giue themselues to the Duke of
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
Brussels with diuers horse and footmen hauing victualed Niuelle as they returned backe againe met with certaine cornets of Albanoys horsemen which are a kind of people that when the Turke won Grecia being driuen from thence entred into the kingdome of Naples where they won a peece of the countrey and there inhabited and dwelt still keeping their owne language whom they ouerthrew and brought thirtie of them into the towne of Brussels and yet the towne of Niuelle was not long after taken by the prince of Parmaes troupes where the earle of Mansfield vsed very great and barbarous crueltie In the moneth of August the duchesse of Parma and Plaisance the old regent mother to the prince of Parma came into the countries of the Netherlands being sent thither by the king of Spaine to accomplish the treatie made with the vnited prouinces or for that it was thought that her sonne was not sufficient ynough to take so great a charge vpon him and to gouerne so many young headed noblemen the mother was thought fitter for the place as beeing better acquainted with the affaires of state and the humours of the nobilitie and the people of the countrey than her sonne who departed out of the Netherlands to the great discontent of the people who would willingly haue had her staid Being come to Namur and there visited by her sonne there grew some iealousie betweene them touching the gouernement for that the prince of Parma hauing left his wildnesse which he had vsed in the Netherlands for the which hee had beene much spoken of being come to more staiednesse hee had so insinuated himselfe into the peoples fauours as they held him worthy of the gouernment himselfe and to rule alone for that the countrey had more need of a cheefe and a captaine generall than of a woman and therefore the Spaniards were of opinion as knowing well that nothing is more subiect to hatred than gouernement and what preiudice might thereby grow that the duchesse should returne backe againe with smooth and good excuses as shee did in the yeare following And by that meanes the prince of Parma kept the gouernment of the country alone with the great good liking of the Wallon prouinces where he behaued himselfe verie wisely and vnpartially betweene the Spaniards Italians and Netherlanders as also amongst other nations vsing all Italian manners in his dealings thereby to procure the good will both of friends and foes in such sort as hee did the king exceeding great seruice more than al the rest of the forepassed gouernors with their Spanish crueltie and pride euer did I said before That the generall Estates had resolued to chuse a new soueraigne prince to gouerne them and that they found none more fit for them than Francis of Valois duke of Aniou Alanzon c. the onely brother to the French king Whereupon the Estates sat in consultation all Summer and at the last in Iuly they concluded with full consent of the prouinces townes and members of the vnited prouinces to yeeld the countrey vnto him vpon certaine conditions Whereupon the deputies of the prouinces of Brabant Flanders Holland Zeeland Macklyn Friseland and the territories associat beeing assembled in Antuerpe vpon the twelfth of August they deputed and sent their commissioners with full instructions into France whose names were monsieur S. Aldegonde the seignior of Dohain doctor Hessels Francis seigniour of Lauenborgh Iaques Tayart pentioner of Gant Woel Caron seignior of Schoonewall bourgmaster of the Vrie or Franc of Bruges and Iasper van Vosberghen bailife of Campeuere to treat with the said duke which they effected vpon the 29 of September The articles were concluded vpon at Plesis le Towers the contents whereof beeing 27 in number were as followeth 1 First That the Estates of the vnited prouinces had chosen appointed the duke of Aniou for their prince and soueraigne lord with the names dignities and titles of Duke Earle Marques c. and with such soueraigntie as their forepassed princes in former times had with prouiso That all alliances made by the house of Burgondie and the Netherlands not onely with the empire but also with the kingdomes of Fraunce England Denmarke and all other alliances in no sort contrarie to that contract should continue in their entire and full force without any alteration 2 That his lawfull issue males should succeed him in the said countrey of the Netherlands and that if hee happened to haue more than one sonne the Estates of the Netherlands should bee at their libertie to chuse which of them they would haue to bee their soueraigne lord 3 That if his heire were vnder yeares the Estates should appoint him a gouernor and keep the administration of the said gouernment in their owne hands vntill hee should attaine vnto the age of twentie yeares or that it should be otherwise determined by aduice of the Estates and that if he and his heires should die that then it should be lawfull for the Estates to chuse another soueraigne lord 4 That he should possesse and enioy the demaines and reuenues therof vpon certaine conditions and without raysing of them vnlesse it were by consent of the Estates according to their priuiledges and that if they were too much ouer-burthened the Estates should find meanes to appoint a conuenient entertainment for him 5 That the said duke should hold and maintaine all their old priuiledges and customs and namely the vnion which was made at Vtrecht so as it were not preiudiciall to the said treatie 6 That he should ratifie and confirme all the decrees made by the arch duke Mathias and Estates as well in generall as particular 7 That the generall Estates should be suffered to assemble once in a yeare at the least and at all other times when they shall thinke good 8 That he should be resident in the Netherlands vnlesse it were vpon some great occasion and that if hee stayed long out of the countrey that hee should appoint one of the naturall borne Netherlanders to gouerne in his place such a one as should bee pleasing to the Estates and that with their consent 9 That he should haue a counsell of Netherlanders such as the prouinces thereof should appoint or haue appointed without aid or assistance of strangers French men or others vnlesse it were one or two with the consent and liking of the prouinces to whom alwayes the gouernment should be referred 10 That the principall officers in the Netherlands should bee naturall borne subiects and others of meaner offices as it should please him with condition that the gentlemen should be Netherlanders 11 When any officers were to be chosen for the gouernment of the prouinces and forts and in the chiefe offices of the Netherlands the said prouinces should nominat three persons vnto him whereof he should chuse one 12 That hee should promise to vphold and maintaine the reformed religion and the religious peace in the Netherlands in such sort as it
weake resolutions they would fall the yeare following into greater inconuenience than before The which would happen said he for that not any one of them in particular did thinke that this warre did concerne his life goods wife children and posteritie seeking rather their priuat profit than the publike and withall euerie man refused to furnish money according as he is taxed without the which neither he nor any man liuing can make warrè Not that he demanded the mannaging of the money which they knew hee neuer had nor euer desired wherewith some calumnious persons whose knowledge is better would taxe him but he had thought it good to admonish them hereof that they might discerne and prouide for that which was common to them all seeing it hath beene hitherto obserued the which they could not preuent that not only euery prouince but euery towne hath his counsell of warre his troups and his treasure apart True it was they had appointed a generall and head counsell but without authoritie or power for where there is neither authoritie respect nor obedience how is it possible to settle any good order in militarie discipline in the reuenues treasure iustice or policie and in all other things concerning an estate Being impossible that such a counsell can haue any authoritie or respect when as they cannot dispose of a penie as neither he nor that high counsell neuer yet could To conclude said hee behold the fault and the inconuenience which had hitherto detained them and wherein they continued the which as he had formerly prophesied vnto them would be the cause of their ruine if God by his mercie did not preuent it He therefore intreated them to consider well of that point and to call them that vnderstood it to the end the blame might not be laid vpon him But if they would take a good course and foresee it in time they shold find by the effects as he is bound that he would not spare any thing that is in his power Wherein they should striue the more seeing that his gouernment extends but to the end of Ianuarie and that for the present there was no other to gouerne but himselfe and to order all things with all conuenient speed This speech of the prince although it were truly and sincerely deliuered yet wrought it small effect some prouinces being of opinion the warre should be referred to the prince and the counsell of State others said that they must stay their resolution vntil the comming of the duke of Aniou For the hastening whereof the seignior of S. Aldegonde and doctor Iunius bourgmaster of Antuerpe were sent into England The princes of Orange and Espinoy with the other chiefe noblemen of the countrey going to attend him at Middlebourg in Zeeland there to receiue him In the meane time the townes of Doccum Sloten Staueren with the Nyeuwe-zyel in the countrey of Friseland being fortified for the Estates the seigniour of Merode gouernour of that quarter thought it good to giue order for the seuen Forrests and to hold them better assured Whereupon hee commaunded monsieur Nienwenoort a knight to fortifie the Borough of Oldenborne and to lodge there with six companies of foot Colonell Verdugo gouernour of Groningue for the king of Spaine went therefore the 24 of Ianuarie thinking to dislodge him but seeing himselfe so roughly entertained by the sallies of them of the garrison hearing of the preparation which the Estates made to succour it he retired not without losse for the knight Nienwenoort fell vpon his rereward the which he defeated his men carrying away a great spoyle and many prisoners Some time after the places of Brouckhorst and Keppel yeelded to the Spaniard Colonell Norris who was then in Friseland besieged them but hee preuailed nothing The duke of Aniou as we haue said gone the first of Nouember into England beeing accompanied by the prince Daulphin sonne to the duke of Montpenser the earles of Laual son to the lord d' Andelot S. Aignan and Chasteauroux the seigniours d' Espruneaux Feruaques Bacqueuille Cheualier Breton Theligny and others whither also came the seignior of Inchy gouernor of Cambray He was entertained with great pompe and state by the Queen where hauing spent three moneths in great pleasure and delight hee departed from London the first of Februarie being accompanied by the Queene who conducted him towards Douer And the eight day following after leaue taken and that the Queene had recommended the affaires of the Netherlands vnto him counselling him to gouerne them mildly and aduising him aboue al to win the hearts of the people and of the nobilitie and to vse their counsel assuring him that in so doing his estate would haue a good foundation and be durable In the end he imbarked in the Queens ships which attended him being accompanied in his voiage by the earle of Leicester the lord Charles Howard admirall of England and the baron of Honsdon all three Knights of the Garter and of her Maiesties counsell To whom she gaue charge to say vnto the prince of Orange and other noblemen and the Estates of the Netherlands That the seruice they should do vnto the said Duke shee would hold it and repute it as done vnto her owne person There were also many other English noblemen in his companie as the lord Willoughby Sheffeld Windsore and many knights as Sir Philip Sidney Shurley Parrat Drury and the sonnes of the lord Howard with diuers other knights and gentlemen of account with a goodly traine of seruants richly appointed with the which the Duke arriued at Flessingue the tenth of Februarie whereas the princes of Orange and Espinoy and the chiefe nobilitie with the deputies of the Estates went to receiue him after that they had long attended his comming The said princes and noblemen put twice to sea in a small boat to goe and salute him but they could not get aboord his ship nor come neere it so as hee tooke his long boat to go to land whereas the prince of Orange imbracing his thigh said That hee held himselfe verie happie to see that desired day when as he might offer vnto him his most humble seruice all his meanes his person and his life hoping that he should be the only cause that the Netherlands after so long sufferance should in the end be freed Whereupon the Duke hauing imbraced him the prince of Espinoy and the other chiefe noblemen answered in few words and very modestly Thanking them verie heartily for the honor they did him I did obserue at his landing being then present an houshold seruant to the prince of Orange that the duke going out of the boat to step on land tript a little with the right foot and might haue fallen into the water if he had not beene held Some discoursed afterwards of this small mishap and tooke it for an ill presage Being entred into the towne of Flessingue when he could not in a maner see any thing for 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
and if occasion serued to bee a meanes that the sayd house of Nassau might continue in the auncient authoritie and honour that his auncestours the princes of Orange had alwayes held and maintained according to the contract of peace made in the castle of Cambresis Anno 1559 betweene Fraunce and Spaine And whereas the principall inheritance that belonged vnto him and his brother prince Fredericke Hendericke lay in the earledome of Burgundie and that there might bee some hope in time to recouer the same into their hands hee besought her Maiestie to ayde and assist them with her fauour and authoritie vnto the French king and the Switzers bordering thereupon and especially to the lords of Berne that some meanes might be wrought for the recouerie of the same as occasion should serue And further as it was manifestly knowne what great losse of lands and possessions the said house of Nassau had sustained and endured by the king of Spanies and his adherents meanes he besought her Maiestie to interpose her authoritie good occasion beeing offered that they might bee recompensed being now almost depriued of all their inheritance with some possessions and lands of the like nature vnto those which they had lost And if it should so fall out as the sayd prince Maurice and the princesse in heart desired that her Maiestie would be pleased to take the chiefe soueraignetie and gouernement of those countries vpon her he besought her to haue a regard vnto the articles as shee should find them conuenient presented vnto her by the Estates touching the house of Nassau inserted together with the articles offered vnto her Maiestie concerning the soueraignetie Also if it pleased her Maiestie to employ any men of honour and qualitie of the countrey of Germanie in her seruice he besought her to preferre Graue Iohn van Nassau as one well affected to doe her Maiestie any seruice whatsoeuer and one that alwayes had beene true and faithfull vnto those countries and whose zeale vnto religion wisedome and experience was knowne vnto all men Lastly he besought her Maiestie to be pleased to cause some act to be drawne and made in such order as shee should thinke good concerning the aforesaid humble petition made by the said princesse earles and children of the house of Nassau to no other end than only to serue for a sufficient testimoniall for those of the said house to shew and beare witnesse of their endeuours and good meanings for the welfare and vpholding of the sayd house of Nassau Written in the Hage the foureteenth of October 1585. Signed Loise de Coligni Maurice de Nassau And before the comming ouer of the earle of Leicester the generall Estates gaue vnto prince Maurice of Nassau a commission for the gouernment captaine generals and admirals place of Holland Zeeland and Friseland with due respect to be had vnto the gouernour generall which her Maiestie should send ouer They likewise ordayned and thought it expedient to set downe the title of the said prince Maurice which should be vsed in all commissions and executions of thinges that should passe out of the Courts of Holland Zeeland and Friseland in the same manner as followeth Maurice prince of Orange earle of Nassau Catzenellebourg Vianden Dietz c. marquesse of Campuere and Flessingue baron of S. Vijt Doesbourg of the towne of Graue and of the land of Guycke c. gouernour captaine generall and admirall of Holland Zeeland and Friseland and since that time there was added thereunto the earledome of Moeurs and others The nineteenth of December Robert lord Dudley baron of Denbigh and earle of Leicester sonne to Iohn lord Dudley duke of Northumberland appointed by the Queene of England to bee her gouernour generall ouer the English forces in the Netherlands and in all things to represent her person beeing followed with a goodly traine arriued in the prouince of Zeeland where he was honourably and courteously receiued of whom and what was done by him wee will speake hereafter and shew while these thinges passed and were agreed vpon in England what was done in the warres in the Low countries After the losse of Antuerpe the Seignior of Saint Aldegonde who had beene bourgomaster of the said towne and a chiefe actor in the treatie with the prince of Parma for the yeelding of the towne was fallen into disgrace with the Estates of the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands vpon the false suggestions as hee pretended of his enemies whereupon hee wrote a letter vnto the Seignior of Metkerke on the foure and twentieth day of October concerning the peace the which I haue thought good to insert here A Letter of aduice written by the Seignior of Saint Aldegonde to the Seignior of Metkerke president of Flaunders touching the peace MY good cousin I doubt not but you are informed of the particularities of the yeelding vp of the towne of Antuerpe and how that since mine enemies hauing sought by false and slaunderous suggestions to blame me and to wrong mine honour haue gotten so great credit with the Estates which gouerne there as they haue written plainely vnto me that they would not suffer me to remaine in the vnited prouinces I haue made many complaints to the Estates of Zeeland but it hath auailed me nothing so as I am resolued to leaue the countrie and to seeke my fortune applying my selfe to that wherunto God shall call me attending only the comming of my yong sonne to make him partaker of his fathers fortunes assuring you that aduersities shall neuer change me nor take from me the assurance that I haue in my God and Father by his sonne Iesus Christ. I am sorrie to see my selfe reduced to that extremitie to go wandring vp and down like a vagabond depriued of wife children and all domesticke commodities yea in my declining age which hath most need of rest But I must truely confesse that the miserable estate of our poore country doth afflict me much more than mine owne priuate fortune and the more for that I cannot assist it neither with counsell nor with action And on the other side I see in my example as in a cleere glasse that such as gouerne the helme in this horrible tempest suffer themselues to be carried away by the winds of reports and passions not giuing place to reason the which in the end must needs be the cause of all miseries for this manner of proceeding doth incense many against them hauing alreadie too many enemies and puts them in danger with their owne fall to drawe the whole countrie into ruine We haue seene the examples of times past when as trusting to some smiles of fortune we made no account to offend all the world and vpon light and vaine iealousies we did often laie the foundations of great quarrels For the present it seemes that our miserie is come to some Crisis the good or bad conduct whereof will be of great importance and may qualifie the last euent I would they would take
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
vpon their marche with some Artillerie they set vpon a fort which was called the Roynettes of Cologne the which they tooke and manned with a good garrison from thence passing the water neere vnto the castle of Loo hauing now past Teckenhof the Marquis thinking to charge them in the reere he found that contrary to his expectation he was valiantly with-stood by Sir Francis Vere with foure Companies of English and by Christopher Wolfs Cornet of Reyetrs being on the wing of the reereward so as this charge turned into a Battaile whereas Varambon lost aboue 600. men vpon the place with ten Enseignes and three Cornets besides the prisoners and aboue 200. horse whereof the English had sixe score for their part and amongst them there was one which the Marquis did vse to ride on who had now saued himselfe by flight Among all the prisoners there was not any one of reckoning but a pettie Italien Count Cousin to the Cardynall Caraffa who was wounded and one Lieutenant There were not aboue foureâ—…eene Knights Captaines and Officers slaine whereof one was the Marquis of Cico Nephew to Spinelli Maister of the Campe Iohn Antonio Caraffa and Alonzo Palagano both captaines and seauen Antients most Neapolitaines Whilest they were in fight Count Charles of Mansfeldt came posting thether with threescore and ten companies of horse and foote but the Earle of Ouersteyn the Barron of Poetlys Sir Francis Vere hauing won this victorie made hast to recouer Berck with their conuoy and victualls The Earle of Mansfeldt thought to haue met with them in their returne but they took an other course passing the Rhine nere vnto the fort of Rees This incounter was the 15. of October The same month the Earle of Mansfeldt hauing made prouision at Nymeghen of al things needfull to beseige a town hauing marched away with his horsemen from Boisleduc towards Graue passing by a little wood hee was saluted with a Volley of small shotte which wounded some horses wherefore hauing caused the wood to be compast round about and searcht they found 35 soldiers there whereof 30. were slaine vpon the place and the other were hanged Whilest that the Earle of Mansfedlt made preparation to go and besiege Berke the Earle of Meurs to succor it as hee had done twice or thrice before gathered togither all the men hee could beeing at Arnhem the chiefe towne of Gelderland in the Dukes Pallace where meaning to make a tryall of some fire workes the powlder was vnfortunately sette on fire where-with a part of the Chamber was blowne away and hee burnt and drawne from vnder the ruines of the house whereof he died within few daies after full of paine whereby the succoring of Berke was broken of and yet it held out three monthes longer The Earle of Mansfeldt had resolued to besiege Berke after an other manner hauing prepared all things necessary hee came out of Bommels-Weert where 〈◊〉 had battered the sconse of Vorne tenne daies togither in vaine and in Nouember hee â—…oke the Sconse of Reez aforesaid the which by reason of the dry wether and the lownesse of the water they did yeeld by composition whereby the besieged could not bee now well releeued who hauing great want of victuals and finding that their succors failed them the Estates considering also that this towne being so farre from them would bee ouer chargeable to victuall so often they did consent that the besieged should make the best composition they could with the Spaniard so as in the end of Ianuary 1590. the towne of Berke was yeelded to Charles Earle of Mansfeldt for the King of Spaine the Captaines Officers and all the soldiers going forth with their ful armes and baggage the Drumme sounding Coullors flying matches light and bullets in their mouthes and to carry them away they should haue fifty shippes and Scutes with conuenient Conuoy and a Captaine called Dauid Soper a prisoner should be discharged without ransome The Burgers likewise had good conditions and so Berke other-wise called Rhynebercke was giuen ouer It is thought that there were certaine secret promises made which caused the garrison to yeeld more willingly as that the Countesse of Meurs then a widdow should quietly inioy her landes by circumscription as beeing a member of the Empire and Neutrall Thus the Duke of Parma tooke in the townes and places in the Territories of Cologne to the vse as hee said of Ernestus Bishoppe of Cologne but hee kept the chiefe places with good garrisons as Rhynebercke Bonna Nuys Keysersweert and after the taking of Bercke hee had some disseignes vppon the Townes of Cleues Goch Reez and Emric belonging to the Duke of Cleues but all was in vaine his enterprise beeing discouered There was not much more done this yeare neither by the Duke of Parma nor yet by the vnited Prouinces the Duke beeing busie to send men and money into France stayed at Bins in Henault where the Duke of Maine and other commanders of the League came to speake with him on the other side the vnited Prouinces sent vnto the French King tenne thousand poundes starling with victualls and munition of warre by the Lord of Brederode issued from the Earles of Holland and Zealand Iustine of Nassau Admirall of Zealand and the Seignior of Pree Agent there for the Estates And the Queene of England sent him first twenty thousand pounds starling by Sir Edward Stafford then her Maiesties Ambassador with some poulder munition for war and ships to serue him within 15. daies after being besieged in Deepe by the League the Queene sent the Lord Willoughby ouer with 4000. men to his succor The generall Estates had long before reduced all the enemies Frontier Countries to certaine ceasments and contributions of money payable monethly as well vppon the landes as vppon the Countrie houses Villages and vnwalled townes which had no Forts to supplie the payment of their frontering Garrisons By which contributions the Peasants and Inhabitants of the sayde frontering places were freed from the courses spoyles and ransoming of their Soldiers The which without all doubt was a very great ease for the poore people and laborers and other good people who might freely doe their worke and follow their trafficke and marchandise with all safety going and comming freely into the townes and Fortes of either party This was against all right in the warres of fore-passed ages who would not yeeld any thing vnto their enemies as the Duke of Alua caused a poore peasant to be hangged for that he had bene forced to carry a bottle of hay to the Prince of Oranges Camp before Maestricht and it was also dangerous But the profit which did rise thereby did counteruayle the paine to prouide for the dangers which they feared The which the Spaniard might in like manner doe for his part who might reape farre greater comodities thereby then the Estates But no man smarted so much as the Lord of the soyle and proprietary who by
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
children of Cont Tbierry Cont Thierry chaseth the Flemings The Frisons will acknowledge no other soueraigne but the empire Warres bewixt the Earles of Holland and Geldres A new quarrell betwixt the two Bretheren of Holland The Earles of Holland and Geldre reconciled 1198 Trouble in Frizeland The Earles of Holland and Geldre fall vpon the bishop The bishop reuengeth himselfe of the Earle of Holland An accord betwixt the two Earls the duke of Brabant the bishop 1203 Cont Thierry sicke The death of Cont Thierry The Nobilitie of his time The Contesse of Holland maried Cont William sent for to vndertake the gouernment of Holland Cont William comes into Holland He puts the yong Contesse in guard and becomes master of the countrey Cont William conquereth Zeeland The Kennemerâ—… pacified The Zeelanders call back Cont William CoÌ„t Williams children The castle of Aspren rased 1218 The Contesse of Holland dies His wife and children The beginning of the towne of Gorrichom in Holland Cont Floris a louer of iousts and tourneys Cont Floris slaine The earle of ClermoÌ„t slain The bishop of Vtrecht guardian to the yong Earle of Holland A wonderfull del 〈◊〉 of 365 children An Epltaph of the Contesse of Henneberg mother to so many children The chiefe Nobilitie of Holland The wife and children of Cont William How Cont William was chosen king of Romans The king comes to Vtrecht and ratifies their priuiledges 1253 The contesse of Flanders pretends to conquer the isle of Walchren by arms A great deseat of the Flemings The contesse goes â—…o succours into France The duke of Aiou comes to succour the contesse The wise answer of the king S. Lewis to the duke his brother The duke of Aniou retires The birth of Cont Floris 5. The contesse labours to be reconciled The pope sends for the king of Romans to come to Rome The king being in Vtrecht is traitorously wounded with a stone The king miserably slaine being sunke into the ice They burie him secretly in a countrey house The kings body found and interred at Middlebourg in Zeeland Factions for the gouernement of the Earles person and of the countrey Great trouble an Holland Cont Floris takes armes against the Frisons The Frisons defened Foure eâ—…es â—…lt by the Earle to subdue the Frisons Friseland wholy subdued The Earles of Flanders and Holland reconciled The Earle makes war against the lord of Amstel and Woerden 1290 Cont Floris his voiage into England and why A mariage betwixt Cont Floris eldest son and the king of Englands daughter The earle of Flanders pretends to assaile Zeeland The chiefe nobilitie A historie of the death of Cont Floris the 5. The violent death of Cont Floris the fifth The wonderfull loue of 〈◊〉 grey hounds The end of the conspirators The reuenge of Cont Floris death Too cruell a reuenge The Frisons send to the king of Denmarke to be their protector The gouernment of Holland diuided during the absence of Cont Iohn The Frisons defeared The Frisons ioyned to the bishop of Vtrecht are defeated The teâ—…or of the letters of reparation submission made by the Frisons Mourmont taken and rased Troubles at Dordrecht A foolish answere of the magistrat of Dordâ—…echr The death of the Earle of Holland Who the gyant Claes van Knyten was The beginning of two wicked factions in Friseland The Earle of Henaults brethren Iohns wife and children 1301 The Earle seekes to ruine Iohn de Renesse The bishop of Vtrecht taken prisoner by his owne people The bishop goes to armes The bishop slaine in battaile being ouer-bold 1301 The Epitaph of this bishop Iohn without mercy slame 1302 1303 1304 The Earle of Flanders pretends to land in Walchren The Hollanders armie defeated The earlâ—… of Flanders wins a good part of Holland Great alteration in Vtrecht The lord of Hamstede defeats the Flemings The lord of Hamstede chaseth â—…he Flemings out of Holland A great defeat of the Flemings The Hollanders besiege Iohn de Renesse in Vtrecht The death of Iohn de Renesse 1305 Death of the earle of Flanders The death of the Earle of Holland The chiefe nobilitie The wife and children of Cont William 1311 1316 An extreame famine in Holland Amstel Wâ—… erden vnited to Holland 1323 1327 1328 The Earle ouerthrowne from his horse 1332 1336 A historie of a bailife of South Holland for a cow A memorable example of iustice The death of good Cont William The chiefe nobilitie in Holland and Zeeland The chiefe families of Friseland in those daies The wife of this Cont William 1338 1342 1345 Vtrecht besieged by the Hollanders Those of Vtrecht reconciled to the Earlâ—… Cont William slaine and leaues no lawfull heires 1346 The Earledomes of Holland and Zeeland adâ—…dged to the Empresle sister to cont William She takes possessió of those countries Confiscation of â—…cclesiasticall goodâ—… The emperoâ—… children by the empresse 〈◊〉 William of Bâ—…uaria the empresse son gouernor of Holland The bishop of Vtrecht goes to liue priuatly in France The bishop of Vtrecht goes to field He defeateâ—… the Hollandeâ—…s The Empresse resumeâ—… againe the gouernment of Holland The Earle her sonne retires into Holland 1349. The bishop of Vtrecht makes warre in Holland The Hollanders deâ—…eated A truce betwixt tâ—…e Hollanders and Vtrecht 1350. 〈◊〉 in Holland of Cabillâ—…ux and Hoeâ—…ks The fruites 〈◊〉 factions to stir the sonnâ—… against the mother Cont Williaâ—… receiued in Holland A battaile betwixt the mother and the sonne 1351. The sonne raiseth a 〈◊〉 armie The sonne dâ—… fines his mothâ—… to battaile A second battaile The mother defeated 1351. An accord betwixt the mother and the sonne The factions cease not Cont Williams wife had no 〈◊〉 135â—… The Earle de fies the bishop of Vtrecht Two strange knights â—…aken pâ—…oners The Eaâ—…le enters the country oâ—… Vtrecht with â—…n armie 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fâ—…om the bishop The bishop takeâ—… Wâ—…p by assault and then Muyden The 〈◊〉 of Montâ—…ort 〈◊〉 from the bishop A combâ—…te betwixt two commanderâ—… 1357. Cont Williâ—… himselfe enters into the country of Vtrecht A finall accord betwixt the Earle and bishop 1358. The Eaâ—…le of Holland becomes mad Diuision betwixt the two factions for the gouernement Albert duke of Bauaria called by the Hoeketins He is receiued for gouernor Hee agrees with his sister in lavve Alberts wiues and children By this Marguerite the earldome of Holland Zeeland and Henault came to the house of Bourgongne The Cabillautins seeke to kill the yong lord of Brederode The castell of Hemskerke besieged for Cont Albert. The Delfoi reuolt Cont Albert besiegeth Delf The inhabitants speake of a composition The captaines oppose The captaines retire in the night The towne of Delf yeelded The duke of Gelders defies the Earle of Holland The warre ended by marriage 1365. 1367. The Baron of Enghien beheaded in Henault which caused great troubles 1373. The castell of Ghildenburch 〈◊〉 to defâ—…d the sluses The lord of Vianen and those of Dordreâ—…ht discontented for the sluses Cont â—…ert spoiles the Frâ—…sons
the fift hir sonne being yet a child Shee marries againe with Robert the Frison sonne to the earle of Flanders They are chased out of Holland by Godfâ—…ey the Crookebacke duke of Lorraine called in by William bishop of Vtrecht ¶ Godfrey is the ninth Earle of Holland accounting Gertrude and Robert for two heads he vanquished the Frisons built the towne of Delf and was slaine in Antuerpe easing of himselfe ¶ Robert the Frison being earle of â—…landers restores Cont Thierry to Holland and Zeeland who vanquished the bishop of Vtrecht and tooke him prisoner Hee made war against the Frisons who would be free vnder the Empire and defeats them his death ¶ Floris the Fat the sonnâ—… of Thierry the fift the eleuenth earle of Holland c. he makes war against the Frisons subdues them and dies hauing reigned 30 yeares ¶ Thierry the sixt of that name the twelfth Earle he makes war against the Frisons with whome Floris the Blacke his brother ioins these bretheren being afterwards reconciled the earle of Cuycke kils Floris Thierry reuengeth his death and besiegeth Vtrecht The Frisons defeated by him in Holland and then he dies hauing raigned fortie yeares ¶ Floris the third the 13 earle sonne to Thierry the sixt Warre against the Frisons War betwixt the earles of Holland and Flanders for the island of Walchren The prowâ—…sse of the Hollanders at the siege of Damiette in which voiage the Earle died ¶ Thierry the seuenth the 14 earle succeeded his father he was in quarell with William of Holland his brother who ioined with the Frisons but they were afterwards reconciled Dying he left one only daughter ¶ Ada daughter to Thierry the seuenth the 15 commaunding in Holland she gouerned but one yeare and died without children During hir life she was still in war against the earle of Eastfriseland hir vncle who succeeded hir and was ¶ William the first of that name the sixteenth earle of Holland the crown of Scotland fell vnto him by his mother but he neglected it Dying he had ruled 19 years in Holland and 26 in Friseland ¶ Floris the fourth succceded William his father the seuenteenth Earle Strange war with the bishop of Vtrecht He is slaine at a tourney at Clermont ¶ William the second succeeded Floris his father being yet a child vnder the guard of his vncle the Bâ—…shop of Vtrecht He was crowned king of Romans He went against the Frisons where he was slaine ¶ Floris the fift the nineteenth Earle hee had great war against the Frisons whom he vanquished and brought backe his fathers bones hee was slâ—…ne by Gerard van Velsen knight ¶ Iohn the first of that name succeeded his father Floris the 20 Earle of Holland Being returned out of England where hee had married the kings daughter he reuenged his fathers death He died without children and in him failed the race of Earles descended from Thierry of Aquitaine THE yeare of our Redemption 863 Charles the Bald king of France being in Brabant in the Prouince of Campeigne at a towne called Bladell he called a generall assemblie of his Princes and Barons to consult of the best means to repell the Normans and Danes who made daylie incursions into Germanie Friseland Holland Zeland and into the realme of France Thither came many Princes and great Noblemen both Spirituall and Temporall from all parts whether in like sort the Pope being then at Mentz vpon the Rhin sent his Legats Among other Princes and Noblemen there present came Cont Haghen of little Troy which at this present is the towne of Zanthen vpon the Rhin betwixt the towns of Nuys and Cleefe bringing with him his sister Mathild wife of Sigebert duke of Aquitaine with hir two sonnes the eldest was called Walger whom king Charles did then make Earle of Teysterbaudt the which did at that instant and long after containe and comprehend the townes of Tyel Bommell Arkell Heusden Altem Vianen Culembourg Buren Leederdam Aspren and Henckelom with a great circuit of countrey vnto the riuer of Meuse The youngest was Thierry who as yet had no siegneorie nor commaund but was a valiant and hardie knight who with his father Sigibert had done many valiant exploits both in Prouence and Aquitaine against the Sâ—…rasins who made many incursions into those countries so as for his valour and prowessâ—… hee was much esteemed in Court and well fauoured of king Charles THIERRY of Aquitaine the first Earle of Holland King Charles surnamed the Bald first made me Earle by name Oâ—… Holland 〈◊〉 his brother Lewis of Zeeland did the same ' But troubles manifold soone 〈◊〉 my honour â—…ent Downe to the graue if the Emperour had me no succour lent Twise twentie yeares I held the Danes still in alarmes And did abate thou pride of heart by valor and by armes Of Aquitame I was surnamed borne and bred Gune my wife and in Egmont my corpt lies buried At this assemblie of Bladell the earle Haghen his vncle besought the king to remember Thierry his nephew and to aduaunce and inuest him in some part of the countrie which the Normans and Danes had lately spoiled and destroied knowing him as that was well known to all men to be valiant strong able to endure trauell wise temperat and discreet to keepe that which should be giuen him in charge besides hee was honourably descended issued from the bloud of France by the antient Troians King Charles hearing so many good testimonies of this young knight at the request of the Popes Legats and the instance of the Earle Haghen his vncle gaue vnto Thierry of Aquitaine all the countrie of Holland with a part of East-Frizeland from Dockum to the riuer of Lanuers as the Chronicles of Holland doe maintaine which the Frizelanders seemed to dislike and impugne saying that Charles who was then but king of France and not Emperor could not dispose nor giue away Frizeland the which maintained it selfe vnder the Romane Empire to defend and protect them by his valour from the inuasions and spoiles of the Danes and Normans who euen at that time held and enioied the towne of Vtrecht the Bishop and all his Prebends to auoid their furie being fled to the town of Deuenter in the countrie of Oueryssel the which was subiect both to the Temporall and Spirituall jurisdiction of the said Bishop of Vtrecht This assemblie at Bladell being ended king Charles went with this knight Thierry into Holland to put him in possission of the countrie by force of armes the vicount of Leyden and the lord of Wassenare his cousin these two houses being since vnited in that of the vicounts gathered together what forces they could to make head against king Charles and to hinder Thierry in the possession of that which was giuen him refusing absolutely to receiue Thierry for their lord and earle desiring rather to ioine with them of Friseland and to remain subiects to the empire The king and Cont Thierry marched against them and gaue
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
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
come he sent him in commission out of the countrey for some businesse of importance wherin Gerard held himselfe much honoured during his absence the Earle went with a small traine to the castle of Croonenbruch where as Gerard made his ordinarie residence as if he would refresh himself there The ladie Gerards wife receiued him honorably and courteously as her lord prince The Earle making shew that he had some priuat matter to treat with her in secret hee willed her to lead him into some priuat chamber where there might not bee any present but they two that he might the more freely deliuer what he had to say vnto her The good lady doubting no harme led him into her owne bed chamber The Earle hauing made the doore fast forced her to his will and then presently departed She being exceeding sorrowfull for this violence which had beene offered vnto her by her owne prince who aboue all things should haue maintained the honour of ladies especially of his vassals of her qualitie shee cast off her rich attire and pretious ornaments and put on the plainest and simplest mourning weed shee could Gerard being returned from his commission and hauing made his report vnto the Earle tooke his leaue and returned to his house where comming he found his wife all desolate and hauing vnderstood the occasion he did comfort her seeming to the world as if hee knew nothing and commaunded his wife to go vnto the house of the seignior of Woerden her father and to let him vnderstand the whole fact the which she did crauing pardon for that which had happened forcibly vnto her vnder a colour of hospitalitie Gerard of Velson demanded of the seignior of Woerden his father in law how he should best gouerne himselfe in this fowle fact and withall sware by his knighthood neuer to suffer it to passe vnreuenged after which time he neuer came to court but did meditate day and night vpon reuenge On the other side Herman of Woerden could not forget the wrong and dishonour which had beene done vnto his daughter for the which he became a mortall enemie vnto the Earle These two knights being thus discontented with the Earle drew vnto their partie Ghysbrecht of Amstel their kinsman to conspire against the Earle And by the counsell of the said seignior of Amstel and Woerden Gerard did secretly call vnto the towne of Cambraye the bishop of Duras for the king of England the earle of Cuyck in the name of the duke of Brabant two counsellors for the earl of Flanders before all which being assembled Gerard made his complaints of the base treacherie of Cont Floris with an aggrauation of the fowlenesse of the fact proceeding from a heart full of bitternesse despight and choller desirous of reuenge where it was concluded among them to attempt all meanes to seise vpon the Earls person and to send him into England to the king who should retaine him and make him end his dayes in prison and in the meane time should send Iohn of Holland sonne to Cont Floris his sonne in law husband to his daughter Elizabeth who kept then in England to take possession of the earldoms of Holland and Zeeland by the ciuile death of his father the which he had worthily deserued for an expiation of so fowle and villainous a fact In the same yeare 1296. Cont Floris being ignorant of this conspiracy and resolution taken against him at Cambraie by the deputies of the king of England the duke of Brabant the earl of Flanders and the lords of Amstel Woerden at the instance and suit of Gerard van Velson went to Vtrecht to end a certain difference growne betwixt the lord of Zuylen and some of his counsellors wherof the said seignior of Amstel and Woerden were The Earl going to the church with his knights and houshold seruants there came a woman which deliuered him a little note the which he caused his secretarie to read containing these 4 verses of the Psalme My deerest friend whom I did trust With me did vse deceit Who at my Table eate my bread The same for me layed wait My lord said she remember it well and marke this prophecie of Dauid The earle contemning this aduertisement went to make good cheare with the noblemen prelats of Vtrecht after dinner being laid downe to rest a little thinking to spend the remainder of the day in sport and pleasure the lord of Amstel went to wake him inuiting him to ride abroad with his hawkes saying that they had found a goodly flight of Herons and other wild-fowle but they were such fowle as no hawke could take and were lodged there to take the Earle himself who louing hawking exceedingly went to horse with a Merlyn on his fist being very slenderly accompanied of his followers riding about halfe a mile out of Vtrecht he was led into the middest of the ambush of these conspirators when as suddenly the Seigniors of Woerden of Amstel of Velsen of Beuscop of Crayenhorst of Theylingen and Van Zanthen with many horsmen who knew nothing of this enterprise issuing forth of their ambush enuironed the Earle on all sides Gerard van Velsen who held himselfe much wronged was the first that offered to lay hold vpon him but like a couragious Prince casting away his Merlyn which he caried he laid hold on his sword to defend himselfe desiring rather to die than to yeeld but not able to make resistance he was taken meaning to carry him secretly that night to the castle of Muyden and from thence send him into England by the riuer of Flye The bruit of this prize was suddenly dispersed ouer all the which moued the harts of many The Kennemers and Waterlanders with the West-Frisons tooke armes presently in their barkes and shaloupes to deliuer their lord but the conspirators being aduertised of their comming departed suddenly leading the Earle through marishes and vnknowne places Those of Naerden who first went in search of him encountred them full in the teeth they being much perplexed knowing that the Kennemers pursued them were doubtful what way to take The Earles horse whereon he was mounted and bound was little and weake so as not being able to leape like vnto the rest he fell into a ditch where they laboured to get him forth but could not hauing no leisure by reason of the pursute of them that followed Gerard van Velsen full of furie and rage seeking nothing but reuenge seeing that they must of necessitie abandon their prey not able to carry him any further his other companions being already fled not knowing how to vanquish his courage rather than to leaue him without reuenge of the wrong which he had done him he played the part of a desperate man giuing him one and twentie wounds with his sword most of the which were mortall then mounting vpon a good horse he saued himselfe in his castle of Croonenbruch In the meane time the Kennemers arriue who find their Earle halfe
of Vere caused the Earle to imbarke and so led him to his castle of Zandenburch neere to his towne of la Vere where being he put all the Noblemen and gentlemen of Holland from the Earles person Iohn Earle of Henault hearing that Cont Iohn of Holland his cousin was returned out of England departed from Harlem and came to la Haye where hee resigned the gouernment of Holland into his hands causing him to be receiued and acknowledged the twentieth Earl of Holland and Zeeland and then he returned into Henault In the yeare 1297 Cont Iohn of Holland leuied a mightie armie with the which he went into Friseland to reduce them to their obedience by force and first he came to Alcmar The Frisons were also in armes and ready to encounter him The two armies being well ordered eyther of them in two battailons they charged one another resolutely the fight was sharpe and furious but in the end the Frisons were put to rout and there were slaine about foure thousand vpon the place the rest sauing themselues here and there through the marishes and ditches Among the Hollanders there died Iohn lord of Arckel a braue knight Iohn of 〈◊〉 and two other gentlemen This battaile was fought the sixt of the Calends of Aprill in the plaine of Verona neere vnto Alcmar Cont Iohn for the first fruits of this happy successe returning into Holland after this goodly victorie he tooke vp the body of Cont Floris his father the which did lye in the Quier of the church at Alcmar the which with a stately funerall pompe he caused to be interred in the abbey of Rhynsbourg by the lady Beatrix of Flanders his wife mother to the said Cont Iohn The bishop of Vtrecht hearing of this great defeat went into East-Friseland whereas hee caused pardons to be preached againe against the Hollanders The Frisons promised all possible assistance vnto the bishop and with a great number of shippes came to the towne of Monickendam in Waterlandt The inhabitants of Harlem and the Waterlanders being gathered together in armes went against the Frisons at their landing whom they charged with such furie as they presently put them to rout flying towards their shippes in great disorder whom the Hollanders pursued and slew in great numbers many were drowned and smothered in the marishes The bishop abandoning his great and stately shippe saued himselfe in a small boat and with shame and losse landed in the countrey of Oueryssel The Earle of Holland considering that this bishop of Vtrecht had taken armes twice against him and that he was in the vpper part of his diocesse which is the countrey of Oueryssel to leuie a third Armie he sent to Ghisbrecht of Iselstein to haue him open his castle of Iselstein freely and of his owne accord into the which he would put a garrison to bridle the bishop on that side But Ghisbrecht being liege man and vassale to the bishop and made his lieutenant on that part of his iurisdiction knowing well that in so doing he should make warre against his lord he refused the Earle of his demaund The Earle seeing himselfe contemned laied ambushes and took him prisoner and then he went to besiege his castle The lady Bartract wife to Ghisbrecht defended it valiantly with her men almost a whole yeare but in the end for want of victuals and munitions shee was forced to yeeld it vpon condition that halfe her men should haue their liues saued and that the Earle should dispose of the other moitie at his pleasure the which vpon whom the chance fell were all beheaded Cont Iohn hauing taken this place of Iselstein gaue it with all the iurisdiction and dependances vnto Wolphard Seignior of la Vere to hold of him as Earle of Holland in fee and doing him homage that by this meanes he might alwayes keepe the bishop in awe on that part In the yeare 1299 the West-Frisons noting the prosperitie and happie successe of this yong Earle against the bishop of Vtrecht who was their firebrand and that he knew well how to defend himselfe and to maintaine his subiects they began to thinke of their affaires and made suite that he would receiue them into grace offering to make reparation for their faults The Earle desiring rather to winne them by mildnesse and loue than by armes went to Alcmar whither he sent for the chiefe of the countrey who sware fealtie and obedience vnto him whereof an instrument was drawne vnder their hands and seales Wee the Consuls Bourgmasters Sherifes and Commons of West-Friseland make knowne to whom it shall appertaine That for the offences committed by vs against the high and mightie prince Iohn Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland our liege Lord and Soueraigne as well in the battaile giuen at Vrouen as for that wee haue ruined his castles and committed other offences vnto this day For reparation whereof wee promise to submit our selues to the iudgement and arbitrement of the high and mightie prince Iohn Earle of Henault both for corporall and pecuniarie punishments seruitude duties and obedience in all sorts The which we Frisons doe promise for our selues and our successours to effect and accomplish in euery point without any contradiction whatsoeuer In witnesse whereof those of Hoochtwouder-ambacht Nien werdorper-ambacht Drechtigher-ambacht and Gheestman-ambacht haue sealed these present letters with their publicke Seales in the yeare 1299 with the hands of some of the Bayliffes Bourgmasters and Officers set thereunto A while after the Earle of Holland hauing some affaires to treat of with the duke of Brabant went to Romerswael in Zeeland and the duke to Berghen vpon Soom being distant about two leagues one from another Iohn de Renesse a wise and discret knight was sent from the Earle vnto the duke At his returne as hee was going to make report of his embassage vnto the Earle and to giue an account of his actions the Earle was maliciously aduised by some that were enemies to the said Renesse to looke vnto himselfe for that as they made him beleeue it had beene resolued betwixt the duke and the said Renesse That if he went into Brabant they would retaine him prisoner and that Renesse had conspired to deliuer him vnto the Brabancons The Earle being retired from thence to the castle of Lodycke sent for his garrisons of Holland to set vpon Renesse who seeing himselfe thus wrongfully standered and that the course of iustice was denied him vnlesse he would yeeld himselfe prisoner being loth to be at the mercie of his enemies he retired himselfe to his castle of Mourmont the which he did man with a good garrison and victuall The Earle sent for him to come to la Vere to iustifie himselfe but being denied a safe-conduct he durst not appeare and therefore he was banished for contumacie out of the Countries of Holland and Zeeland and the castle of Mourmont was besieged battered and in the end taken and rased to the ground There happened
afterwards another garboile in South-Holland which was that Allant bayliffe of Dordrecht meaning to make some secret informations of some crimes committed in the towne he required the Sherifes to assist and to sit with him in iudgement Whereunto it was answered him That it was against the lawes and priuiledges of the towne if in any thing great or small they should appeare in iustice without their Escoutette yet without preiudice to their authoritie and rights that in fauour of iustice they would assist not as Iudges but as Commissaries and Informers The information being begun Cont Iohn arriued with Wolphard of la Vere who demaunded the names of the offendors to doe iustice as hee should thinke good The bourgesses answered that by their priuiledges all offences committed in the towne should be also punished there The Earle discontented at this answere departed suddenly to la Haye The magistrats of Dordrecht hearing of his discontent sent some of the chiefe of the towne vnto him with offer to yeeld him a reason of the answer they had made him whereupon the Earle appointed them a day in the towne of Delft where being assembled the lord of la Vere speaking for the Earle made a discourse of what was past The Sherifes of Dordrecht answered That it had bin decreed with the baylife that any thing which happened within the towne should be ended by the Sherifes and the Escoutette by no other Iudges Whereupon the baylife said That they had lyed and that if there were any one that would maintaine it he would fight with him At these words one of the magistrats of Delft stept vp and said That it was not fit to expose the rights and priuiledges of any town to the hazard of a single combat thereby to make them fruitlesse and of no force Whereunto the lord of la Vere replied You my masters of Delft trouble not your selues with my lord the Earles affaires he knowes best what he is to do and without any other conclusion euery one retired discontented Soone after the Earle proscribed the towne of Dordrecht which is as much as to declare them guiltie of high treason as Witten of Hamstede bastard of Holland was in the castle of Putten and Nicholas de Cats at Ablasserdam Allant baylife of Dordrecht went to Slydrecht with many men and built a fort vpon the ditch that nothing might passe They of Dordrecht made choice of foure men among them that were valiant wise and temperat whom they made their captaines to whom they committed all the charge and conduct of this apparent warre writing to all the townes of Holland and Zeeland intreating them not to make too much hast to oppresse them seeing that the like might one day happen vnto them through the great libertie of some who abusing the youth and bountie of their prince did attribute vnto themselues the whole gouernment Whilest that Wolphard of la Vere a violent and seuere man would haue surcharged the Hollanders with some new imposition and extraordinarie customes disposing moreouer of all things at his pleasure he became odious â—…o many Once among the rest the Earle being at 〈◊〉 Hayeâ—… as also the lord of la Vere was there happened a tumult betwixt the said lord â—…f la Verâ—… and soâ—… noblemen and gentlemen of Holland running vp and down the strcets and 〈◊〉 Where is our enemie How long shall we suffer our selues to be braued and ill â—…ted by him Let vs goe and spoyle him and let vs see what all those practises which he â—…ath made â—…oppresse vs will auaile him Lâ—… Vere hearing this rumour kept himselfe close and the 〈◊〉 morning by the breake of day departed from la Haye with Cont Iohn went to Sâ—…dam there to imbarkt and to passe by the riuer of Meuse into Zeeland but the Hollanders peâ—… it pursued him and forced him to returne the respect of the Princes presence restâ—…g them 〈◊〉 offering him any further violence then they led their Earle and the said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Delft oâ—… here fearing that they would 〈◊〉 â—…ther him he fled into a high house built of free stone at the corner of a stâ—…ect called Choorstroet before the which there presently gathered together a multitude of people crying confusedly that they should deliuer Wolphard els they would burne the house and all that were within it They that were within the house with him fearing their liues tooke Wolphard who was not armed and cast him out from the highest windowes into the street where he was presently murthered and cut in pieces the which afterwards bred great quarrels betwixt the Nobilitie of Holland and Zeeland At the same time the bayliffe Allant hauing feare of them of Dordrecht had fled into the castle of Crayensteyn and hauing lost the lord of la Vere who was his chiefe support the commons of the towne went to besiege them seeing no meanes to escape them he went willingly to yeeld himselfe into his enemies hands who after they had reuiled him they put him into a barke and caried him to Dordrecht but he had no sooner set foot on land but hee was murthered by the people and his brother with him In the yeare 1300 Cont Iohn of Holland being at Harlem fell sicke whereof hee died the fourth of the Calends of Nouember after that he had gouerned his Countries of Holland Zeeland and West-Friseland about foure yeares He was the first of all the Earles of Holland that died without children and had not receiued the order of Knighthood in whom failed the line of Earles issued from the masculine line of the dukes of Acquitaine the which from Thierry the first Earle had continued 437 yeares He was interred in the abbey of Rhinsburg and by his death those Countries fell to the Earles of Henault issued by the mothers side from the Earles of Holland The Lady Elizabeth his widow was caried backe into England and afterwards married to the Earle of Oxford After the death of Cont Iohn Ghisbrecht of Amstel returned into Holland and did againe possesse the village of Amsterdam which he began to fortifie and to build many bridges and towers about the wals those of Harlem and the Waterlanders went thither with an army chased away Ghisbrecht set fire on the town burnt all the bridges and towers of wood and then ruined the rest We haue said before that when as the lord of Brederode and the noblemen of Holland went to fetch Cont Iohn out of England they led with them the gyant Klaes van Knyten as a strange and monstrous thing You must vnderstand that this gyant was borne in a village called Sparenwonde neere to Harlem his father and mother were of an ordinarie stature yet no man might bee compared vnto him for the tallest men of all Holland might stand vnder his arme and not touch him and yet there are commonly seene euen at this day very tal men in that countrey he would couer foure ordinary soles of
Prouence who was condemned to be hanged being priuy to the earle Campobachios treacherous practises and not caused him to be sodainly executed at the instance of this traitor hee might haue preuented his owne death and the ruine of his estate which the said Campobachio had plotted with the duke of Lorraine to the great content of Lewis the 11. And it is friuolous to say that in such cases prisoners condemned make such suits to prolong their liues for no aduertisements in matter of war how small soeuer from whence they may draw great coniectures and from coniectures come vnto the proofe are to be reiected And therefore wee may not wonder if things succeed not well with that prince that relies too much on the passions of his counsellors whom he should alwayes suspect to be enemies or to malice and hate him to whom they dissuade him to giue audience and the prince ought herein being well assured of his person vse his owne wisedome But let vs returne to our hystorie To pacifie these great quarrels betwixt Philip the Faire king of France Iohn of Henault earl of Holland Guy bishop of Vtrecht and Guy of Dompierre earle of Flanders and his three sonnes the duke of Bourgoigne and some other princes were intercessors and mediators on either side so as in the end an accord was made betwixt them by the which it was concluded That Guy bishop of Vtrecht shold be set at libertie shold be restored to the possession of his bishoprick the which was done That the earle of Flanders with his threesons some princes and noblemen with fortie Flemish gentlemen should be set at libertie by the king the which returned ioyfully into Flanders euerie one to his owne home But the earle after his inlargement grew so sicke as he died the 20 of March 1305 and was buried at Scluce neere vnto the contesse Marguerite his mother Some chronicles of Flanders say that he died at Campeigne in France being yet a prisoner Iohn of Henault Earlé of Holland and Zeeland Lord of West-Friseland hauing aduertisement of the victorie which God had giuen vnto VVilliam earle of Ostreuant his sonne was verie ioyfull and soone after the second day of the ides of September 1305 departed this world in peace and rest after that he had gouerned Henault 30 yeares and Holland and Zeeland c. 5 yeares and was interred at Valenciennes The lady Philip of Luxembourg his wife died soone after and was buried by her husband At the time of the death of the said Cont Iohn there were many noblemen barons knights and squiers that were renowned in the countries of Holland and Zeeland amongst the which the most famous were Guy of Henault lord of Amstel and of Woerden afterwards bishop of Vtrecht brother to the said Cont Iohn Iohn without mercie earle of Ostreuant who was slaine before the death of his father at the battaile of Courtray William who succeeded him in the said earldome of Ostreuant his second son afterwards Earle of Henault Holland Zeeland c. Iohn of Beaumont earle of Blois and of Soissons all three brethren sonnes to the said Cont Iohn of Henault Didier the Gentle lord of Brederode William and Thierry his brethren Didier lord of Theylinghen Iohn of Heusden Iohn lord of Arckel Hugh Butterman lord of Buttersloot Albert lord of Voorne Nicholas lord of Putten and of Stryen Iohn lord of Leck and Polanen Iohn lord of Hencklom Otto lord of of Aspren and Abkoy Ghysbrecht of Yselsteyn Henry vicont of Leyden Didier lord of Wassenare Henry lord of Vianen Nicholas of Persin Didier of Harlem Witten bastard of Holland lord of Hamstede in Zeeland Nicholas of Cats Peregrin lord of Lederdam and of Haestrecht William of Egmond Iohn lord of Elshaut Iohn seignior of Drongelon Didier seignior of Lyenburch Ieams vander Wuoude Gerard of Heemskerke Gerard of Polgeest seignior of Almade Simon of Benthem Wolwin of Sasse Adamâ—… Escosse Baldwin of Naeldwick Floris van Duynen Floris van Tol all knights Among the squiers William of Harlem William of Assendelf Iohn van Zil Nicholas of Adrichom Wouter of Wyck were the most markable with an infinit number of gentlemen of name and armes The yeare before the death of Cont Iohn of Henault there were so great tempests and such tides on a S. Katherines day as many banks and dikes were broken and carried away in Zeeland and the isle of Walchren was so ouerflowne as the countrey men were out of all hope to recouer their banks and if William Earle of Ostreuant who made his vsuall residence in Zeeland and the lord of Borssele had not preuented it at their owne charge this island had beene lost WILLIAM THE THIRD OF THAT name the two and twentieth Earle of Holland Zeeland and Henault Lord of Friseland 22 Guil ielmus 3 Hanoniae Cogn Bonus IOANE daughter to king CHARLES de Valois was thy spouse That brought thee children worthy thy degree and noble house Whereof one did his valour great and vertue show By mounting thee againe when as thy foes did ouerthrow Thee from thy horse whereby at last God did thee send The victorie to honour of the French as then thy friend Thou punishedst a bailife that a poore mans Cow did take And ruling thirtie yeares and one this life thou didst forsake WILLIAM the third of that name before Earle of Ostreuant after the decease of Cont Iohn of Henault his father succeeded and was the 22 Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland vnited to his county of Henault for his mildnesse gentlenesse equitie and good life hee was called The good Earle William Hee was generally beloued of all knights princes noblemen and greatly honoured of all men for his valour he was surnamed The Master of Knights Lord of Princes He had to wife Ioane the daughter of Charls of Valois brother to Philip the Faire king of France by whom he had Iohn his eldest son who died yong VVilliam earle of Ostreuant who was his successor and Lewis who died also yong Marguerite wife to Lewis duke of Bauiere emperour who after the decease of her brother VVilliam was contesse of Henault Holland Zeeland and ladie of Friseland Ioane who was maried to the earle of Iuilliers another Ioane who was queene of England and the fourth Elizabeth At his comming to these earldoms and seigniories he kept open court whither came 20 earles 100 barons 1000 knights and an infinit number of gentlemen ladies and gentlewomen comming from all parts This feast continued eight daies in all kind of sports and pastimes afterwards the princes of Germany did chuse him vicar of the empire He was much renowned throughout al Germanie in respect of two strong castles which he did win neer vnto Cologne that is Bruile Wolmestein He was founder of the chanory of Middlebourg in Zeeland walled in the town fortified it This Cont VVilliam had one brother as we haue said called Iohn of
his brother Mathieu vanderburcht VVilliam Osthorne Adam van Schotlandt Didier of Assendelf Nicholas Oom and Floris of Adrichom all knights Frederic of Seuenter VVilliam of Assendelf Gerard Schoten Ieams of Bakenesse and Floris of Bockhorst all squires and many other gentlemen Among the chiefe families of Friseland were these of Laminga Helbada Roopta Ockinga Eysinga Decama Tyebinga Martena Beyma Offinga-huysen Aylewa Hiddama Hittinga Botnia Roorda Hottinga Mamiga Herema Hannia Wiarda Hanniama Oustema Ripperda Ioppama Simada Gerbranda Grattinga Reynalda Wybalda Gronstins Douwa Harweysma Calama Hiddama Ieppama Their Podestat or Gouernour at that time which made head against the Normanes and Danes was Regnerus Hayo à Camminga WILLIAM THE FOVRTH OF THAT name the three and twentieth Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland and Earle of Henault â—…3 Guilielmus Hanonia I am the selfesame man that with a courage bold Within Numidia ventured my ensignes to vnfold And did besiege and take the strong and mightie towne Of Vtrecht by the which I wan great honour and renowne For which good fortune I ordained once in euery yeare Procession to be made the same in memorie to beare In Friseland I was slaine in face of th' enemie And by Bolsweert in Fleurchamp my corps intomb'd doth lie WILLIAM Earle of Ostreuant and of Henault after the death of the good Cont William his father was the three and twentieth Earle of Holland and Zeeland and Lord of Friseland Hee had to wife in his fathers life the lady Ioane eldest daughter to the duke of Lothier Brabant and Lembourg by whom he had not any children He was a hardie and warlike man much giuen to armes making his high chiualrie famous at his first comming to these Earledomes and Seigniories This Earle hearing that the Spaniards had great wanes against the Saracens and Moores in the Realme of Grenado caused a great number of shippes to bee rigged in the yeare 1338. and went into Spaine where hauing made an alliance with the king they went with their vnited forces to assayle the Moores and to besiege the towne of Grenado the which they battered and in the end tooke by assault putting all to the sword that would not be baptised and embrace the faith of Iesus Christ then passing farther into the countrey they spoiled and burnt all they encountred From thence Cont William hauing taken leaue of the king of Spaine of whom he receiued by way of courtesie many rich presents bent his course towards Ierusalem where hauing visited the holy Sepulchre of our Lord hee returned into his countrey Afterwards he went with the Emperour Lewis of Bauiere his brother in law beeing accompanied with the Earles of Gueldres of Zutphen of Cleues of Iuilliers of Blois his brother of Monts of Marcke and of many other Princes and Barons with a goodly Armie to succour Edward the third king of England his other brother in law and to make warre against the king of Fraunce the which the said Edward pretended to belong vnto him but both Armies being readie and prepared to fight an agreement was made betwixt the two kings by the mediation of some and euery one retired to his owne home In the yeare 1342 Cont William held open Court at la Haye in Holland whither he inuited all Princes Noblemen Barons Knights Ladies and Gentlewomen that would come The feast being spent in many goodly exercises of Chiualrie in Iousts Tourneys and other sports which done and ended the Earle went with a goodly trayne of his Nobilitie to a Tourney that was proclaymed in the towne of Beauuois in Beauuoisin whereas hee purchased great honour aboue all other knights Returning from thence into his countries he prepared to go into Prussia to make warre with the Teuton knights against the Infidels Russians where he behaued himselfe so valiantly as there was no speech but of his prowesse and valour And after that he had runne ouer all Lithuania Liuonia and the frontiers of the Russians hee returned into Holland his men beeing laden with the wealth and spoyles of these Barbarians Passing by Cologne being followed by foure hundred horse hee kept open Court there for all the princes of Germanie by whome hee was also very honourably entertained yea they would haue chosen him Emperour notwithstanding that Lewis duke of Bauiere his brother in law was possessed thereof but it was by reason of the thundering excommunications of Pope Clement the which hee flatly refused saying That hee was not capable of such a charge neyther would hee doe that wrong vnto Lewis In the yeare 1345 Cont William prepared a mightie Armie to subdue the East-Frisons Whilest that they made this preparation for warre there past some bitter speeches betwixt them of Holland and Vtrecht for the which the Earle defied them They seeing themselues thus defied aâ—…ed and went to field daring to attend the Earle in battaile where he defeated them twice the last was at Marendyck betwixt Vtrecht and Montfort where there died many of the Traiectins the rest fled confusedly into their towne of Vtrecht The Earle being victor and master of the field went presently with a hundred and fiftie thousand men to besiege the towne of Vtrecht with an intent to ruine and destroy it There were in his armie the duke of Lembourg thirteene Earles two and fiftie Barons two thousand eight hundred knights and much Nobilitie of the countrey of Vtrecht it selfe who beeing discontented with the bishop and temporall prince had taken armes against him among others Asuerus of Aibconde and Ghisbrecht his sonne Arnold Seignior of Iselstein Iohn Vicont of Montfort Henry Seignior of Vianen Ghisbrecht Seignior of Starkenburch Arnold Seignior of Woluen and Frederic of Hamme The Earle began to inuest the towne on S. Odolphes day and did batter it continually with great furie six weekes together but seeing that such a towne with such strong and high wals was not easily woon by assault meaning one night to sound the depth of the towne ditch hee was shot with an arrow in the muscle of the thombe and was carried backe into his Tent whereof notwithstanding hee was soone cured Robert of Arckel Gouernour of the Towne Countrey and Diocesse of Vtrecht in the absence of the bishop his brother beeing out of the countrey for the causes before mentioned writ vnto the said bishop in what sort hee was besieged by the Earle of Holland in the towne of Vtrecht and the necessitie hee was in praying him to make hast to succour him Hereupon the bishop posteth thither and by the assistance and persuasion of Iohn of Beaumont earle of Blois vncle to Cont William he obtained a peace by the which it was said That fiue hundred of the chiefe bourgesses of Vtrecht should come bare headed and bare footed before the Earle of Hollands Tent and crie him mercie for the iniuries and infamous speeches which they had vsed against him and against his honour and when it should please him to call
increasing the Cabillautins sent their deputies to duke William of Bauaria Earle of Osteruant the Empresse eldest sonne being then resident in Henault intreating him to come into Holland to vnder-take the gouernment of the country hauing decreed among them no longer to indure the Mothers rule At the first he refused it but they did so importune him as in the end he came secretly to the towne of Gorrichom Those of Delf hearing of his comming went vnto him and carried him by force into their towne making him their head and Captaine generall with whom or by his commandement they issued often forth spoiling the Villages and country houses belonging to the Hoeketins In the end the Townes of North-Holland the Kennemers and the West-Frisons receiued him for their Lord and Prince doing the homage and taking the othe due vnto the Earles of Holland in despight of the Empresse their naturall Princesse his Mother The Hoeketins seeing themselues thus ill intreated by the Cabillautins had their recourse refuge vnto the Empresse whose party they held and began to furnish their townes Castels and Forts with men victualls munition of warre On the other side the Cabillautins went to befiege their places and to batter and beat downe their Castles whereof they did ruine seuenteene in lesse then a yeare The Empresse writte vnto her Sonne that she wondred at his presumption that he would intermedle with her authoritie and command seeming to bee very much incensed against the townes of Holland The Earle answered that the country did belong vnto him by right of donation which she had made vnto him And refusing to giue ouer his course begun the Empresse with the succours which the Queene of England her sister had sent her made a goodly armie with the which she imbarked and went and landed at La Vere in Zeeland Earle William landed with his troupes in the same Iland whereas both armies of the Mother and the Sonne being entred into fight one against an other the combate was furious and bloudie great numbers being slaine and drowned on either side In the end God gaue the victory to the Mother so as the Sonne escaped with great difficulty and fled into Holland This battaile was in the yeare 1351. William of Bauaria being safely returned into Holland made hast to leuie new forces and to raise a greater armie then the first the which consisted of Hollanders Kennemers and Frisons with the succours of many Lords and Knights of Iohn Lord of Arckel Iohn Lord of Calenbourg Iohn Lord of Egmont the Lady Mathilda van Voorne widow to the Lord of Walckenbourg Gerard of Heemskerke Gerard of Harler and many other Knights Gentlemen and good soldiers which came vnto him out of the countries of Cleues Geldres and Germanie with the which armie hee gaue a day and appointed a place vnto his mother to haue his reuenge in open battaile betwixt Bryele and Grauesand The Empresse had her armie composed of good soldiers English Henniuers Zelanders Walcharins accompanied with a great number of Barons Knights and Gentlemen She like a couragious and noble minded Princesse making no doubt of a second victory marched against her sonne and caused her men to begin the charge The two armies at the first incounter charged one another with such animositie and furie as there was nothing to be seene but glaiues broken lances a thicke shower of Arrowes in the ayre breaking of harnesse cutting in sunder of targets and bucklers and heads armes and legges falling to the ground there was nothing to bee heard but the cryes with the lamentable and fearefull groanes of men wounded and dying the bloud ranne ouer the field like a violent streame to conclude there was such murther and spoile on either part with such obstinacie and continuall furie as they could hardly iudge of the issue of the battaile vntill that the Empresse troopes opprest and tired with the great numbers of the Hollanders armie to saue themselues ranne into ditches and riuers where they were drowned so as all the Empresse armie was put to route and shee fled in a small Barke into England The Generall of the English troupes was slaine and lyes buried in the Church of Losdanen where as his tombels yet to be seene in blacke Marble Costin of Renesse Floris of Hamstede and many other Noblemen Knights and Gentlemen were also slaine there with an infinite number of good soldiers There was in this battaile which was in the same yeare 1351 so much bloud spilt as for three dayes after the old riuer of Meuse at a full sea was all redde in that place Finally after that so many valiant men had lost their liues there and whereas the Lord Didier of Brederode and many Knights on the Empresse part were taken prisoners there was an accord made betwixt the mother and the sonne By the which it was agreed that the Empresse should hold the Countie of Henault during her life and Duke William should haue the quiet possession of Holland Zeeland and Friseland After this battaile the Empresse liued yet fiue yeares and dyed at Valenciennes in her countrie of Henault where she was interred Notwithstanding this accord made betwixt the Mother and the Sonne yea after her death when as Duke William was sole and absolute Lord of the Counties of Henault Holland Zeeland and Friseland the factions of the Cabillaux and the Hoecks were not mortified but did continue their hatred aboue a hundred and fiftie yeares after vntill that time of Maximillian the first as we shall shew in its place WILLIAM OF BAVARIA THE 5. OF that name the 25 Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland and Earle of Henault called the madde 25. Guilielmus Quintus This William did obtaine in nuptiall state Mathilda of the house of Lancaster A husband Childlesse and vnfortunate Attempted Vtrecht and did factions stirre Vnder the names of Hamocons and Merlus Distracted in his flowre of youth he grew Since in his age he was vndutious To his graue Mother whom â—…e did pursue With many troubles though she had defects Yet children to their parents still must owe Remission of their faults and 〈◊〉 respects But death doth on his life his rest bestow AFter this cruell and bloudie battaile fought vpon the bankes of the old riuer of Meuse as we haue said William Duke of Bauaria Palatin of Rhine Earle of Holland and Zeeland and Lord of Friseland according to the accord whereof we haue made mention was absolute Prince of the said Prouinces Then after the decease of the Empresse his Mother did also inherite the county of Henault Hee had to wife the Lady Mathilda daughter to Henry Duke of Lancaster in England by whom hee had not any children In the yeare 1355. this Earle by the bad aduise of some of his councell thrust on by their priuate passions sent about S. Martins time in winter to defie the Bishop of Vtrecht
a better opportunitie and season In the yeare 1415. On Saint Katherines day as Iohn Lord of Arckel returned from the funerall of Anthonie of Burgongne Duke of Brabant passing by Arpenburgge he was surprised in a certaine Ambuscado which Didier vander Merwen Lord of Seuenbergen and Philip of Leckâ—… had layd for him leading him into Holland couered with a white cloake of the Order of the Dutch Knights to disguise him the better Cont William was very glad of this prize came to the Hage whether they said Lord was brought vnto him who sent him prisoner from thence to the Castle of la Goude who afterwards was brought to Seuenberghe with a straight gard where he was ten yeares a prisoner Those of Brussels hearing that the said Lord of Arckell who was their Bourgeois had been eâ—… taken vp on the iurisdiction of Brabant would with the help of other townes of the countrie from whence they drew some men go and take him away by force out of his prison at Seuenberghe but Duke Iohn of Burgongne their Prince would not suffer it nor enter into quarrell with the Earle of Holland his sonne in law for that Lords sake during the time that the said Lord of Arckel was a prisoner he was sometimes carryed before Cont William and his Councell before whom hee did protest it to bee true and declared by what meanes and by whom the Earle should haue beene deliuered prisoner vnto Duke William of Geldres The which the Earle dissembled for some reasons keeping it secret in his breast vntill it was time to discouer it As it was a common brute who should deliuer him during the time that the Earle and Duke were in warre one against another the kinsfolke and friendes of the Lordes of Egmond and Yselstein hearing that this imputation was laid vpon them vpon all their house would for the preseruation of their honors purge them from so foule an infamie as a thing that toucht them neere both in body and goods Iohn Lord of Egmond complained that therein they did him great wrong knowing himselfe innocent of that wherewith hee was generally taxed Yet he protested to be alwayes readie to iustifie himselfe before the Earle of Holland his Prince so as he might haue accesse vnto him vnder safe conduit The Earle being returned from a voiage which he had made into England with the Emperor Sigismonde to mediate a peace betwixt the Kings of France and England the kinsmen of the said Lord of Egmond intreat him that he would grante the said safe conduit that hee might purge himselfe of those crimes in his presence and before his Councell The which the Earle would haue him do and therefore commanded that he should be adiourned to appeare in person within fortie fiue dayes to iustifie himselfe of such matters as should bee layed against him The Lord of Egmond being thrice lawfully adiourned and appearing not was vppon the third default for his contumacie condemned by the Earles councell to bee attainted and conuicted of treason for the crimes and attempts obiected against him and to forfeite body and goods According to which sentence all his goodes landes and Seigniories were seazed on to the vse and profite of the Earle and of the Countie of Holland an attachment granted for his person and in case they could not finde him to be then banished for euer out of the countries and iurisdictions of the Earledomes This Lord of Egmond seeing himselfe thus intreated retyred vnto his brother William of Egmond into his towne or castle of Yselstein with some souldiers which he had at his deuotion Soone after the Earle sent some Deputies of his Councell to summon the said towne and castle to yeeld vnto his obedience the which being refused he presently caused a small armie to be leuied whereof he sent the one halfe before Yselstein and with the rest he went ouer towards Schonhouen from whence he went to ioyne with the other part that hee might besiege the castle on the other side but the Lords Iames of Gaesbeck Hubert of Culemburch and Iohn of Vianen neerely allyed vnto the house of Egmond fearing that they would be the cause of the ruine of their house did labor for their reconciliation with the Earle the which they obtained vpon condition that the said Lordes of Egmond should depart with their goods out of Yselstein and out of the Counties of Holland and Zeeland whether they might neither goe nor come without the Earles expresse leaue which towne and castle of Yselstein they did yeeld vnto him absolutely with the Seigneorie appurtenances and dependances In consideration whereof the Earle should pay yearely vnto the said William of Egmond sixe hundred Crownes of the Sunne and to the Lady Yoland their mother 800. crownes more yearly the paiments to remaine to their heirs for euer of the which authenticall letters were drawne And so Cont William was disposest of the said towne castle and Seigneorie of Yselstein But since it was restored to the said house of Egmond of the which Maximillian of Egmond Earle of Buren was the last Lorde of that name whose daughter and sole heire William of Nassau Prince of Orange tooke to his first wife by whom he had Charles Philip of Nassau now Prince of Orange Earle of Buren Cont of Iselstein Saint Anneland Saint Martins Dyck c. and the Lady Anne of Nassau his sister Contesse dowager of Hohenloo sister by the fathers side to Prince Maurice of Nassau at this day Gouernour Generall and Admirall of the vnited Prouinces of the Netherlands Cont William of Holland considering that being two and fitie yeares old hauing no heire but one onely daughter called Iacoba or Iaqueline married to the Dolphin sonne to Charles the sixth King of France assembled the Estates Gouernours Bayliffes and Officers of all his Prouinces landes and Seigneoris of whom hee required a promise othe that in case he should die without heires male that they should not acknowledge any other but the saide Lady Iaqueline for their Princesse and soueraigne ladie whom they should defend maintaine in this qualitie against all The which the Barons Nobles Knights and all the Estates in generall of his Countries did promise and sweare whereof an â—…nsturment was drawne in writing with the seales of some of the chiefe Noble-men and Townes in the yeare 1417. The Dolphin of France husband to the lady Iaqueline of Bauaria was sent for by the King his father to come to Paris the Earle of Holland his father in law conuoyed him into Henault where he should attend the kings men to conduct him to the Court But before he went he was poisoned and dyed soone after Some hold that it was in putting on a shirt of Male which had been giuen him He was 20. yeares old and Iaquiline his wife 19. when he dyed the fourth of April 1417. his bodie was carryed to Paris Soone after the last day
was the first sieigneor of Schagen Euerard of Holland bastard to Cont William father to the Contesse Iaqueline first lord of Hoochtwoode and his brother Lewis Iohn of Vianen siegneor of Noordeloos Didier vander Merwin Gerrard of Poelgeest siegneor of Homede gouernor of Schoonhouen Gerrard of Poelgeest his cousin Giles of Cralinghen Gerrard van Zyl Berthould of Assendelph almost all Knights Iohn vander Leck WilliaÌ„ of Egmond siegneor of Soetermeer Otto of Egmond lord of Merensteyn Gerrard of Hemsted Benthuseyn Iohn of Hodenpyl WilliaÌ„ of Langerack Iames vanden Woode Siegnior of Warment and Alcmada Adrien of Raphorst Gerrard van Vlyet Wouter of Mattenesse Herpert van Foreest Ghysbrecht van Swieten Iohn van Swieten Baliefe of Leyden Gerrard witten-Hage Frederick of Seuenter and Floris of Kishoek whereof some were Knights the rest Squiers and many Gentlemen which were too long to specifie here all valiant soldiers whereof many died in the seruice of their Prince as we shall see in the course of this Historie Among the chiefe families and nobles of Friseland were Otto of Broek Aurick and Emden Sicco Syaerda Wybrandt Hermana Sicco Liaucama Peter Campstra Aelko Campstra bretheren sonnes to Tako Douwe Tyessama Ieâ—…mer op Adeleen Sybrandt Tyaerda Wybet Walta Pibo Eelcxima Wopke In die Stedde Gerrit and Tyaert Iongama Herman Dowwema with an infinite number of other Gentlemen whom in their language they call Houelinghen which is as much to say as Courtiers An end of the 2. Booke 30 Philippus Burgund Cogn Bonus PHILIP DVKE OF BOVRGONGNE Earle of Holland and Zeeland lord of Friseland Duke of Brabant Lembourg and Luxemburg Earle of Flanders Arthois Henault and Namur Lord of Salins and Macklyn The first wife I espous'd was Lady Michell The second lady Bonne the third Isabell When the false Ganthois and the Brugeois â—…re Rebellious armes a peace with France I swore The golden Fleece I first of all deuisde Laide siege at Calais Luxembrough surprisde Subdued Liege In Holland I opprest The league of Hamecons foure and thirty yeares I raignd and Dijeon drunke my funerall teares The Argument of the third Booke PHILIP the first of that name called the good Duke of Bourgongne accompting Ihon of Bauaria Vncle to the Contesse Iaqueline was the 30. Earle of Holland c. the which he wrested 〈◊〉 the said Lady in her life time he takes reuenge of the Ganthois for abandoning him before Calais he was in great danger in Brugeâ—… who in the end were reconciled Warre betwixt the Hollanders Zelanders and the Esterlings The factions of Sceringers and Uetcoopers in Friseland Those of the Hoecks and Cabillaux reuiued in Holland warre betwixt the Duke and the Ganthois Hee disgraceth the two brothers of Brederode wrongfully to aduance Dauid his bastard to the Bishopricke of Utrecht Lewis Daulphin of France comes to the Duke for refuge who afterwards conducts him into France to bee crowned King A quarrell betwixt Arnold Duke of Geldres and Adolph his sonne who deales impiously with his father The Lord of Croy and Launoy hated of the Earle of Charolois Iohn of Koesteyn hauing vndertaken to poison the Earle of Charolois is conuicted and executed A diuision betwixt the Duke and the Earle of Charolois his sonne by reason of them of Croy but in the end reconciled King Lewis the 11. dissembles with the Duke of Bourgongne he sends Ambassadors to him which accuse the Earle of Charolois who answers them brauely A new dislike betwixt the Duke and the Earle for them of Croy. Ciuill warre in France called the warre of the Common-weale The French King and the Liegeois in league against the Duke of Bourgongne The Earle of Charolois goes with an armie against the Liegeois a peace is made Dissembling betwixt the French King and the Earle Those of Santroin and Dynant in the countrey of Liege breake the peace Dynant besieged by the Duke of Bourgongne taken and punished A second peace made betwixt the Duke and the Liegeois The Earle of Charolois marries the lady Marguerite sister to the King of England the death of Duke Philip. The arte of Printing inuented at Harlem in Holland and stolâ—…e away to Mentz PHILIP the first of that name the 30. Earle of Holland and Zeeland and Lord of Friseland sonne to Iohn Duke of Bourgongne slaine at Montereau faut-yonne was at the first Gouernor of those Prouinces as we haue said then by the death of the Lady Iaqueline Countesse of the said Prouinces he was right heire and lawfull successor both by father and mother And so was Duke of Bourgongne Brabant and Lembourg Earle of Flanders Artois Bourgongne Henault Holland Zeeland and Namur Marquis of the holy Empire and Lord of Friseland Salins and Macklyn He did afterwards purchase hauing conquered it by armes in the name of the widow of the deceased duke the duchie of Luxembourg other siegneories so as he was the mightiest Prince of all his Predecessors in the said countries Hee had to his first wife Michelle daughâ—…er to Charles the sixth king of France who dyed without children in the yeere 1422. and lyes buried at Gant Then he married Bonne or Olande daughter to the Earle of Eu by a dispensation from the Pope for that shee had beene formerly married to Philip Earle of Neuers his Vncle the which was a wonderfull faire lady and dyed also without children For his last wife he had Isabell daughter to Iohn King of Portugall Aunt to the lady Elenor who was wife to the Emperour Fredericke the third This Isabell was brought by sea into Flanders and landed at Scluse in the yeare 1430. by whom he had three sonnes the eldest at Brussels in the yeare 1431. called Anthonie who liued not long Then in the yeare 1433. an other sonne called Iosse who died also very yong The yeere following 1434 she was brought in bedde at Digeon in Bourgongne on S. Martins Eue of her third sonne called Charles Martin for that hee was borne the said day There was in this Princesse as some say some thing worthy of obseruation which was that when she tooke her leaue of her father to goe into Flanders to the Duke her spouse the father hauing giuen her his blessing said unto her that she should haue three sons whereof two which she should not nurse her selfe should be short liued as it happened to the two first and therefore shee her selfe gaue sucke vnto the last sonne Charles who after that hee was baptized was made Knight of the golden Fleece and his father gaue vnto him the Earledome of Charlois the siegneories of Bethune in Artois Chasteau-Bellam in Bourgongne and Arkell in Holland This Duke had some bastards among others Dauid bishop of Teroanâ—… and afterwards of Vtretch who did much mischiefe to them of Brederode Cornellis who died in his youth being slaine at the defeat of the Gantois before Ripelmond Anthonie Earle of Steenbergh Baldwin a Knight Philip his Admirall at sea and Iohn
of land of his Maiestie to take any other othe then Gentlemen were accustomed to take for that the King would haue forced some to sweare to serue him indifferently against all men The third was to accomplish all that remained to be accomplished of the treatie of Arras the which he had promised and sworne when as he redeemed the townes that were ingaged To which requests the King lent a deafe eare and parted the next day from Hesdin During the Kings stay at Hesdin the bastard of Rubempre had charge to enter into Crotoye with a great ship called the Balleuier and forty choise soldiers with him to goe into Holland whereas the Earle of Charolois then remained who comming into a Port of Holland the bastard went to the Hage whereas the Earle was as secretly as he could but being drinking at a Tauerne hee was knowne and discouered vnto the Earle who caused him and his companions to bee apprehended and put in prison Soone after his companions were deliuered and the bastard remained still in prison with one other They had sent to seaze vpon the Ship but hearing of the Captaines apprehension it put to Sea and returned to Crottoy The common fame was then that the French King had giuen charge by letters written and signed with his owne hand to this Bastard of Rubempre to take the Earle of Charolois aliue or dead After which done being ready with a great armie neere vnto Hesdin which they sayd was prepared for England to set vppon the Duke of Bourgongne who doubted nothing whom hee would haue taken prisoner and ledde with him as hee did the Duke of Sauoye his brother in lawe then to marry the Earle of Charolois daughter at his pleasure being then but eight yeares old and to haue deuided the Dukes countries the Duchie of Brabant to the Earle of Neuers and his other Prouinces to whom he had pleased But GOD disposed otherwise As soone as the bastard was taken and had confessed the matter vnto the Earle of Saint Pol who kept then in Holland the Earle of Charolois sent letters presently to the Duke his father being yet at Hesdin whether the King had appointed him to come and that hee should attend him there But at the same instant the Duke receiued letters about dinner time from his sonne acquainting him with the bastards attempt and aduertising him that hee was not safe at Hesdin Where-vpon hee went presently after dinner to horse-back and retired with a small traine to Saint Pol to his bed whether euery man followed presently leauing Adolph of Cleues his cousin and the Lord of Crequi to guard the towne inioyning them notwithstanding that if the King would come to open him the Towne and Castle As soone as the King was aduertised that the Duke was gone so sodenly from Hesdin hee went to Rouan and the Duke of Bourbon came to Lille to see the Duke of Bourgongne his Vncle and from thence to Gaunt to the Earle of Charolois his Cousin The fourth of Nouember the same yeare 1464. the Earle of Charolois came to Lille with about a hundred Knights and Gentlemen and some sixe hundreth horse in his traine All the people were very ioyfull at his comming being alighted from his horse hee went to doe his dutie to his father The next day there came into the same towne of Lille the Earle of Eu Moruillier Chancellor of France and the Archbishop of Narbone Ambassadors from the king the next day they had a publike audience in the presence of the Duke and Earle his sonne insisting vppon three pointes The first was that they demanded the Bastard of Rubempre who was detained prisoner in Holland The second was that reparation were made vnto the King for the imputations which had beene layed vppon him since the imprisonment of the said Bastard The third that the Duke should send vnto the King one of the Earle of Charolois houshold called Oliuer de la March a knight of Bourgongne who had first published those scandals to the Kings dishonour the which a Preacher had afterwardes preached in the Towne of Bruges requiring also to haue the said Preacher sent to doe iustice of them according to their merites Alledging for the Kings excuse that the said Bastard of Rubempre had beene sent into Holland to take the Vice-chancellor of Brittaine in his returne from England and therefore hee sayd that the Earle of Charolois had greatly offended the King too hauing hindred the Bastards charge in causing him to bee taken The Duke hauing giuen an attentiue eare vnto his speech and suffered him to speake what hee would hee himselfe answered to euery point Afterwardes the Chancellor beganne againe laying foule and dishonest charges vppon Francis Duke of Brittaine whereunto the Earle intreated his father to giue him leaue to answere But the Duke sayde vnto him I haue answered for thee as much in mine opinion as a father ought to doe for his sonne yet if thou hast so great desire thinke of it against to morrow The next day the Ambassadors were called againe before the Duke and there in the presence of the whole Assembly the Earle of Charolois answered from point to point to that wherewith hee or the Duke of Brittanie his friend had beene charged the which hee did couldly without any shewe of passion or chollor and that so eloquently as all men did admire him In the ende the father was very humble and wise in his conclusion beseeching the King that hee would not lightly beleeue any thing against him nor his sonne but to continue them still in his good grace and fauour After which wine and some confections beeing brought the Ambassadors tooke their leaue both of father and sonne When as the Earle of Eu and the Chancellour had taken their leaues of the Earle of Charolois who was a good way off from his father hee sayde vnto the Archbishop of Narborne who was the last Recommend mee most humbly vnto the Kings good fauour and tell him that hee hath disgraced mee heere by his Chauncellor but before that the yeare passe hee will repent it The Archbishoppe did not fayle to doe this message the which bred great hatred betwixt the King and the Earle Soone after the Duke fell grieuously sicke at Brusselles so as they did in a manner despaire of his health the Earle of Charolois was then with him who seeing that the Lord of Croy and his adherents had in a manner the whole gouernment of his fathers contries holding the best and strongest places knowing that aboue fifteene dayes before the said Lord of Croy was retyred to the French King he caused in his name all the Townes castles and forts in the countries of Luxemburg Lembourg Namur Henault Bollenois and other places to bee seazed on placing newe Captaines in them The Duke being recouered made his sonne Gouernour of all his countryes The Earle seeing himselfe in this authoritie called the chiefe
resolued without any further delay to fight with the Liegeois The Duke sent the Lorde of Saueuse vnto him with his Troupes commanding him not to fight vntill hee himselfe were there in person But being some dayes after ready to goe although he were but weake of his last sicknesse the Earle writ vnto him that those of Liege were come vnto him bringing the Treatie of peace such as he had set downe sealed with the great Seale of the cittie of Liege and that the Liegeois craued pardon which treatie hee had accepted with th◅ good liking of his Lord and father The which the Duke vnderstanding hee remayned still at Brussels The treatie was seen by the Earle and accepted vpon amendable profitable reparations the which being performed the Earle did pardon them The profitable reparatiō they should make was to pay vnto the Duke 600. thousand florins of the Rhine in 6. years by equall portions And that the Earle when he should be Duke of Brabant and all other Dukes after him should be Mombours that is to say Gardiens and Captaines of all the Countrie of Liege haue 2000. florins of the Rhine yeerly pension And that the Liegeois might not after that time attempt nor begin any thing of Importance either of warre or peace without the leaue and liking of the said Curator There were many other conditions in the said Treatie which for beuities sake I omit and the rather for that the Liegeois soone brake it and would not performe any thing The treatie being thus concluded the Earle caused the peace to bee proclaimed in his Campe and made a revewe of his armie in the presence of the Ambassadors of Liege he went from squadron to squadron to thanke his Capatines excusing himselfe for the small pay they had receiued and promising better satisfaction and so he departed from them and went to the towne of Saintron whereas the Liegeois did an affront to his men vnto their cost so as if the Eale had not arriued in time the towne had been spoiled and many inhabitants slaine Soone after the Earle went to Brusselles where he was ioyfully receiued by the duke his father hauing stayed there some dayes hee went te visite his townes of Picardie Passing by Bethune the Earle of Neuers came vnto him and asked him forgiuenesse for the wrong he had done him who pardoned him all and they liued for a time good friends The Earle of Charolois went from Bethune to Peronne where he was aduertised that the French King had leuied a mightie Armie and yet by his letters hee still entertained the Earle with kinde wordes and all shewes of loue yet hee gaue no great credit vnto them doubting still the Kings inconstancie and therefore hee made himselfe strong and stood vppon his gard knowing that the King did deale with the English by the Bastard of Bourbon the which hee sought to preuent by Anthonie of Bourgongne his bastard brother In the yeare 1466. Those of Dynant being wearie of the peace which they and the Liegeois had bought dearely of the Duke of Bourgongne and his sonne the Earle of Charolois began to make roads into Henault and Namur firing villages forcing Churches and doing all the mischiefe they could The Duke went thither in person with the Earle his son The Dinandois scorning them and their armie offered them many indignities Whereat the Princes father and sonne being iustly insenced besieged them straightly made great Bridges ouer the Meuse neere vnto Bouines battered it furiously and resolued to giue a generall assault The besieged seeing their towers and walles beaten downe sent eight of their principall men to sue for mercie but they preuailed not for the next day the Towne was taken by assault and all that were found armed put to the sword The Duke caused 800. prisoners to bee drowned before Bouines The towne being taken the Earle caused the gates and walles to be beaten downe then he sired the towne and razed it to the ground The same day that Dynant was taken the Liegeois came in great troupes to succor it Duke Philip for that hee was very old retyred himselfe but the Earle marched towards him with his Armie Then came the Deputies vnto him beseeching him to take pittie of that people The souldiers of Leige in a brauerie would not avowe the words of their Ambassadors yet after two or three messages it was agreed that they should pay a certaine sum of money presently promising for an assurance of the saide accord to deliuer 300. Hostages named in a Rowle by the bishop of Liege by 8. of the clocke the next day but it was Noone before the Hostages came the Earle his counsell disputed whether they should charge them as they retyred confusedly in disorder some sayd I others no. The conclusion was that they should send a Trumpet vnto them who going met with the Hostages so as all that difficultie was ended wherevppon they sent the Deputies presently to Liege to confirme this peace The skum of the people apt to speake ill reported vnto them that they durst not fight vsing other insolent speaches The accord beeing made and signed the Earle returned into Flanders In the yeare 1467. the Duke of Bourgongne beeing in his castle of Scluse in Flanders sent for all the Noblemen and Barrons of his Countries inuiting many of his kinsfolke friends and Allyes where as they treated of diuers matters the Duke labouring to reconcile them and to make them good friends before his death At the same time the marriage of the Earle of Charolois with the Lady Marguerite sister to Edward the fourth King of England was concluded and Anthonie Bastard of Bourgongne deputed with 400. gentlemen to fetch her who conducted her to Scluse to the Earle her husband and from thence to Bruges to the Duke of Bourgongne who receiued her very louingly as well for his sonnes sake as for the King of Englands her brother Soone after the Duke being aged and weake fell into a newe disease wherevnto in his latter daies he was much inclined The Noblemen that were about him hoping that he should recouer as he had formerly done did not presently aduertise the earle his son being then resident at Gaunt but the third day following seeing that he declyned more and more and that the Phisitions dispaired of his recouerie they aduertised the Earle of the Estate of his sicknes desiring him to come speedily to Bruges The Earle came in post where being arriued he found his father labouring for life who within a short time gaue vp the ghost the fifth of Iune 1467. being 73. years old after that he had gouerned the contries of Holland Zeeland Friseland and Henault as well with the title of Earle and Lord as Gouernor about fortie yeares Hee was a valiant Prince and of great courage feared generally of his enemies he was of a tall stature and of a good representation sweet in his
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
their departure was made Gouernour of all the Neitherlands in the Kings absence and recommended his sonnes Charles and Ferdinand to the Ladie Marguerite his sister Douwager of Sauoy The French King hearing that they tooke their way by Sea and would not passe through France he sent Philip of Cleues Earle of Neuers and the bishop of Paris vnto them in Ambassage requiring first That the marriage which had beene concluded betwixt Prince Charles their sonne and the Lady Claude of France the Kings daughter should bee diasnulled and made voyde for that the Princes of the blood and the Parliament did not thinke it conuenient And for the second point That the King of Castile should not attempt any thing vpon the Soueraigne iurisdiction of Flanders in ciuill causes and in Arthois touching Appellations both in Ciuill and Cryminall causes The which was wholy granted These Ambassadours dispatcht away King Philip and Queene Iane of Castile his wife accompanied with a goodly traine of Princes Noble-men Princesses and great Ladyes parted in the ende of the yeare 1505. from Antwerp and came into Zee-land where waying anchor at Arnmuyden the day after tweft day 1506 they went to Sea with a rich and mightie Fleet of shippes but they had not beene long at Sea before that there did rise a great tempest of winde snowe and such mists as being long before they knew what course they went they were hourely in great danger to perrish in the Sea Euery man wondered that in the depth of winter they would commit themselues to the danger and perrill of the Sea GOD letting them for to vnderstand that the greatest Kings and Princes are subiect vnto these dangers as well as the poorest Marryners but he preserued them and they put to land at Weymouth in the West part of England all the rest of the fleet was so dispersed as they knew not what was become of them whereof some shippes were cast away Henrie the seauenth King of England hearing of their being in the Harbour sent some of his Princes to receiue them in his name and to intreat them to come on land and refresh themselues whether he himselfe went and entertained them very louingly shewing them all the delights hee could and giuing them many goodly presents to make them forget their troubles past at sea At one time King Henry intreated King Philip that he would deliuer him the Earle of Suffolk who as we haue sayd was taken with the bastard of Geldres in the Castell of Hattem King Philip after great importunity vpon promise that King Henry should not touch his life consented that the Earle of Suffolke should be brought into England the which did much discontent many good men He was kept in the Castell of Namur from whence hee was brought and deliuered to the King of England who caused him to be lodged in the Tower of London Afâ—…er that King Philip and the Queene his wife had stayed for a faire season from their landing which was in Ianuary vnto the 24. of March they put to sea and hauing a prosperous winde they arriued soone after at the Groyne from whence they went to visit the râ—…licks of Saint Iames in Compostella going from thence towards Castille where they were royally receiued by all the Princes and Noblemen of Spaine The King of Castille had no sooner left the Netherlands but the Geldrois went to horsbacke against the treaty made at Roosendael falling vpon those townes and places which by the sayd treaty remained to the King of Castille among the rest vpon Groll and Waganengen the which they tooke running from them into Holland and Brabant The lord of Cheures hauing leauied an army went and besieged the sayd towne of Wagenengen but it was furnished with such good men which made continuall sallies vpon his campe as in the end seeing that he preuailed nothing he retired his army In August the same yeare 1506. there appered a Comete which did rise at the North-east and did set in the North-west drawing the taile which was great and large in forme of a rod towards the West the which was seene eighteene daies togither In the same moneth there was a poore woman in Holland betwixt the villages of Beuerwic and Vyc vpon the sea great with child and readie to bee deliuered Fifteene daies before her lying downe the fruite that was in her won be â—…as heard almost continually to cry and lament The which many worthy men for a greater approbation of the truth went daylie to heare it and since haue certified it Whereof some learned men in Philosophy and the Mathematiks haue diuersly written inferring that the crying of this child with the Comete did pronosticate the death of the â—…ing of Castille Pâ—…ince of the Netherlands and the great miseries which haue since happened in Holland and other of the sayd Prouinces The King and Queene of Castille beeing arriued in Spaine went from one Realme vnto an other and from oâ—…e cittie vnto an other to take possession according to the Preuiledges and customes of places Although that the King Don Fernando of Arragon father to the Qâ—…eene offred to King Philip 500000. ducates a yeare to remaine in the lowe countries and not to come into Spaine yet hee and his wife would goe and themselues in person end the controuersie that was by reason of the succession of the deceased Queene Isabella betwixt them and the King Don Ferdinando their father The which they did and Philip in the right of his wife was acknowledged King of Castille Leon Grenado c. But he enioyed it not long for the 27 of September in the same yeare 1506. he died sodenly in the citty of Bourgos not without suspition of poison being but 28. yeares old He desired before his death that his heart might be carried and buried at Ierusalem ioyning to that of the dâ—…ke of Bourgongnes his great grandfather the which was done His bowells were carried to Bruges in Flanders and his body was interred in a Couent of Chartreux Monks called Amesâ—…ur vpon a mountaine without the citty of Bourgos The Lady Iane his widoe was with child of a daughter whereof she was afterwards deliuered The newes of the death of this Prince caused great mourning and heauines throughout all the Netherlands fearing other troubles and reuolts by reason of the warre betwixt the duke of Geldres and them Those which at that time pretended to knowe the affaires of State sayd that the marriage which the Archduke Philip made with the Lady Iane of Castille was vnhappie for the Netherlands not for the miseries which the Spaniards haue of late yeares brought in and which the countries haue suffred for they could not fore-see these things so long before but for the great charges wherwith they were burthened to enter into those realmes of Spaine with a rich and stately pompe the which he did by the councell of his wife to impouerish the said countries
three monthes in Bolognia all things beeing prepared and made ready after many ceremonies hee was anointed and crowned King of Lombardy the Pope setting a crowne vpon his head which they call the crowne of steele The two and twenty day of the same month the Pope beeing in the Church the Emperor was conducted thether with great pompe and state First marched the pages and gentlemen of his household and of his chamber Earles Marquises Dukes and Princes euery one in his degree then the Officers of his house The Kings at armes and Heralds of the Emperor of France England and Sauoy Then the Stewards of his house with their staues The Marquis of Montferrat followed sumptously apparelled carrying the scepter The duke of Vrbin carried the sword in a sheath of pure gold inritched with pretious stones The Count Palatin carried the Globe and the Duke of Sauoy carried the Imperiall crowne The Emperour marched after carrying vpon his head the crowne of Lombardie beeing followed by all the Ambassadors of Kings and Princes After whome came the Councellors and Secretaries of State Before that the Emperor entred into the Church hee was receiued and led into a Chappell by the Deane and Chanoins of Saint Peeters Church at Rome beeing come expresly thether where the Emperor tooke the accustomed oth in the handes of a Cardinall Then after many other ceremonies and change of Ornements after that hee had beene anoynted hee was led before the Pope sitting in his pontificall seat doing a great obeysance vnto him wherevpon the Pope came downe in his coape and went towards the Alter to celebrate the masse Then was the Emperor set in a stately throne and all the markes which these Princes carried were set vpon the Altar vntill the Epistle of the masse was sung Then the Emperor was brought before the Pope where hee kneeled downe The Pope drawing forth the Imperiall sword sayd vnto him Accipe gladrum c. The deacon which did helpe to say masse hauing taken it out of the Emperors hands put it into the scabberd and deliuered it vnto the Pope who hunge it at the Emperors side who rising vp drew it forth three times and set the point vnto the ground and then put it vp againe Then the Pope deliuered into the Emperours hands the scepter and the globe vsing at eyther time many wordes and ceremonies In the end hee set the Imperiall crowne vpon his head giuing him the true titles of an Emperour The Emperor hauing beene thus adorned withall the Imperiall markes hee deliuered vnto these Princes the crowne the scepter and the globe with the Imperiall roabe and in his cassacke and bare headded hee went to offer at the Popes feete as many peeces of gold and siluer as he was yeares old All beeing ended he was attired with his Imperiall Ornaments and carryed backe to his throne And then the Pope and the Emperor returned both on hors backe vnder one canopie to the Pallace The Emperor Charles beeing thus crowned hauing setled the affaires of Italie parted two and twenty daies after his coronation to goe to an Imperiall diet appointed at Ausbourg the first of May whether came the Prince Electors and many other Princes of the Empire Earles Barons Bishoppes and Prelates Where the Emperor arriued with the King of Hungary his brother and the Cardinall Campege on the Popes behalfe the thirteenth of Iune And as it seemed that this diet was principally held for matters of relligion after that Cardinall Campege had made his oration and the Ambassadors of Austria layed open their greuances the Prince Elector of Saxony George of Brandenbourg the duke of Lunebourg and the Landgraue of Hessen as well in their owne names as of other Earles Noblemen and Imperiall townes besought the Emperor to heare the confession of their doctrine but hee on the other side commaunded them to deliuer it vp in writing and they still prest to haue audience the which beeing denied them they still insisted for that it toucht their honors liues and goods yea the helth of their soules wherein it may bee they had otherwise informed him then was true Wherevpon the Emperour commaunded them to come the next daie to his lodging but hee would needes haue the writing deliuered the which was donne the next day both in Lattin and Dutch offring to expound it if there were any thing either to obscurely or too breefly set downe and if the matter could not bee decided they refuzed not a councell The Empeperour gaue the Duke of Saxonies confession to the other Noble Princes to iudge thereof who deliuered them into the handes of their Doctors whereof Faber and Eckius were the chiefe who writ against and confuted the sayd confession Vpon this confession of their faith there were diuers disputations betwixt the doctors of the Protestant Princes and many townes which did adhere vnto them and the Popish deuines The Emperor in many things would interpose his authority and absolute power wherevnto the Protestant Princes did oppose Many conferences were held betwixt the doctors of both relligions the which did not passe without some bitternesse in the which the Princes themselues were actors so as the Protestants could not obtaine any thing Therefore their Ambassadors seeing that they could not preuaile in any thing but what pleased their Aduersaries did write vnto the States of the Empire wherein they did breefly lay open what had beene done intreating them that in the end of the decree they should not adde the names of their Princes with the rest for they had made a kinde of decree as if all had consented therevnto And for that they had gotten nothing by their solliciting for peace they declared that they could not possibly contribute any thing to the warres against the Turke Moreouer for that it is sayd by the decree that those onelie should haue place in the Parliament and Chamber of the Empire which had allowed and â—…signed it they intreated that this Article might be reformed or els they would not â—…ntribute any thing to the charges of the sayd Chamber Hauing made this protestation euery one retired to his owne home In the sayd yeare 1530. the first of Nouember there was so great a Tempest at sea with a North-west winde and the tide was so high at Noone-day as the water ouer-â—…lowed the bankes in many places although it were not the time of full sea by two houres with which tempest and spring-tide there were ouer-flowne and drowned in Holland Zeeland Friseland Brabant and Flanders as some haue obserued and left in writing foure hundred and foure Parishes yet Holland and Zeeland were most damnefied In the Island of Zuy-beuelandt the quarter on the East-side was all drowned within eighteene villages The Towne of Romerswaell the castell of Lodycke and the Scluse of Creâ—…ke was all carried away The quarter of the West-side which is diuided with a dike that runnes crosse the Island where the towne is scytuated with
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
retreats to sell their goods at Rochel whereas the Protestant princes of France did the like Emden and in England whereof the chief were Iohn of Berghes a knight seignior of Olhain who for a time carried the title of the prince of Oranges viceadmirall William of Fiennes lord of Lumbres Barthol Entes a gentleman Frison a bastard of Brederode and one of the house of Egmont a Hollander Embise a Fleming sonne to the bourgmaster of Gand and one Iohn Broâ—…k of Amsterdam with some others who hauing good ships got many rich booties to whom in the end ioined the seignior of â—…umay earle of la Maâ—…ke The king of Spaine complained of them to the queene of England who to please him commanded them to retire out of her ports So as to haue a place of retreat and a safe harbour there followed as we shall shew the taking of the towne and island of Bryele in Holland which made worke for the duke of Alua. The first of August whilest that the emperour and the estates of the empire were at an imperiall diet at Spier the emperour sent his daughter Anne to the king of Spaine accompanied with the archdukes Albert Wenceslaâ—… her two brethren being yet verie yong the great commander of Prusia and the bishop of Munster who did accompanie them vnto Brussels wheras she arriued the 22 of the moneth and from thence went to Middelburg in Zeeland where she imbarked with her two brethren the 25 of September and the 24 of Nouember following was married to the king of Spaine at Segouia in Arragon But some did mislike that the king of Spaine should marie his owne neece by whom at nine monethes end hee had a sonne called Charles Laurent for that hee was borne on that day which was dedicated to the memorie of the Saint This yeare there happened great flouds in the Netherlands about the time of a new Moon with spring tides for that vpon all Saints day the water flowed so high in Antuerpe about 9 of the clock in the euening that it flowed a foot higher than it did in the floud in anno 1530 when there was 70 parishes drowned and two foot higher than it was in anno 1552 and would as it seemed haue risen higher if it had not broken into the new towne and other places wherby it filled all the sellers and vaults both within and without the towne and euerie emptie place where an innumerable number of men and cattell were drowned Austerweel Kiel and Hoboken lay vnder water laden ships and a hulke of 300 tunnes were borne vp to the English key This floud did vnspeakable hurt within the towne of Antuerpe the damage receiued by merchandise that was as then wet being esteemed to be more than 100000 gulderns in value The huâ—…t that was done in the houses sluces keyes and towne walls was likewise esteemed to be aboue a hundred thousand gulderns This high water was the meanes that two houses were burnt not far from the Easterlings house but the benefit of the great water â—…oone quenched them This fire happened by meanes that a maid going with a lanterne in her hand to open a sheep coat thereby to saue 150 sheep from drowning the water ouercomming the maid drowned her and her lanterne driuing amongst the straw set it and the houses on fire In Zeeland the same floud did great hurt in many places as at Rommerswale Berghen Saftinghen where many were drowned where they were constrained to send out ships to fetch men and to giue them meat which sat vpon high trees and ditches The island of Walchren held out well but the salt keeles were all borne away South Beuerland endured more hurt In Holland whole villages were almost borne away as at Katwicke and other places but in Friseland most of all This high floud is notably described in high Dutch verse by one Iohn Fruytiers wherin is set downe all the hurt done in euerie seuerall prouince certifying the number of the people that were drowned that time to be four hundred thousand at the least besides an innumerable number of cattell The Spaniards said that it was a iust iudgement sent vpon that countrey by the holy Saints thereby to reuenge themselues for breaking downe their Images but the Netherlanders iudged otherwise thereof esteeming the Saints not to bee desirous of reuenge You must vnderstand that the Netherlands lye vpon the Spanish seas and are much subiect to high flouds happening commonly in Winter at a full and new Moon with Northwest winds which in many ages happened therein as our hystories make mention whereof I will rehearse some of the greatest In the yeare of our Lord 850 the riuer of Rhin that was woont to haue his recourse by Catwicke and so ran into the sea beneath the Flie brake out by Dort and so past forward which high floud was the greatest that our hystories make any mention of although there are no great particularities thereof to be seene Anno 1176 in Holland almost all men and beasts that saued not themselues vpon high places were drowned Anno 1230 in the time of the emperour Otto the 4 the most part of Friseland was vnder water and it is said that there was 100000 men drowned Anno 1374 in the moneth of October there was great hurt done in Flanders by a high floud Anno 1400 there happened a great floud called the Fresh floud Anno 1420 there was 16 villages drowned by Dort and many men and cattell somesay they were 72 villages Anno 1508 happened the high floud called S. Galens floud when they tooke Cods and Whitings before Groning Anno 1509 there was a great floud called Cosmus and Damians floud which brake through many ditches and drowned a great number of people Anno 1530 happened the Michaelmas high floud Anno 1552 there was a great floud called S. Pontians floud And this last in anno 1570 called all Saints floud which was in 6 or 7 prouinces as far as to Denmarke The electors princes noblemen and townes of the confession of Ausbourg in Germanie hauing presented a petition vnto the emperour at the diet at Spier tending to the quiet of Christendome and the reformation of some abuses it was not imputed vnto them to rebellion factions and innouations as that of the noblemen and gentlemen and the Netherlands was in the yeare 1566 by the king of Spaine but contrariwise the emperour knowing well that what they required tended to the good and quiet of Germanie and their neighbours not only accepted it in good part but also tooke such order as was most needful specially for those of Cologne who had driuen out all them of the confession although they did verie vnwillingly obey As for the Netherlands as he feared much the practises of the Spaniards which had long before sought occasions to get some footing in some corner of Germany and especially in the diocesse of Cologne hee could settle no other order but to write to the
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
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
churches vnto danger And if this counsell which he giues them bee not allowable as hee hopes it is for the difficulties which they shall find in the putting it in execution yet he would tell them plainly and openly that hee sees no reason to enter into any conference of peace with the Spaniard And if they must of force make a new accord with the duke of Aniou let them prouide that no towne fall into danger and bee well assured of all the forces and that the captaines may be to the contentment of the Estates This was the prince of Oranges aduice vpon the three points of so great importance entreating them of Antuerpe to conforme themselues vnto the generalitie without doing any thing of themselues and to take this his aduise in good part protesting that he would expose all his meanes yea his life for Religion the generalitie and for the towne of Antuerpe in particular We haue said how that Monsieur de Bellieure was come vnto the Estates from the French king as an intercessor for the duke of Aniou his brother The Estates hauing heard his Oration and according vnto that which he propounded and required begun to treat with him in the dukes name deputing Elbert Leonin chancellor of Gueldre and Adolph of Meelkerke president of Flanders with some others on their behalfe and for the duke were deputed men of authoritie pleasing vnto the Estates among the which was the earle of Laual the Seignior of Espruneaux and others During all this trouble the Estates found small support in their neighbours of Germanie and England but from Fraunce they had many goodly promises which notwithstanding tasted of some threats They had small meanes of their owne to free themselues and they feared much that they should be exposed as a prey and deliuered to the Spaniards which made them to enter the more speedily into the said conference On the other side the duke feared least the townes which he had at his deuotion should want victuals being also desirous to free his nobilitie from prison out of Antuerp for S. Anthonies day which made him yeeld vnto vnreasonable conditions giuing hope that hereafter by his good carriage he would wipe away this blemish and disgrace So in the end they made a prouisionall treaty the 28 of March the which was concluded in Antuerpe as followeth His Highnesse should willingly content himselfe to chuse his abode at Macklyn yet considering that they will treat of new articles and that the ratification of the oath which his Highnesse demaunds hath not beene presently concluded 1 His Highnesse hath resolued according vnto the offer which hath been made vnto him by the Estates to chuse the towne of Dunkerke to reside there for some daies during which time he desires to treat of al things concerning the good of this estate and to determine all difficulties that are now offered 2 His Highnesse promising vpon the faith and word of a prince that being finished that he hath no other intention but is fully resolued to returne presently and stay in the towne of Macklyn according vnto the articles contained in the Estates instruction on the eleuenth of March last past to be assured of the passage of Flanders promising not to attempt any thing against the estate of the countrey the generall Estates nor their deputies who shall in like maner promise and sweare 3 Those of his guard nor of the garrison of Dunkerke shall not attempt any thing against the inhabitants of the said towne nor the reformed Religion and his Highnesse shall haue free exercise of the Catholicke Religion in any Church hee shall please to chuse within Dunkerke euen as he had in Antuerpe 4 His Highnesse shall cause his French garrison to retyre out of Villevoorde hauing a promise from the Estates to fulfill all things that shal be agreed vpon and three of the said deputies shall remaine with his Highnesse and the towne shal be manned with such as are borne in the countrey and pleasing to the Estates of Brabant 5 His Highnesse shall commaund his armie to goe and lodge in the quarter of Lempeloo where it shall be supplied with victuals And the next day the Estates assuring the summe of thirtie thousand crownes of gold to be put into the hands of a Commissarie sent to that end to deliuer them vnto the said armie it shall march to Villebroucke whereas the commaunders colonels captaines and leaders of the men of warre shall take an oath well and truely to serue his Highnesse and the generall Estates and not to attempt any thing against his Highnesse nor the Estates neither in generall nor in particular but shall employ themselues for the seruice of his Highnesse and the Estates against their common enemies Spaniards Italians and their adherents and to passe the riuer hauing receiued money the sayd oath being taken his Highnesse armie being payed and the sayd summe of thirtie thousand crownes furnished to be diuided among the souldiers according vnto a rate which shall be made 6 This done the armie shall passe into Hellegat where it shall in like sort bee furnished with victuals when as the English Scottish and other souldiers shall retire to Ruppelmonde and take the like oath vnto his Highnesse And at the same time when as the hostages shall arriue and the said payments be made his highnesse hauing receiued the hostages and the garrison of Dendermonde being with him the towne to be left and appointed to such as are borne in the countrey and pleasing to the Estates of Flanders and that he shall march towards Eckeloo 7 The armie hauing receiued these things in passing at Villebrouck at the same instant the English Scottish and other souldiers which shall be retyred out of the land of Waes shall passe the riuer of Escaut at Ruppelmonde to be employed where need shall require and from that time all shal be paied equally out of the money that shal be appointed to that end and be furnished with victuals without respecting one more than another The exercise of the catholicke religion shal be free to them of the armie and in the campe 8 Doing this aboue specified and yeelding vp Dendermonde hostages shall be presently giuen for the assurance of the deliuerie and libertie of all the prisoners that are in Antuerpe and other places detained since the 17 of Ianuarie last past together with the restitution of papers which were in a box in his Highnesse cabinet were taken in Quinsays lodging and the goods carried to the towne-house vnder the magistrates commaund without taking of any exception in regard thereof And as for the moueables which are in priuate houses and Frenchmens lodgings they shal be also restored as much as was found in being the tenth of this present moneth 9 His Highnesse shall also promise that the decrees made in France shall be reuoked and that the prisoners goods and ships arrested at Dunkerke belonging to any person inhabiting in these prouinces
them of the Protestants Religion of all magistracie and put Romish Catholickes in their places The greatest and chiefest cause which mooued him to send deputies vnto the prince of Parma was that he had intercepted certaine letters written by the prince of Orange contayning a Commission to seize vpon his person and vpon all his followers and adherents Which letters he caused to be read before all the people giuing them to vnderstand That it behooued him for to stand vpon his guard for feare of the sayd prince The prince of Parma hauing heard the deputies that were sent by Imbise hee sent backe to Gant the Seignior of Manuâ—… gouernour of Audenarde and colonel Segura a Spaniard allyed to Imbise by his wife to treat with the Ganthois These were very kindly entertained and much made of by some of the people which held Imbises party for whose assurance he had sent hostages to Audenarde A truce was concluded betwixt them and the Ganthois for twentie daies the which were spent in sending vp and downe to their confederats especially into Holland and Zeeland to renounce their confederation which had made them to abiure the king of Spaine But in all these practises they found many difficulties as wee shall hereafter shew They of Brussels seeing the Ganthois to be wauering and how desirous they were to reconcile themselues vnto the king of Spaine writ vnto them letters with a large discourse persuading them to perseuerance with many allegations reasons and examples exhorting them rather to die than to renounce their allyes and to ioyne againe with the king They of Antuerpe sent them letters of the like tenour entreating them to consider and examine with iudgement the consequence of this reconciliation setting before their eyes the cruelties of the Spaniards practised vpon the poore Indians against whom they had not by the thousandth part the like occasion as they pretended had beene giuen them by the Netherlanders In like sort they alleaged the miserable vsage of them of Granado by the same Spaniards who beeing once their lords and masters would pare their nayles so short as they should neuer haue more meanes at all to scratch And to the same end and purpose there was a small booke printed in the vulgar tongue dissuading them vtterly to flye from this reconciliation tearming it deceitfull abusiue yea and trecherous pretending moreouer that they had no cause to be terrified and daunted at any thing for that they found themselues strong ynough to resist the Spaniards forces the which they then obiected for that the earle of Hohenlo had at that time a good army in field for the Estates in the countrey of Gueldres and that they hoped the Queene of England and the Protestant princes of Germanie would giue them succours They of Bruges were not a little perplexed for the towne of Ypre their neighbour being blocked vp on all sides and desiring to relieue it they sent a conuoy of victuals with two hundred souldiers but comming within two leagues of the towne not farre from Vyuerbergh this conuoy was defeated all the victuals taken the souldiers put to rout and many slaine the Spaniards hauing not lost aboue twelue men The bourgers not content with this losse prouided eightie wagons more laden with all sorts of victuals and munition with an hundred and fiftie baskets carried by pesants the which was conducted by three hundred launciers an hundred muskettiers and fiue hundred harguebusiers most part Scottishmen These being come within halfe a league of the towne the Spaniards sallyed out of their forts in the which there were three hundred horse and two thousand foot the which charged this conuoy defeated them quite so as little of all this prouision entred into Ypre but most of it fell into the enemies hands The bourgers beeing very much perplexed for these two losses sought by all meanes possible to prouide better for their affaires and to fortifie themselues whereupon they built certaine forts and trenches in the most accessible places vnto their towne drowning the countrey round about which was to bee drowned so as the enemie could not approch and they did the like three leagues off at a little towne called Oostbourg And as the towne of Menin lying in the champian countrey in the middest of all their enemies was a great charge vnto them they retyred with their Scottish garrison that was in it and abandoned it not without great ioy of them of Lille and Courtray betwixt which two it lyeth the which was done by the aduice of the prince of Chimay gouernour of Flaunders who then sought meanes to reconcile himselfe with the king of Spaine deliuering him the towne of Bruges the which hee did afterwards At that time there was sharpe and cruell warre in the diocesse of Cologne for that Gebhard Truchses archbishop and prince Elector of Cologne hauing married one of the Countesses of Mansfeldt would haue retained still the said archbishopricke and Electorall dignitie with libertie of Religion throughout all his diocesse maintaining that his marriage was not repugnant to the word of God But the Chanons and Chapter opposed themselues strongly against him and with the assistance of the Pope and the Emperour deposed him and caused him to be excommunicate chusing in his place Ernest of Bauiere sonne to duke Albert then bishop of Leege and Fressinghem with diuers other spirituall dignities Truchses had fortified himselfe in the towne of Bonne three leagues aboue Cologne where the archbishops doe often keepe their Court and haue their Chauncerie One of the Chanons of Cologne of the house of Saxonie named Frederic holding part with Ernest of Bauiere and some other of his brotherhood with their kinsmen friends and allies went vnto the field and tooke diuers places in the new elected bishops name Truchses hauing also an armie in the field vnder the conduct of the earle of Moeurs and of Nyeuwenoort seized vpon the townes of Rhinbergh Ordenges and other places Duke Iohn Casimire came likewise to his succour with some troupes but he did little Augustus duke of Saxonie should also haue sent but his slacknesse discouraged the rest so as they which held Truchses partie retyred themselues by little and little The Bauierois besieged the towne of Bonne which by a mutinie of the Germane souldiors which were there in garrison was sold vnto him for foure thousand Rycx-dallers deliuering the Seignior of Truchses brother to the archbishop deposed being their gouernour into his enemies hands In the end the archbishop of Truchses seeing himselfe thus dispossessed and chased out of all his diocesse hee retyred into Holland in the moneth of Aprill 1584 where he entred into league with the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces holding still the towne of Berke and afterwards Bonne which Colonel Schenck surprised and also that of Nuys with the which hee did much annoy and hurt Cologne vnder the gouernment of the earle of Moeurs and the said colonel Schenck beeing marshall of his campe
rather chase out of his presence and out of his kingdome such reuolted rebels The which should not onely redound vnto the good of Fraunce being so neere a neighbour vnto Spaine but also to all Christendome which was put all into combustion by such reprobate people That therein they did manifest wrong vnto all kings and princes to whome such examples goe neere and are very preiudiciall if they will giue credit fauour and support vnto their rebels The French king answered him That he would giue audience vnto the deputies of the generall Estates not as vnto rebels reuolted from their lord but as afflicted people who complayned of the oppressions that were done them That in all ages Christian kings and princes did neuer refuse to ayde the afflicted neyther ought they refuse them especially such as desire nothing but to be reconciled to their prince for that the deputies of the Estates had giuen the king to vnderstand That they had made diuers and sundrie petitions and supplications vnto the king of Spaine and could neuer obtaine any answere thereunto wherefore and that according vnto the lawes hee thought it to bee lawfull and allowable for euery man when right and iustice is denyed vnto him to seeke support where hee can find it and therefore he was not once to be blamed at all if at the least he did heare them The Queene Mother told the said deputies making a shew of loue which she bare them and to feed them with hope that as heire to the duke of Aniou her sonne she would come in person and take possession of the town of Cambray to be the neerer to the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces Many in the Netherlands were of diuers opinions concerning this legation of the deputies of the Estates to the French king Those that were best affected to the king of Spaine could not persuade themselues that the French king would embrace the cause of the Netherlanders and that he sought nothing but the quiet of his owne Realme Others made themselues beleeue considering the good and honourable reception which hee had giuen them at their comming into Fraunce that the king would take them into his protection to the which they had charge to submit and yeeld themselues and all the vnited Prouinces both to him and to his successors for euer hereafter At their comming vnto the court the king sent them first vnto his mother who hauing conferred and consulted with them about two whole houres together gaue them good hope and comfort But those of the Parliament of Paris told the French king plainely That hee neyther could nor ought to assist the Estates beeing rebels to their king beeing a matter of too bad example and contrarie vnto the law of Nations yet the king heard them halfe an houre and then he entreated them to haue patience for a little while vntill the comming of the earle of Darby who was embassadour for the Queene of England whom he expected with whom hee must first conferre withall before he could giue them any answere The said earle of Darbie arriued soone after being honourably attended He brought vnto the French king the order of the Garter which the Queene of England sent him as a testimonie of her loue the which was very pleasing and acceptable vnto his Maiestie The said embassadour did recommend vnto the king in the name of the Queene his mistresse the cause of the Netherlands to the end the king of Spaine might not grow so mightie as hauing ouercome and subdued them hee should fall vpon one of those two Realmes But to the end that we may not passe ouer slightly the successe of this legation of the deputies of the Estates wee will discourse somewhat more at large thereof wherein the same did chiefely consist when they had their audience and what their answere was They had audience giuen them vpon the twelfth of Februarie in the which they besought his Maiestie the prince of Espinoy speaking for them all That it would please him to take them their prouinces and communalties into his safegard and protection as his owne proper subiects and vassales and vnder his iurisdiction as they desired to be vnder such honourable and reasonable agreements and conditions as it should best please his Maiestie to graunt vnto them the which they would faithfully promise and bind themselues to obey by vertue of the Commission and authoritie which they had receiued to that end and purpose from all the Estates of the said vnited Prouinces of the Netherlands Whereunto the king answered them with a great affection and good grace That their comming was very pleasing vnto him thanking them much for the honour which they did him by so goodly an offer and presentation together with the loue which they bare him saying That before hee held himselfe bound vnto the sayd countries for the great honour which they had done vnto the late deceased duke of Aniou his brother of worthie memorie and now he confessed himselfe to be more tyed vnto them by this great and honourable offer which they made him whereof hee made very great esteeme and for the which hee wished them all prosperitie and happinesse promising to shew himselfe hereafter on their behalfes a good iust mild and gracious prince And seeing that they entreated him in what sort he should best please and how he might with most conueniencie to assist and helpe them and to haue a future care both of them and of the sayd countries like vnto a good and carefull father as hee hath of his owne naturall subiects and that they were readie to bind themselues vnto him vnder some good and reasonable conditions for the which hee gaue them great thankes But seeing that a matter of so great importance deserued to be duly considered and aduised of he thought it very fitting that their intention were set downe in writing to the end that it might be imparted vnto his mother his Parliaments and his other counsellors and then to resolue c. The Queene Mother hauing heard their reasons and what they demaunded after that shee had conferred with the Seignior of Bellieure the Secretaries of Estate and other of the king his priuie counsell he gaue them a full answere thereof as we shall hereafter see On the other side the counsell of Spaine hauing a due consideration and regard of all those things which concerned the people of the Netherlands did see plainely that the French king might easily and with small toyle get the possession of the said countries vnder his gouernment whereunto the subiects hearts were much enclined and that hee should want no meanes for the effecting and compassing thereof The which did much perplexe and trouble both the counsell of Spaine and the prince of Parma for which consideration he did greatly sollicite them of the towne of Antuerpe by his letters to a reconciliation with the king of Spaine fearing that being in so faire a way to conquer it
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
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
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
drawne a certaine instruction or order of the Councell of Estate which should ayde and assist him in the sayd gouernment the contents whereof were how the affaires of Estate and others touching the gouernment of the Netherlands ought to bee lawfully executed with the full consent and priuitie of the Counsell of Estate as it is vsed in all common-welthes especially in the low countries and was also obserued by the gouernors and regents of the same being great personages of royall bloud and some of them Queenes but it was answered by the Earle of Leicester that all instructions were no other in effect then limitations of his commission and that the gouernment generall of the Netherlands beeing absolutely giuen vnto him hee should neede no such instructions In the end to content his Excelency the deputies of the states sayd that hee should not bee bound to those instructions but that they were made for the Councell of Estate and that his Excelency was not to bee bound to conclude any matter of importance by plurality of voices but by the aduise of al the Councel of Estate being heard he theron should conclude as hee found it most conuenient for the good of the common-weale To this resolution the Estates were hardly to bee drawne as well foreseeing that hee not beeing tide to any instructions might easily bee seduced by bad Counsell and so deceiued as commonly such kind of men intrude themselues into Princes Courts and vpon all occasions are ready to strike a stroke to further themselues and hinder the common-weale which in the Earle of Leicester was most to bee feared in regard he was wholy vnexperienced in the nature manners and scituation of those countries and had no knowledge nor iudgement touching the Estate of the countrie neither yet of good and expert Councelors and therefore the likelier to fall into greater errors but the Estates finding themselues in great perplexitie touching the gouernment agreed vnto all his desires as farre as possible they might and withall gaue him libertie to choose one Councelor of Estate out of euery Prouince togither with the alteration of the great seale and counter-seale adding in their great seale a shield of his armes and for the counter-seale his whole armes which was neuer granted to any gouernor before him These things being imparted to the Queene she was much moued thereat esteeming thereby that they sought to ingage her further in those affaires then she was willing to vndertake Where-vpon she presently sent Sir Thomas Hennage her Vice-chamberlaine and one of her priuie councell into Holland with letters dated the 13 of February finding fault that the Earle of Leicester had taken the absolute gouernment of the Low-countries vpon him which she thought very strange in regarde that shee her selfe had refused to accept it and now to giue that vnto her vassaile and seruant which shee had refused and that without her consent shee thought they offered her great wrong and indignitie as if shee had not discretion inough of her selfe to know what shee were best to take or leaue saying amongst other things that it was cleane contrary to the declaration shee had made and put forth in Print wherein shee protested to take on her the assistance of the Netherlands to no other intent then onely to ayde her good neighbours without any desire or meaning to meddle or make with the protection or soueraigntie of the sayd countries and that by their action euery man might haue occasion to iudge the contrary or at the least such as take on them the authority and priuiledge to iudge and censure Princes actions as they thinke good whereby their honor should bee much interressed And that therefore her intent was to shew the vprightnesse of her proceedings to reuoke and recall the aforesaid authority and to command the sayd Earle not to vse any further or other authoritie then was set downe in the contract which if it were well obserued shee doubted not but it would extend and reach to the good and furtherance of the common cause affirming that her refusall in that point proceeded not from want of care to further the countries good and common well-fare but onely in regarde of her honor and to stop the mouthes of her enimies and euill-willers referring the rest of her intent vnto the bearer of those letters This letter gaue the Estates great cause of suspition and therefore being in Amsterdam they made answer there-vnto by letters dated the 25. of March with all humilitie excusing the action and protesting that there was no meaning in them thereby to charge or binde her Maiestie any further-then the contract lead her vnto but that the necessity of the countrey required to haue this authority giuen to one for that it was better to haue one gouernor then two and in regarde of her Maiestie they had rather choose oâ—…e of her subiects there-vnto then any other giuing his Excellencie no other authoritâ—…e then other gouernors before him had had and which was alwayes renocable the word Absolute being put in to distinguish his gouernment from others that were put in but by prouiso and bound to instructions as also to procure more obedience and care in the people for the maintaining of marshall discipline furthering of the contributions and better execution of his commissions and not to giue his Excellencie the soueraigntie therein following the examples of the Romaines and others that it was also done to let and breake of certaine enterprises of the enemie as also to comfort and stirre vp the hearts of the distressed people and that the recalling thereof would breed great confusion assuring her that it was not any thing contrarie to the contract the whole soueraigntie of the Prouinces still resting in the Estates hands and the gouernment or administration thereof in the Earle as it did in other gouernors The soue raigntie still beeing reserued vntill her Maiestie would bee pleased to accept of the same hoping that shee would vouchsafe to haue a regarde vnto the distressed and lamentable estate of the countrie and that there consisted more in maintaining the authoritie and gouernment of the Earle of Leicester then in ordering a great armie as her Maiestie should bee further instructed by Sir Thomas Hennâ—…ge Sir Thomas Hennage being returned into England and hauing made report of his ambassage the Queene made answer by letters dated the one and twentie of Iune 1586. that shee perceiued by their letters that they had done that in regarde of their good affection and vpon vrgent cause where-with shee was the better satisfied in that they confessed their fault and that they might haue giuen her knowledge thereof before it had beene done wishing them in any case to keepe and obserue all their promises to deliuer the mony ouer into his hands and to augment their contributions giuing him full authority tâ—… execute all things by aduise and as necessitie required Shee likewise excused the suspition giuen out
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
for that the dich was sixty foote broad and aboue 24. foote deepe the assault was hard to bee giuen but the diligence willingnes and forwardnes of the soldiars was so great as the Earle of Leicester resolued to giue an assault appointing the Earle of Hohenlo with the Dutches and Scots to begin and Sir Iohn Norris with the Englishmen and freezlanders to second them which they within perceiuing sent word to the Earle of Leicester that they would yeeld vp the towne vpon certaine conditions which were denied them whervpon they yeelded themselues only with sauegard of their liues and the captaines and officers to remaine prisoners and presently Sir Iohn Borowes and Sir William Stanley entered into the towne Sir Iohn Borrowes being made gouernor thereof After that to draw the Prince of Parma from Berck the Earle of Leicester marched towards Zutphen one of the 4. principall townes of the Duchy of Guelders and yet of it selfe is an Earledome and hath a speciall gouernment within it beeing a very strong and a good towne and for that hee had intelligence that the towne had no great store of victualls within it he was in good hope to win it or els to force the Prince of Parma to come thether as after he did Within it there lay Iohn Baptista Taxis a braue soldiar lieutenant to Verdugo gouernor of Friseland for that this town lieth vpon the riuer of Issell and by that means troubled the passage into the riuer of Velue and Holland the states long before had made a sconce vpon the other side in the Veluwe but by reason of high floods they were forced to leaue it they of Zutphen tooke this sconce and made it stronger raysing two bulwarks and 4. sconces hard by it which sconce they of Holland 2. yeares before had besieged ten months togither but could not win it so were compelled to suffer the enemy to ouerrun and spoile the Veluwe The Earle of Leicesters forces being somewhat more increased he brought his army along by the riuer right before Zutphen and vpon the 18. of September made a bridge of boates ouer the riuer within lesse then halfe a mile from the towne taking certaine gentlemens houses as Hackvoort Voorden While the army was thus busied the Earle of Leicester went to Deuenter wheras then they began to mutine would not liue friendly with thē where by means of bishop Trucse he got 400. foote and 200. horse to enter into the towne and beeing there newes was brought him that the Prince of Parma had left Berck wherevpon hee made hast to returne vnto his army which he presently caused to bee more strongly intrencht towards Zutphen The Prince of Parma fearing that the Earle of Leicester might do some thing against Zutphen and finding that Berck was to well prouided hauing taken the Island lying before it in the Reine and made it strong raised other sconces about it all wel furnished vpon the 12 of September he departed from thence marched to Weesel and tooke Burick a smal towne in Cleaueland and the castle and there made a bridge of ships and so past ouer to the other side and being ouer made certaine sconces to keepe both the bridge and his passage and went to Bunckloo from whence he sent certaine victuals into Zutphen going himself in person with his vantguard which the Earle of Leicester knowing that the towne was not yet fully victualled he thought the next time they victualled it to set vpon the conuoy whervnto he appointed Sir Iohn Norris Sir William Stanley with certaine foote and others with some troupes of horsemen The 22. of September in the morning betimes the Prince of Parma caused more victuals to be sent vnto Zutphen with the same conuoy of his vantgard as they had before being 6. or 700. horse and 2000. pikes and musketiers They staying in a strong place by a village called Warn suelt halfe a mile from the towne and so let the cartes and wagons passe along which being discouered by a troope of 30. horse Sir Iohn Norris the Earle of Essex the Lo. Willoughby Sir William Stanley Sir Philip Sidney Sir William Russel and others road thether with about 200. horse and 1500. musketiers and pikes meeting with their enemies before they expected them by reason it was then very misty they of the Prince of Parmaes side led by the Marquis of Guast vpon their watch-word giuen beganne to shoot furiously out of their ambuscadoes being a place of great aduantage as if it had bin a sconce which they on the Earle of Leicesters side manfully withstood not any one once retyring out of his place to the no little amazement of the enemy which beeing past the enemy not knowing how strong the Englishmen were and perceiuing them to aduance they sent out a cornet of horse vnder the leading of captaine George Cressier an Albanois which was presently ouerthrowne and the captaine himselfe taken prisoner after that they sent Count Hanibal Gonzaga with his cornet of horse the which was likewise valiantly charged put to rout and part therof slaine and he himselfe slaine or deadly wounded they pursewed the rest close vnder their shot where the third cornet made show to come to charge them but it being likewise driuen backe they parted one from the other in regard that the Prince of Parma began to send more men to strengthen them The Spaniards had a hundred men slaine and wounded on the English part were slaine and hurt about thirty men whereof one was Sir Philip Sidney being shot into the thigh as he changed horses whereof he died within fiue and twenty daies after A yong lerned wise valiant gentel-man very for-ward whose death was much lamented hee was gouernor of Flessing and the Earle of Leicesters sisters sonne his bodie was conuaied into England and honorably buzied with in the Cathedrall church of Saint Paul in London wherevpon the Englishmen not knowing how strong the enemy was with-drew themselues vnto their campe and so did the Prince of Parma vnto his The Earle of Leicester sought to get the sconses before Zutphen and layd his campe in the veluwe vpon the Issell there beeing an Island that lyeth right ouer against the towne from whence some-times men might goe dry-foote to the towne which was kept but by thirty men in a small sconce he caused it in the night time to be assailed and taken killing some and taking others of the soldiars prisoners the rest saued themselues by flight This Island he caused to be fortified and made stronge and so brought his campe before the sconses by Zutphen making a bridge from the land to the Island for that from that Island he could hinder and keepe backe any aide that should be sent out of the towne to the sconces and presently made his plat-formes and planted his Ordinance which being certified to the Prince of Parma and that the Island
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
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
although as then not fully prepared to set vpon the Prince of Parmaes campe and with a small armie of three thousand foote and one thousand horse hee set forward and went to Arneham and from thence ouer the Reine into the Betuwe where hee caused diuers forts to bee assailed and taken as the sconces of Bergshoost and Lutefort the castle of Bemel and others Appointing Sir Martin Schenck to take the Island called Sgrauenweert lying by the Tolhuis where the Reine deuideth it selfe in two parts the one part still holding the name of the Reine and runeth along by Arneham the other part called the Wale passing before Nimeghen where hee willed him to make a great sconce thereby to free the Betuwe which done when as he thought to haue passed ouer the Wale and so to haue set vpon the Prince of Parmaes campe newes was brought him that the towne of Graue was yeelded vp to the enemy whereat hee was some-what amazed and therevpon being aduertised that the Prince of Parma might peraduenture march towards Bommel he went to Bommelweert sending his soldiars into all the places round about When as Mounsire Van Hemert came to Bommel the Earle caused him with other captaines to bee committed to prison and so sent to Vtrecht where their processe beeing made they were condemned to die which most part of the Commanders seemed to dislike in regard that they were no traitors nor yet had any intelligence with the enemie but for that the towne of Graue was giuen ouer through want of vnderstanding and Marshall policie contrary to the will and intent of the gouernor Generall but it was held a good example and to the great furtherance of marshall discipline which at that time was much decaied and so the execution was referred to the discretiâ—…n of the Earle of Leicester who vpon the eight and twentie of Iune caused him openly to bee beheaded with two captaines Du Banck and Korf which execution was by many men thought to be very rigorus in regard that Mounsire Hemert was a very wise and a braue young Nobleman and one of the chiefe houses in the Netherlands who besought the Earle to grant him his life and that hee might serue the Queene of England either by sea or by land at his owne charges and by his valor and fidelitie make recompence for his falt committed but this rigor was the more borne with all through hope that thereby better marshall discipline would bee obserued which neuerthelesse tooke small effect by which meanes the hearts of most of the Nobilitie of the Netherlands were quite alienated from the Earle of Leicester especially when they sawe that an English captaine called Welles whome the Earle of Hohenlo had taken beeing a traitor and one of the actors to sell and betray the towne of Alost vnto the enemy was not executed but retained into seruice and put in credit as also that the fugetiue and traitor Rowland Yorke was likewise in much estimation and put in credit with many great seruices The Prince of Parma hauing gotten the towne of Graue he was soone maister of Megen and Batenborch and then he presently beseiged Venloo a towne both by nature and art veric strong with double ditches lying vpon the Meuse in Gelderland and went before it with his whole army lodging most of his men on the other side of the Meuse in Gelderland and the rest in Brabant within Venloo Shenck had his wife and her sister and all his house-hold with seauen hundred men of his owne regiment for which cause Sir Martin Shenck and an English knight called Sir Roger Williams with a hundreth horse sought all the meanes they could to get into the towne but found all the passages so well garded as they could not enter neuerthelesse the gaue a great alarum by night in the Prince of Parmaes campe and past so farre through his gards as they came to the Princes owne Tent and slewe verie many of his men but finding the waies round about all stopt vp and perceiuing daie beginning to breake that all the campe beganne to goe to armes they turned backe againe to Wachtendonck with the losse of about some fortie horse and men that were taken and slaine The twentie day of Iune the Prince of Parma caused the Earle of Mansfield to assaile the strong village and house of Arsen which was presently taken and vpon the sixe and twentie daie of Iune hee caused a sconce to bee placed vpon three points or great scutes and with three hundred Spaniardes assailed one Island lying in the Meuse before Venloo which by them of the towne was made stronge and a sconce made therein to defend the same which hee presently tooke wherevpon the townesmen notwithstanding the strength of the towne hauing once resisted the whole powre of the Emperor Charles the fift beganne to be some what amazed and to speake of yeelding vp of the towne but the souldiars refused so to doe for which cause they set vpon the souldiars that were vpon the walles and in the Courts of gard and compelled them to deliuer the towne ouer vnto the Prince of Parma which they did vpon the eight and twenty daie of Iune with reasonable conditions the souldiars to depart with their swordes by their sides with Schencks wise and his house-hold from thence the Prince of Parma went to Nuys as hereafter wee shall shew By reason of the great dearth of corne and other victualls in the countries lying vnder the Prince of Parmaes commaunde they were inforced to bring corne from many places farre distant from thence and that with very strong gardes and good conuoies yet many of their conuoyes were often set vpon and ouerthrowne and this yeare in the moneth of May foure hundred Wagons beeing laden out of the countries of Iulliers Cleues and Liege with corne and other necessarie prouisions beeing conuoied with a strong gard of one thousand souldiars horse and foote were assayled and set vpon as the past before Antwerp by the Noble Lord Willoughby Gouernor of Bergen vp Zoome with three hundred horse and good troupes of footemen most of them Englishmen killing the most part of their enemies spoyling all the Wagons and bearing away all they could well carry and hauing gotten foure hundred horse and a hundred and eighty prisoners they burnt and scatred most part of the corne which they could not take with them for that the garrison of Antwerp beganne to march out against them About that time also the Earle of Hohenlo and Sir William Pelham Marshall of the army for the States made a great roade into Brabant and spoyled Langstraet and had certaine secret intelligences vpon some of the forts there aboutes but they tooke no effect The waies by reason of the daylie spoyles and robbing of the souldiars beeing verie daungerous to passe without any conuoie and especially in the Diocese of Cologne which on all sides was sore plaged for that
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
gouernor of Gelder Vtrecht and Oueryssel so as he hath brought in diuers gouernors with equall power in one Prouince the which could not bee without confusion Yet there was no redresse not-with-standing many admonitions that were giuen vnto the Earle They complayned also that that the towne of Deuenter and the great fort before Zutphen which were two of the keyes of the country had beene comitted to Stanley and Yorke contray to the liking of the Estates who held them to bee no beter then traytors And although the Earle had ingaged his person and honor for their fidelities yet they found by experience and to their losse that errors committed in matters of State are not to bee repayred by gage pledg nor caution And as it seemed that these flatterers and bad councellors sought nothing more then the ruine of the country The Nobility and townes to discouer the ground of all had seazed vpon the person and papers of Stephen Perret whereby it was knowne that the said Ieames Ringault was the cheefe motiue and conductor of all the troubles a mortall enemie to the Estates and the country secretly reconciled to the Spaniard and making profession to ouerthrow all good dessigns and aduise and to breake of all good correspondency betwixt the Estates and the Earle as it appeared sufficiently by the banishment of the best Bourgers of Vtrecht whome he called vetus fermentum All which hauing bin imparted vnto the Earle by the deputies of the priuat Estates of Holland and finding it true he decreed that Ringault should be put in prison promising to do good Iustice and commanding the Prouinciall councell of Holland and west Freezland to make his processe yet hee wrought so by the meanes of his adherents and partisans as he was inlarged and for that hee should not be answerable to the iurisdiction of Holland he was led to Vtrecht there to be hed of the mutins and to deuide Vtrecht withall that diocesse from Holland vsing perswasions without ground to the Earle and to some English Noblemen that the Estates and the councell of Estate were enemies to religion and to the Earles authority for which cause the sayed Ringault was discouered by the papers that were seazed on being a very hipocriticall Spaniard and a dissembling counterfet seeking but to enrich him-selfe with the countries mony then to play banquerout and so retire to the enemies party As hee did since where they scorne him suffring him to dye in prison at Brusselles like a beggerly rascall being deteyned for his old and new debts Finally to the end their councells and practises should not be hindred by the Earles absence and retreat into England they caused him to signe this last act whereof mention hath beene made by the which the authority of the Estates and councell was restrayned in the maine points concerning the preseruation of the country the which he reserued to his own will and disposition especially the change and renuing of English garrisons holding the cheefe townes and forts of the country The which was done so secretly as neither the generall Estates the councell of estate or any priuat person did euer heare speake of it vntill that Stanley refus'd to obey the counsell of Estate producing the said act for his defence They declared also that after the yeelding vp of Deuenter and the forts of Zutphen if the fidelity of generall Norris and some Englishmen that were of the councell of State had not beene it was to be feared that the garrisons of Berghen vp Zoom and Ostend after the example of Stanley and Yorke had done the like considering the familiarity they had with the enemy to whome the English soldiars fled by troupes leauing their Sentynells and Corps de gard Where-vpon amidest so many doubts and distrusts so many practises and factions among the commons so many complaints of soldiars for their bad pay considering also the danger that might grow by the want of a Commander the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces thought it expedient hauing no other meanes to bee assured from so mighty an enemy seeing that the respect of her Maiesty of England and the Earles authority fayled them then to take some course them-selues restoring the gouernor's of Prouinces to their first authority and setting a good order for their soldiars for the preseruation and fortification of their frontiers and to send their shippes of warre to sea against the enemy the better to incorrage the subiects They remembred also the pasports giuen in England by the Secretary Bourgraue vnder the Earles name as gouernor of the vnited Prouinces the which they said could not be good in law for that a gouernor hath no command out of his prouinces and besides it was against the good of the country They also gaue a reason for the enlargement of Paul Buys concluding in the end that the letter of the fourth of February had beene written aduisedly and with mature deliberation by the estates who haue beene alwaies accustomed to proceed roundly and plainely and without any dissimulation to impart vnto their Lords Princes and gouernors any thing that might greeue or charge the people The which they haue alwaies found the most safest course and least offenciue to their Princes that vsed reason and iustice seeing that for the loue of the commons they descouered the naked truth vnto them to disswad them from that which slanderous and false practises might induce them to beleeue and so abuse them to the preiudice of their honors and reputation As also there shall bee nothing found in the sayd letter but the pure truth proceeding from the sincere affection which they beare vnto their deere country to her Maiestie and to the honor and authority of the sayd Earle And fearing happily that her Maiestie by some sinister impression of the sayd letters had with-drawne the affection which she did beare vnto their affaires whereon depends the health of their estate and that at other times the like had happened vpon their petitions they found nothing more expedient then to send her a coppy relying vpon her Maiesties singular bountie and wisdome whereof they had heretofore tasted when shee should be more particularly informed of the whole estate of the countrey whereby she may be the better inclined to graunt them some extraordinary succors to repaire that which was shaken according to the tenor of the said letters This answer and ample declaration was made by the generall Estates the seuenteene of Iune with the which the Ambassadors and some other of the English nation after many disputes and replies had cause of contentment But the Earle of Leicester was not well pleased there-with as he shewed afterwards by his iustification the which hee caused to bee printed at his returne from England comming to succor Scluse being much discontented with the Lord of Buckhurst Doctor Clarke Maister Wilkes and especially with generall Norris whom hee caused to bee called home to be sent into Ireland to his
gouernment the Estates were very desirous to keepe him still hauing done them good seruice after the losse of Deuenter and Zutphen and well maintained her Maiesties and the English mens honor and reputation and to make him marshall of their armie which they intended to bring to field for the releefe of Scluse vnder the command of Princc Maurice and the Earle of Hohenlo but of force he must goe as he did with great commendation and testimony to her Maiestie both from the generall Estates the Estates of Holland the Earle of Hohenloo and others of his good and faithfull seruice The Queene her selfe was not well pleased with the declaration made by the Estates as shee let them vnderstand by her letters of the thirtith of Iune to them The which were sent by Sir Henry Killegrey and Maister Robert Beale wherevnto the Estates answered with all mildnesse and modestie excusing themselues and informing her Maiestie better During all these factions and partialities the Duke of Parma continued the course of his prosperitie meaning to besiege Scluse a Towne and Castle standing vpon the Sea-coast the which is the very Port of the mighty goodly and rich towne of Bruges in Flanders three leagues from thence For as nothing past in Holland and Zeeland betwixt the Estates and the Earle of Leicester touching their diuision but hee was dayly aduertised thereof by some that were at his deuotion in the sayd countries yea as it was sayd by some that had great dealing with the affaires of Estate hee thought it now time to prouide them some worke towards the Sea-coast for the effecting whereof hee had caused great leauies of men to bee made in Italy vnder the leading of the Marquis of Guast Camillo Capisucca Carlo Spinella Alexandro de Monte and others making shew as if hee would goe to the Veluwe Some of his men had lyen about Bruges euer since May and now and then increased their numbers seeming as if they had lyen there onely to stoppe the incursions of them of Ostend and Scluse His soldiers being come all together on the seauenth of Iune hee marcht out of Brussels with nine companies of horse and the next day came to Bruges all his armie following him to besiege Scluse In the meane time Arnold of Groeneuelle a Gentleman of an ancient house in Holland Collonell of a regiment of foote and gouernor of the sayd Towne and Castle of Scluse feeling this storme approach and doubting it would fall vpon him or vpon Ostend seeking to prouide for it and preuent it with all the diligence he could on the fifteene of Iune he did write vnto sir William Russell sonne to the Earle of Bedford who had succeeded sir Philip Sidney in the gouernment of Flushing for the Queene of England as to his neerest neighbour for some helpe sending him word that after diligent search what prouision was in the sayd towne hee found not sufficient to hold out long where-vpon Sir William Russell dispacht his Secretary wtih Nicholas of Meetkerke his Lieutenant presently to Prince Maurice and to the Estate of Zeeland requiring them to succor Sluce with men victualls and munition of warre But hauing no comfort from them but promises the Zeelanders not holding the danger so great as the Seignior of Groenevelt made it by his letters Sir William Russel commanded his Secretary and his Lieutenant Meetkerke to gather together with the helpe of the Magistrate all the graine they could within the towne and to send it presently to Scluse So as the same day a shippe being laden with corne parted from Flussing and entred into Sluce without danger whereof the Gouernor Groenevelt was very glad And by the meanes of Sir William Russell there came from Berghen vp Zoom and from Ostend three companies of foote to Flussing to the which the Gouernor added a forth drawne out of his owne garrison these fower companies were neere eight hundred men The Queene of England hearing that the Duke of Parma's desseigne was vpon the sea coasts of Flanders either against Ostende which shee had taken into her protection or Scluse shee sent Sir Roger Williams and some English Gentlemen to Ostend but being â—…ere arriued and hearing that the Spaniards campe was planted before about Sluce they went to Flushing to ioyne with the said fower companies and the twelth of Iune they entred with certaine shippes laden with corne armes poulder boullets and other munition into the hauen of Scluse but not without great danger of the enemies cannon who the day before had taken one of the forts without the towne called Beckeaf and held the mouth of the hauen where he had planted great store of Artillery These succors being happely entred the gouernor Groenevelt did write againe vnto the Estates of Zeeland requiring great succors of Victualls and espetiall of munition of warre but the shipps going forth to carry this message were taken in the mouth of the Hauen so as after that time none could go in nor get out The Duke of Parma had one part of his army lodged in the I le of Cassandt right against the Hauen of the towne at a place called Ter-Hofsted and another part at Saint Anne Termayden right with the which he forced a fort which the Estates had built vpon the sea shore at Blankenberg by the which he freed his campe and the vittualls that came vnto them from the courses of them of Ostrend The beeseeged behauing them-selues very valiantly made many gallant and furious sallies vpon the Spaniards in the which they slue very many of their enemies but notwithout some losse of their owne men Among the Netherlands which woone most honor were Nicholas Meetkerke Lieuienant Collonell sonne to the president of Flanders Charles Heraugiere at this time gouernor of the towne and Castell of Breda Nicholas of Maude sonne to the Seigniour of Mausart and others among the English there was Sir Francis Vere now gouernor of the towne and land of Bryele Sir Roger Williams Collonell Huntley Captaine Thomas Baskeruille and others The forth of Iuly Patton Collonell of a Scottish regiment and comanding in the towne of Geldes in the absence of Collonell Schenke following the steppes of Stanley and Yorke sold the towne vnto the Lord of Haultpenne for the King of Spaine for thirty six thousand florins with an expresse condition that hee would reserue vnto him-selfe the spoyle and ransoms of certaine of the cheefe and richest Bourgers His enterprize was executed in this manner The Earle of Leicester being offended much with him had thretned to cassier him and to put Stuart in his place hee to preuent this and to bee reuenged of the disgrace hauing treated and concluded with Haultepenne hee gaue them of the towne to vnderstand that Collonell Schenk had sent him order to keepe his men ready in armes that comming the night following with his horsemen they might go together to an enterpize the which was easie to bee
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
I know not how we might haue kept the towne twelue howers longer with the losse of our liues had we bin al desperat if it had pleased the enemy to attēpt vs but it is most true rather then to haue accepted of any base conditions most of vs would haue ended our lyues in that place I protest I write not this to condemne any one in particular nor in generall that should haue succored vs nor to robbe the least defendant of his right for I confesse my selfe the simplest captaine of halfe a dozen that were within the towne three or foure of them were they knowne and rightly iudged are sufficient to conduct double that garrison in any army in the world to commande a greater troupe hauing authority These are Sir Roger Williams owne words to iustefie the yeelding vp of Sluse After this losse of Sluce the Earle of Leicester determined to stoppe vp the mouth of the hauen but the officers of the admiralty and others were of opinion that it could not be done yet the English-men thought otherwise wher-vpon suspecting the Zeelanders he sent into Holland for certaine old shippes the which were granted yet it was not done but on the other side sence that time the hauen is much bettered by reason that the sea hath scoured the sand away The losse of this towne made them to murmure much against the Earle especially the common people who hearing of the accord retired him-selfe into Zeeland imputing the losse of this towne to the want of men money and other meanes greatly taxing the admiralty of Zeeland and the officers namely one Martin Drooghe whome he caused to be put in prison where he continued six moneths vntill that the Earle being retired the second time into England hauing iustified himselfe of that where-with he was accused he was set at liberty and restored to his credit Those that were affected vnto the Earles party excused him and layed all the blame vpon the Estates accusing them that they sought to take his authority from him and to command them-selues leauing him but the vaine title of a Gouernor The Earle passing by the Iland of Zeeland arriued the seauenteene of August at Berghen vp Zoom a towne held also by the English where as the Lord Willoughby was gouernor from thence the Earle sent some troupes into Brabant to make an enterprize vpon the castle of Hochstraten the which succeded not From Berghen he went to Dordrecht whereas the generall Estates of the Prouinces assembled The Earle being in the open assembly of the generall estates made a long speech by the which he first excused him-selfe and greeued much for the treasons of Stanley Yorke and Patton by whom he complayned that he had beene basely deceyued the which he said might haue happened to any captaine generall of an army or gouernor of a country and state were hee more pollitike and of greater experience then he was That they were not the first traytors which had deceyued their maisters in the said vnited Prouinces As for the releeuing of Sluce he would maintaine that it was not his fault hauing there in imployed his best endeuors That the three thousand or 2500. men which had beene promised him for supplies and the hundred thousand florins had failed of the which calling the tresorer generall to witnes he had receiued but thirty thousand in ready mony That the said Estates knew well themselues how ill he had bin serued by the sea captaines and officers which had beene giuen him who made him beleeue to diuert him from these succors that if they had past on being before the towne the enemy would from the other side of the Sluce of Bruges sinke all their shippes with his Artillery not-with-standing they were sufficiently informed thre was an other depth vnder the castell where as they might lye without any danger as hee said it appered by the report of captains and soldiars that were come from them of the towne So as he could not put in execution the desire he had to succor it and therefore the blame was not to bee layd vpon him but vpon them that had fayled of their duties and not furnished that which was needfull according vnto that which had beene decreed betwixt him and the Estates Wherevpon after they had layd before him the letters written by him in Iune before out of England to secretarie Iunius tending to fortefie and incorrage such as hee knew affected to his partie in the townes and countries of Holland and Zeeland Descouering thereby that at his returne hee pretended to gouerne and command in the same manner as the Emperor Charles and King Philip his sonne had done and if hee should be restrained of that authoritie that he would abandon the Netherlands quite and retire himselfe into England Wherevpon the Nobilitie and townes of Holland Zeeland and Friseland presented a declaration vnto the Earle in writing dated the twentith day of August which they intended to haue giuen him before but for some good considerations they had forborne to offer it till then Declaring thereby as dutie bound them how much they held themselues bound vnto her Maiestie for her great care of Religion and the good of those countries and that it had pleased her to imploy his Excelencies person seeing that it had not stood with her good liking to take the soueraignty vpon her to whom they would haue yeelded as great respect and subiection as euer they did vnto the Emperor Charles the fift or to any other Prince whatsoeuer but for that they did finde by experience that there are diuers seditious and busie headed fellowes which labour to sowe dissention and to breed discontents betwixt the Estates of these countries and his Excelencie seeking to blemish and disgrace the authoritie of the Estates and to make his Excelencie absolute Gouernor in all respects They let his Excelencie vnderstand to the end that all iealousies and distrusts might bee layed aside and forgotten that they did and do yet vnderstand that for want of a naturall Prince the soueraigntie of those countries returned vnto the Nobilitie Gentlemen and Townes and that after the King of Spaine who heretofore had beene their naturall and soueraigne Lord had left those countries all acts of soueraigntie were lawfully exercised by the Estates and in that manner they had contracted with diuers Princes and namely with her Maiestie and therevpon by a generall consent had giuen vnto his Excelencie the authoritie of Gouernor and Captaine Generall ouer those countries And furthermore to stoppe the mouthes of ill affected and contentious persons they shewed that the Estates were not presented by any priuat persons but by the Nobilitie Gentlemen and Townes so as they are much deceiued which thinke that the Estates consist of certaine priuat persons and that the faults wherewith such men charges them cannot iustly bee imputed to them and the rather for that the Estates haue alwaies conceiued and vnderstood that
more plaine declaration the which they deliuered vpon the twenty foure of October as you shall hereafter see Whilest that matters passed in this manner betwixt the Estates and the Earle of Leicester there grew daily more hart burning and Ielousie betwixt them so as the Earle of Leicester kept not among the Estates but was still resident at Flussing Dordrecht or Vtrecht all things passing betwixt them by messengers who by insinuating did many bad offices and were the greatest cause of all the troubles Besides this alteration there was at that time a great heart-burning betwixt the Earles of Leicester and Hohenlo which the Estates sought to reconcile where-vpon they sent on the eigh-teene of August the Lords of Capell and Noortwick the councellors Cooper and Camminga William Bardesius and Iacob Walck of the councell of estate vnto the earle of Hohenlo being a man much esteemed and beloued of the soldiars to whome the Estates were greatly beholding for many good and valiant seruices who was then at Campfeere in the Iland of Walchren intreating him to come to Midelbourg to the Earle of Leicester to end all controuersies betwixt them and to acknowledge him for gouernor in the behalfe of the Queene of England the which he ought not refuse to doe for that Prince Maurice whose Lieutenant he was had acknowledged him for the gouernor and had promised him faith and obedience To whom Hohenlo answered that he was a free Earle of Germany no way subiect vnto the Netherlands nor tide vnto them by oth and that he had before refused the Arch-duke Mathias and the Duke of Aniou and Brabant and therefore he was not yet resolued to subiect himselfe vnto his Excelence hauing some reasons not to trust him not onely in regard of the difference betwixt them two but also for the quarrell betwixt him and Sir Edward Norris to whome hee imputed the onely cause or at the least that he did mainetaine him therein and made him a knight More-ouer hee said that hee sought to alter the garrisons vnder his command without his priuity and that hee had not kept his word with him in certaine things which he had promised him to do wherevpon being intreated by the deputies for the good wel fare of the contry to be somewhat tractable for that the one or the other must yeeld and to assist them with his aduise and councell Hee said that the vnited Prouinces ought not in any sort to withdraw them-selues from the Queenes Maiesty of England nor from the Earle of Leicester requesting them to giue him an honorable passport that hee might retire him-selfe to his friendes into Germany or else into Denmarke And that it would please them one day to remember the seruices which hee had done to the vnited prouinces during all their warres as well vnto the Prince of Orange Prince Maurice his sonne as vnder the said Earle of Leicester being redy to deliuer vp all the townes castles forts men of warre artillery and other things where hee had any command into the hands of Prince Maurice and the Estates to bee gouerned according to their auncient rights and priuiledes as they were in the time of the Prince of Orange of famous memory The which hee said hee desired for that hee saw that by some sinister practises the country was ill gouerned And that some which did openly bandy them-selues against the soueraignty of the Estates and did thereby pourchase great credit among the people should bee first punished and then banished from court which done and the Estates restored to their former authority hee would willingly apply him-selfe to any thing and acknowledge the said Gouernor but especially the Queenes Maiesty with all honor and obedience so as they should haue no cause to complaine of him intreating them with all not to giue any cause of offence or discontentment vnto her Maiestie The Earle of Hohenloo being intreated to say so much himselfe vnto his Excellency and to doe as Prince Maurice had done he sayd that for that time he could do no more desiring them not to trouble him any further vntill the authority of the Estates were restored and the lawfull priuiledges of the Prouinces maintained as before and touching Prince Maurice hee sayd he was a vassall and subiect but hee was a free Germaine Earle and that they could not compell him vnlesse hee would freely of himselfe consent therevnto and yet hee would continue a friend and well-willer vnto the vnited Prouinces wherein hee had already serued foureteene yeares together and had spent a hundred and fifty thousand Dollers aboue his entertainment in their seruice intreating them to report fauourably of him and so after many other words and honorable protestations the Deputies tooke their leaues This conference was the twenty of August but no good end could be made by reason of the bad offices which were done by some ill Instruments by a mistaking which happened the which bred a great alteration in the country Vpon the twelfe of September the Earle of Leicester aduertised the councell of Estate by his letters sent from Vtrecht that whereas he had brought many souldiers with him out of England for the releefe of Scluce which vntill that time he had maintained without any charge or burthen to the country and being resolued to send them presently backe againe into England hee had beene requested by them to stay them for that they dayly expected the Duke of Parmaes comming to besiege Berghen vp Zoome and hauing kept the sayd soldiers some weekes aboard the ships without any refreshing hee was forced to lodge them in Maselant Sluyse Delfshauen and other places there-abouts in such order and with such pay as he had appointed for them holding it a shame they should make so small esteeme of these English soldiers which aboue her Maiesties ordinary succors were sent vnto them In the meane time he was aduertised that the Earle of Hohenlo about the nine twenty and thirty of September had assembled a great number of soldiers about Williams-stat intending to dislodge his sayd soldiers from Delfs-hauen as one of the chiefe men in Delft had aduertised him whereof hee was not informed by any light reports but by men of such credit as hee could not choose but beleeue it wherevpon hee desired them to take some speedy order therein saying that hee would no longer endure any such indignities that euery man should in that sort haue soldiers by himselfe and that the Earle of Hohenlo did all as it pleased him and therefore he desired to know if they had giuen him any such authority If not then hee wisht them to command all Collonels Captaines Officers and Soldiers to desist from their enterprise presently and from all other factions and to obserue the oth which they had sworne vnto him vpon paine of punishment if they failed therein and that if they delayed to execute his commandement he should be forced according to the authority and
place which hee then had to take order for the same finding that his great patience serued to no other end but to encourage and fortifie the bad and to aduance their leagues and factions thereby to bring those Prouinces into misery and confusion After that he sent an other aduertisement vnto the Councell of Estate how that the Earle of Hohenlo continued still in his former pretence and that he had sent for soldiers out of Naerden and Viana and for certaine horsemen had sent some towards Lillo and to other places all by his owne authority These complaints bred a great alteration among the Councel of Estate and the generall Estates the which did threaten some great inconuenience But ten or twelue daies after vpon good information it was found to bee a meere practise of some pick-thankes and seditious persons for that Prince Maurice being demanded what it meant and they remembring themselues they found that the Earle of Hohenlo had gathered these soldiers together at William-stat to doe some great exployt vpon the enemy about Lillo neere Antwerp whereof Prince Maurice aduertised the Earle of Leicester wherevnto vpon the sixteene of September hee made answer and allowed of the sayd enterprise thanking him for his diligence therein wishing them all good successe But the Earle of Hohenlo being aduertised by some of his friends out of Holland that the Earle of Leicester tooke the pretence of that exploit in euill part he gaue it ouer and sent his soldiers back againe into their garrisons before hee could haue any intelligence of the Earle of Leicesters consent where-by it appeered that all mistakings and other dislikes proceeded onely from falce reports sinister conceits and ielousies the which began before the Earle of Leicesters going out of the vnited Prouinces and increased much in his absence by certaine accidents the which sence his returne were more agrauated and inflamed b◅ reason of the complaints on both sides and for that the Earle of Leicester had had little conference with the estate nor conuerst much with them sence his last comming ouer whereby the affaires of the country were much interessed and little or nothing was effected for want of good correspondency Of all these controuersies the Earle of Hohenlo caused an apology to bee printed whereas all his reasons are set downe at large against the Earle of Leicester answering that which hee had propounded in his declaration of the seauenth of September wherevnto for breuities sake I will referre the reader The Earle of Leicester being much moued with the declaration deliuered him at Dordrecht and with some other occations which past he made an answer in manner of a replycation to the estates being then at Dordrecht bearing date the seauenth of September Shewing that whereas the Queene of England and all other Princes had refused them pittying their estate being zealous to relligion and affecting the ancient law and league betwixt England and the house of Bourgongne had beene moued to ayde and assist them whose Maiesty at their instant su◅e had sent him ouer into those parts vpon whome they had imposed the gouernment thereof the which he preferring the loue he bare vnto those countries before his age which required rest had taken vpon him and did his best endeauor for the good of the common cause but being called into England vpon vrgent causes there happened during his absence the betraying of Deuenter Zutphen the which he excused and much greeued at He shewed moreouer that his honor and authority in those parts had beene brought in question and much restrained and withall that they had written letters vnto the Queene of the forth of February though not with full consent of all the Prouinces not onely to dishonor him thereby in those countries but also to bring him into disgrace with her Maiesty beingful of false slāderous reports yet hauing reconcyled al with her Maiesty he was now returned ouer againe He then excused the losse of Scluis through the want of men and mony which had bin promised laying the blame vpon the officers of the admiralty and the Captaines of ships He made mention of the quarrell betwixt him and the earle of Hohenlo and of the estate of the wars and how they should proceed therein As hee expected some resolution from them of all these things new matters were brought vnto him by their deputies touching the Soueraignty tending to the limitation and diminishing of his authority contrary to the act and the letters sent from Middlebourg vnto her Maiesty by which their shew of smal esteeme and crosse proceding there was great losse to be expected in Gelderland the which he protested ought not to be imputed vnto him being redy to doe his best endeauor to impeach it so as he might haue the men and money that were promised at Middlebourg But vnderstanding that the want of money and deferring of the soldiars was by some imputed to the need and pouerty of the Prouinces as vnable to beare so great a burthen by others to the treaty of peace which her Maiesty had begon with the duke of Parma hee therefore for the better ordring of their affayers to further their resolutions aduised them to make a generall assembly at the Hage and there to consider of their owne power and meanes and whether it were sufficient to maintaine the warres that hee might be certefied by a true information what their meanes were and that in so doing her Maiesty would continue her ayde if not there were no reason that her Maiesty if they were not able to mainetaine their warres should be forced to beare the whole burthen for they might well thinke her maiesty was to consume a great treasor for the defence of her Kingdomes of England and Ireland and that she had warres with the King of Spaine onely for their sakes wherfore if their meanes with her Maiesties succors were not sufficient there was some hope of a peace to be made with the duke of Parma which her maiesty ment not to yeeld vnto And wheras it was giuen forth that at the instance of the king of Denmarke she had proceeded there-in it was a faulse sugiestion the contrary where-of might appeere by her Maiesties sending of Sir Francis Drake into Spaine and his owne returne into the Netherlands so as they were able to proceede therein and yet her Maiestie was not restrained by the contract from any treatie of peace although shee bee content not to seeke any for these countries without their priuity and consent But if they could not raise sufficient means to maintaine their warres he demanded what they would haue him to do therein with her Maiesty or what they desired more If they thought good to continue the gouernment in him according to the act with the ordring of their contributions to bee at his and the councell of Estates disposition and that they could make it apparant vnto him that with her Maiesties ordinary
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
any profit wherefore it seemed expedient to the Princes of Germany not to oppose themselues against so mighty a King who is also one of the Empire being more fit to entertaine his loue and friendship Being very well knowne that some Princes of Germany had beene forward inough to succor the Prince of Orange against the said King whome they would no more incense nor bandy them-selues against him seeing that he pretended not to wrong them but onely to succor a Prince and Archbishoppe elector And the rather for that the French King sought his frendship and the Queene of England had sent her Ambassadors to Bourbourgh in Flanders to treat a peace with him and therefore it was not fit for the Germaines for Truchses pleasure to oppose them-selues against him knowing how their army had sped which they had sent vnto the King of Nauarre Whilest that Schenck was at this diet in Germany the Prince of Chymay was at the seege of Bonne where in the beginning Iohn Baptista Taxis an old soldiar was shot whereof he died and was honorably interred at Cologne they within the towne defended themselues valiantly there commanders being Otto Baron of Potlits Christopher Wolfe and others at the last hauing beene halfe a yeare beseeged and finding that there was no meanes to bee releeued and that more forces came against them vnder the command of the Earle of Mansteldt being sent out of Flanders as soone as euer the Spanish fleet was past vpon the twenty nine of September they yeelded vp the towne the garrison departing with their armes bagge and bagage The beginning of this yeare after the Earle of Leicesters retreat was full of troubles as well in Zeeland as in Holland and Vtrecht for as the said Earle vpon his last returne into England had beene at Campuere whereas he had fortefied the captaines of his party against the Estates as he had don in like manner at Arnemeuyen so as both these townes opposed them-selues against the Prince and the councell of estate refusing to acknowledge any other superiors then the Queene of England and the Earle of Leicester as her Lieutenant wherein Sir William Russell Lord gouernor of Flusshing and of Ramekins for the Queene after the Earles departure entertayned them daily as well by his owne words as by letters hauing commission from her Maiesty to keepe the Captaines and soldiars of those two townes of Campuere and Arnemuyden at her deuotion and the Bourgers them-selues desiring to be vnder her Maiesties command as Flushng was to the end that they might enioy the same priueledges in England that the Flushingers did But such as vnder-stood not the reasons of this negotiation did impute it to some dislike which Sir William Russel now Lord Russell had conceiued against the estates for that presently after the death of Sir Philip Sydney before he was chosen gouernor they had giuen away the Regiment of Zeeland to the Earle of Solms the which said they he expected for that Sir Philip his predecsseor had beene collonel thereof wherevpon they coniectured that hee grew in ielousie of the estates seeking to make himselfe maister of the Iland of Walchren the which was but a coniecture and is disauowed by him-selfe protesting that hee affected the Estates and the good of the generall cause and that hee honored Prince Maurice and the house of Nassau as much as any man And whereas at that time there was some doubt that the Duke of Parma would come into the Iland of Walchren with a great number of smal boats and Pinaces which he caused to bee built in Flanders the Estates thought it fit to send a cornet of horsemen into the Iland Wherevpon the said Sir William Russel required the Estates of Zeeland and after that the councell of estate being at the Hage that his compaine of horse which hee had in garrison at Berghen vp Zoom might be sent thether promising to keepe it in good disciplyne But in the meane time and whilest that hee expected an answer the marshall of Villiers company was sent thether The which did so discontent Sir William Russel as hee sent to Scotland and ouer all the Iland putting it to their owne choyce whether they would haue his companie or that of the Marshall of Villiers who was newly come out of prison from the enemie might be corrupted so as they freely make choyce of his company where-vppon hee writte letters vnto the councell of Estate by the which hee complained much of the wrong was done him in preserring an other company before his which gaue him iust occasion of distrust and to beleeue confidently that they practised some-thing against him For which consideration hee would not suffer that any garrison should enter into Walchren so neere the places of his gouernment saying that they had no reason to wonder if in so turbulent a time hee stood vppon his gard seeing that both his gouernment his honour and his life depended thereon To the which letters the councell of Estate made answer that they were sorry that the sending of the Marshall of Villiers company had giuen him any cause of distrust seeing that according to the Estate of the country and the concurrence of time nothing could happen more preiudiciall vnto them then mutuall iealosies for the which they thought they had giuen him no subiect For as for the said troope of horse it had beene sent by Prince Maurice and not by them hauing proceeded therein according to the order of his pattent and the authority which hee hath as Gouernor of Holland and Zealand onely for the conducting of the Peasants and them of the champian country to the gard of the Sea-coast fearing least the enemie should attempt something For the which seruice three score horses were sufficicient which small number could not attempt any thing against the places of his Gouernment Moreouer they held those horsemen to bee of no seruice there doing more harme then good wherefore they were resolued at prince Maurice returne to speake vnto him to call them backe Intreating him therefore not to importune them any further to haue his company there They said also that the protestation hee made by his letters not to indure any soldiers in Walchren nor about Flushing and Ramekens had much troubled them Hauing also forbidden at Sooetelandt not to receiue any of the Estates soldiers Wherein they would aduertise him that he opposed him-selfe directly to the Contract which they had made with his mistresse the Queene of England extending his authority and command ouer the Champian country of Walchren the which belongs onely to the Gouernor generall or to the particular of the Countrie Wherefore they intreated him in any case to forbeare to attempt any thing to the preiudice of the said contract for the inconueniences that might happen vnto him Intreating him also to lay aside all iealousies and bad impressions which hee might haue conceiued of them the which they neuer
had of him but haue fought to entertaine all good amity and correspondencie with him for the seruice of the Queene his mistresse and the vnited Prouinces assuring him they would neuer indure any thing that should tend to the dis-seruice of her Maiestie and impayring of his charge and authority This answer was dated the second of February This troope of Villiers horse beeing arriued in Walchren the Estates of Zealand had appointed that thirty of them should bee lodged in Middelbourg eighteene at Campuere and twelue at Arnemuyden The Magistrates of Campuere and Arnemuyden refused to receiue them protesting not to receiue any soldiers but such as should be sent by order from the Earle of Leicester their Gouernor generall But not content here-with they made a contract with the Captaines of the garrisons the which they confirmed by oth signed and sent it into England to the Earle of Leicester who was very well pleased with this message The Estates of Zealand seeing the vnwillingnes of these two townes sent the 18. horse which should haue bene at Campuere to a village called Haek the 12. of Arnemuyden to Middelbourg vntill they were imploied elsewhere Here-vpon as wel the General as the particular Estates of the vnited Prouinces seeing these factions the boldnes of the English their Partisans to increase daily and that all garrisons carried them-selues as if they were no more subiect to the Estates not to the preseruatiō of the country hauing considered al things meaning to settle a good order although they were yet much troubled with thē of Medenblick they sent in March Prince Maurice into Zeeland onlie with his houshold traine Being but newly arriued and in conference with the Estates of Zeeland Behold there presently arriues the Lord Charles Howard high Admirall of England with nine or ten shippes of warre bringing with him two hundred and twenty thousand florines to pay the English troupes This sodaine arriuall of so many shippes of warre in such a iealous season made them presently to murmur that hee might make himselfe maister of the Island of Walchren and carry Prince Maurice into England Wherevpon the Prince retired sodenly from Middelbourg and went to the ships of warre which the Estates doe commonly entertaine in the riuer of Antwerp lying before the fort of Lillo whether hee might safely retire himselfe when he pleased The Lord Admiral hearing that the Prince was departed sent Sir Edward Hobby and Peter van Heyl◅ with charge from her Maiesty to treat with him to remooue all iealousies and if it were possible to raise the siege of Medenblike Whereof the Prince excused himselfe honestly referring that businesse to the generall Estates and to them of Holland They of Campuere and Arnemuyden were exceeding glad of the Lord Admiralls comming hoping that he would make him-selfe maister of Walchren and raise the siege of Medenblike But being come to no other end but to conuoy the money safely hauing a faire gale he returned fiue daies after Then came Prince Maurice presently backe to Middelbourg From whence hee did write vnto Sir William Russel by Iames Valcke a Councellor of Estate to consider of the means how to remooue all these distrusts to the seruice of God and of the Queenes Maiestie the prosperitie of the vnited Prouinces and the confusion of their enemies who sought their aduantage in such disorder The signior of Valcke who was a man of iudgement being entred into conference with Sir William Russel he sought to purge himselfe of all that had beene done saying that for his part hee was ready to doe all good offices Wherevpon Valcke went to Campvere whereas Mandemaker the treasorer generall of Zeeland with some others were deteined prisoners promising them all good and fauor if they would acknowledge and obey Prince Maurice as their chiefe and Gouernor but the Captaines would not giue eare to any thing vntill they were first assured of their pay and to continue still in their garrison with some other conditions Sir William Russel excused himselfe also that he might not meddle with the money vnlesse he had other order out of England And in this Estate the affaires stood vntill that the common feare of apparent danger of the Spanish fleet made them to take an other resolution In the meane-time the Queene by the instigation of some that were about her Maiesty who were enemies to the Estates did write vnto the generall Estates charging them that they intreated them of Vtrecht ill and had cruelly proceeded against them of Leyden growing also verie bitter against them of Medenblike whome they held besieged wondring why they should be so rigorous against all those that shewed any loue and affection to her Maiesty which proceeded onelie from a true fealing of the benifits which they had receiued from her with many other like reasons set downe in the sayd letter Wherevnto the Estates answered That they had neuer vsed any other then ciuill and honest admonitions to them of Vtrecht for that they had chased away their best Burgers and committed the gouernment of the towne to strangers who had nothing to loose in the whole countrie As for the matter of Leyden that they had proceeded iudicially as vpon a notorious crime And for Medenblike the mallice of them of the garrison was the cause thereof and therefore they deserued to bee punished Prince Maurice did also write vnto the Queene complayning much that the townes of his inheritance out of the which both hee his Brethren and Sisters and all those of the house of Nassau had their maintenance as Campuere and Geertruydenberg the which alone was worth fortie thousand gilders a yeare rent were fallen into mutiny vnder collour of her Maiesties seruice and in great danger to bee absolutly lost Complayning also that Sir William Russel had charged him to haue ment to attempt against the towne of Flussing and to wrest it out of his hands wherewith he held himselfe to be much wronged desiring that it might bee honorably repaired and that speedily considering the exigence of the cause The Queene considering the danger which consisted in these discontents seeing the Spanish armie at Sea approaching and ready to fall vppon the one or the other the which they could not resist nor preserue the Estate of the country but by good vnion and mutuall correspondencie diuision beeing like to cause the ruine of both shee sent a very kinde answer by her letters to Prince Maurice giuing him all contentment dis-auowing all mutinies as well of the English as of other soldiers that sought to shrowd them-selues vnder the cloake of her seruice and to that end she did also write expresly vnto the Lord Willoughby to Sir Henry Killegrey to Sir William Russell and others as also to the generall Estates By reason whereof the garrisons of Campuere and Arnmuyden were pacified with a certaine summe of money hauing kept the Tresorer Mandemaker a long time prisoner
committed many Insolencies and after-wards cast and the resignation of the Earle of Leicesters gouernment being published all factions and partialities began to cease and the generall Estates to recouer their first authority The Captaines of these mutinies in Campuere and Arnemuyden beeing cashierd and discharged from their garrisons by the Estates thought them-selues to be very hardly dealt withall after their long seruice for the which hauing long solicited the Estates who little regarded them In the end in the yeare 1590. they sent a petition vnto the Queene of England shewing the many yeares they had spent in the Estates seruice and how faithfull they had continued till that vpon the seauenth of September 1587. when as the Earle of Leicester went from thence into England they were commanded without an expresse commission from her maiestie or himselfe not to depart out of their garrisons with their soldiers according to their oth of fidelity taken in that case to her Maiestie the Earle of Leicester and the generall Estates with a promise that if the Estates should refuse to pay them that shewing their due obedience to him hee would in the Queenes behalfe giue them their intertainment Where-vppon for the better defending of their towne by the aduice of Sir William Russell they had increased their compâ—…ies twenty fiue and thirty men a peece for the which they receiued money of Sir William Russell to bestow vppon their soldiars all for her Maiesties seruice who by her letters of the twenty foure of February 1588. charged them to credit and to follow the aduice of the said Sir William Russell who had also both by word of mouth and by letters which they shewed desired them to continue constant in their resolution as they had done and were yet ready to liue and dye in her Maiesties seruice After which it pleased her Maiestie by the Lord Willoughby and Sir Henry Killegrey to discharge them of their oth with command to bee obedient vnto the Estates of the vnited Prouinces So as they entred into treaty with Prince Maurice and the Estates which contract was not held with the Captaines her said supplyants but to the contrary they were discharged from their garrisons and their companies entertainments and after-reckonings taken from them and all for the faithfull seruice they had done vnto her Maiestie and so were fallen into disgrace with Prince Maurice and the Estates forgetting all their former seruices whereby they had as then lost all their credits honors and reputations in regard whereof they desired her Maiesties fauor and aid and to bee accepted into her seruice This petition was signed by Captaine Ioos vanden Ende Cor nellis Palant and Peter de Costere the like was made by the other Captaines as Ambrosio le Duck Adrian Ost others all desiring to serue vnder the English Collonels but they obtained small recompence from the Queene who thought it not to stand with her honor to intertaine such Captaines against the liking of the Estates for that her owne English soldiers were by vertue of the contract bound by oth vnto the Estates yet she gaue her Agent commission to intreat the Estates for them and to deale in their behalfes But they will haue their authorities knowne and better obserued by punishing of such offenders for example to others The Estates of the vnited Prouinces beginning now againe to florish in their authorities thereby to resume their superior command as in former times the Earle of Leiceister hauing resigned his place of Gouernor And for that there was scarce any in England fit for such a gouernment in whome did concurre the knowledge to gouerne in ciuill causes to make war against so mighty an enemie wherefore many in England were of aduice to suffer the Netherlands to gouerne and to follow the wars them-selues and the Queene onely to ayd them with money or else to pay her owne soldiers whereby they might maintaine their owne Prouinces in vnitie But others especially such as had intertainment in the Netherlands vnder the Earle of Leicester sought to perswade the Queene that the vnited Prouinces by meanes of the confused gouernment among them decayed dayly more and more and went to ruine so as all her money would be lost and she her selfe left in great hatred with the King of Spaine vnlesse she would take the soueraignty or absolute protection vpon her by her Lieutenant with ful authority but it was hard to finde a Gouernor among them with al quallities fit for such a charge especially for that soone after in Septem the Earle of Leicester dyed of whome there was great hope that he should haue bene sent againe for Gouernor with limited authority some others likewise at the same time were named as the Lord Willoughby hauing then had some experience of those countries the Lord Gray of Wilton and Sir Iohn Norrice but they were not held capable for so great an office of State Yet the Earle of Leicesters fauorites perswaded them-selues that all things would bee well gouerned by some English Gouernor and the Councell of Estate hauing two English Councellors in it certaine Englishmen also in the tresory all vnder the Queenes authority according to the contract made in the yeare 1588. And so they were of opinion that the countries might be well gouerned and incorporated vnder her in some sort acknowledging the generall Estates and the Prouinciall Gouernors especially for the leuying of the contributions But the generall Estates duly weighing all things although at that instant they were ingaged in great difficulties held that kinde of gouernment to be very vncertaine knowing the English to be vnacquainted with the affaires of that State The Queene being a woman and then of good yeares that her maiestie was not ambitious but onely sought to gouerne well and wisely and to secure her selfe and her owne Estate And if that they should rely onely vpon the assistance of her Maiestie her followers who had nothing to loose within their countries they feared that vppon some sodaine disaster they might be scorned abandoned as they were continually threatned when as any thing fell out otherwise then was expected or else they should be perswaded to hearken to a peace contrary to their mindes or haue dayly causes of distrusts giuen the Englishmen seeking all the preferment the Estates being loath to be serui seruorum where-vpon they resolued to continue in their authorities and to maintaine the same as well as they might But newes came dayly of the comming of the Spanish fleete which made both parties to incline to a good vnion in these dangerous times they were incited there-vnto by certaine counters that were made On the one side whereof there was grauen two Oxen plowing parted with the armes of England of the Netherlands with this inscription Trahite aequo iugo That is draw euenly On the other side were two earthen pots driuen vppon the waues of the Sea with this
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
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
being Gouernor generall hauing ended this former controuersie it happened that certaine men some-what addicted to the Romish religion and others being chiefe rulers in the sayd Towne good common-weales men and such as had furthered the vnion of Vtrecht with Holland and beene carefull of the well-fare of their countrie were charged with certaine practises against the vnitie of the Church for the which through the Earle of Leicesters countenance and authoritie they were not onely sent out of the Towne but banished out of the Netherlands as you haue heard and commanded to remaine in newtrall places choosing new officers at their owne pleasure which bred great dissention in the Towne the which continued two yeares The Estates of the vnited Prouinces fearing that the enemie was a great meanes to maintaine this diuision in Vtrecht hoping thereby to breed some greater faction and disorder among them finding that diuerse of the chiefe actors were strangers in the towne and territories of Vtrecht in the which they had no lands to loose whereby they had the lesse care for the wel-fare of the same and that the best townes-men and such as were most carefull for the State were banished from thence they sought by all good meanes and intreaties to haue the banished men restored to their houses goods and offices which had beene taken from them which being by no meanes granted vpon mature deliberation and aduise they practised all the secret meanes they could being there-vnto sollicited by the sayd banished persons to place soldiers in the Forts of the sayd territories and especially in Vtrecht to secure the same fearing that if the enemie should besiege the Towne wanting the best Bourgers and the rest in diuision and with a small garrison that it might bee soone taken being most certaine that the intruded officers fearing to bee displaced would not bee perswaded vpon any extremitie to receiue any ayde from them of Holland and for that they of Vtrecht were growne iealous of these practises they were the more carefull to defend themselues against them of Holland then against their common enemy For this cause the Estates of the vnited Prouinces commanded Adolph Earle of Moeurs c. Gouernor of Gelderland Vtrecht and Oueryssell to keepe within Vtrecht and to put in practise their secret desseignes seeking all oportunitie to effect the same To which end on the seauenth of October this yeare 1588. when as the ancient custome of the Towne was to bee obserued and their Magistrates changed they of the Towne had sent their deputies into England to bee recommended from thence for the continuance of their places but the Earle of Leicester being dead and they finding but small assistance there it seemes for that the Queene had beene otherwise informed by the Earle of Moeurs who had likewise sent into England about the same businesse they were deceiued of their expectation so as the fift of October the Towne being full of trouble and dissention the Captaines of the towne desired the Senate and the Captaines of the garrison to haue libertie to make inquiry in all places of the causes of these rumors and to certifie the Bourguemaisters thereof which beeing granted them insteed of pacifying all disorders they secretly practised how to effect their pretended enterprise and to fortifie them-selues the which they began to put in practise the same euening thinking that night to seaze vpon some of the contrary faction and to put them in prison without the priuitie of the Bourguemaister or the Earle of Moeurs where-with the Earle being made acquainted being very circumspect hee secretly began to fortifie him-selfe with diuerse Captaines Commanders and friends which hee had within the towne keeping a strong garde about his house as if hee feared some attempt against his person calling the townes-men to ayde him the other Captaines of the towne who had taken armes and placed them-selues in garde about the towne at ten of the clock in the morning sent for their Bourguemaister Prouinck otherwise called Deuenter vnto the 〈◊〉 house who being come thether hee first tooke order that the chiefe leaders of the contrary watch should not bee molested but bee brought into the Towne-house and there kept vnder the protection of Iustice assembling the Senate to know the cause of this alarum and to pacifie it But in the meane time the Earle of Moeurs authoritie was of such force among the Townes-men by reason of the generall discontent betwixt the soldiers and them as they perceiuing the Earle to bee armed the one halfe stood still and the other halfe followed him so as hee preuailed ouer them of the towne and as Captaine Iulian Claerhagen who lay with his company in the sayd towne hearing of this tumult was going vnto the Towne-house hee was sodenly thrust into the body yet hee dyed not of the wound his company and the company of Mounsieur Villiers stood still and so did the English horsemen who tooke part with neither side by this meanes the tumult was presently appeased which being done the Bourguemaister Prouincke was brought from the Towne-house and committed prisoner to the Earles lodging and after that the Scout Trillo and one of the Captaines of the watch the next day the Earle tooke order for the gouernment of the towne according to their ancient priuiledges and not long after the banished men returned home againe First taking an othe not to seeke any reuenge in regarde of their banishment but to liue louingly and quietly together Many witnesses were produced against the sayd Bourguemaister who was examined vpon diuers interrogatories and after fortie two weekes imprisonment set at liberty and the rest likewise so as the towne and territories of Vtrecht were once againe reconciled to Holland conforming them-selues in all things with the rest of the vnited Prouinces wherein the Earle of Moeurs did very good seruice and behaued himselfe well Now I must returne to the siegeof Berghen the Duke of Parma seeing the repulse which the Marquis of Renty had receiued at the Iland of Ter-Tolen and that hee could not impeache the succours which might bee sent vnto the besieged by sea out of Holland and Zeeland and finding that the siege would bee long and tedious hee entertained a practise for the deliuering vp of the great North Sconse which stands at the head of the hauen the discourse whereof I haue thought good to set downe plainely as I had it from the chiefe actor himselfe both in regarde of himselfe who is very neere vnto mee and of the Historie to the which it doth belong but most of all to satisfie such as eyther ignorantly or maliciouslie haue detracted from this seruice sugiesting a meere falsehood and vntruth the which he offers to maintaine by all the courses fitte for a Gentleman and a soldier and this was the manner of it The Duke of Parma hauing marched from Dunkerke through Brabant with his armie being betwixt twentie and thirty thousand strong hee sent certaine
the Estates gaue the gouernment of the towne Castel and territory of Breda to Heraugiere captaine Lambert Charles was made Sargeant maior and the other captaines and priuat soldiars ech had one of the said peeces of gold with a summe of mony giuen him and promise of preferment when time and occasion serued ech one in his degree The scippers were also rewarded with pensions during their liues and other preferments The towne was presently prouided for out of Holland according to the order before taken by Mounsire Barneueldt of all things necessary for a yeare and a halfe and that was done within lesse then ten daies placing therein foure hundred horse and one thousand and two hundred foote the Bourgers likewise reduced them-selues into fiue companies and kept watch among the soldiars vnder their leaders The Estates gaue vnto Heraugiere a cup of siluer and guilt made like a boat with the which he did this exployt with other rich presents The tenth of March Charles Earle of Mansfeldt went out of Antwerp with good troupes of horse and foote to lie about Breda to stoppe their incursions and to keepe the peasants from spoyling who presently put garrisons into Osterhout Ternigh and other conuenient places and tooke Seuenberghen where they vsed great cruelty At Heyden a village betweene Seuenberghen and Breda hee built a great Sconse with a bridge ouer a water called Mercke whereby to stoppe the passage by water to Breda thinking thereby to keepe it from victualls and other necessaries In May he beseeged Nordam Sconse lying vpon the water by Seuenberghen where at that time Captaine Mathyas Heâ—…t was gouernor he was in the turfe boate at the taking of Breda vpon the thirteene and fourteenth of May he battred it with seauen peeces of Ordinance hauing spent at the least twelue hundred shotte hee gaue a very fierce assault and brought a great shippe before the Fort placing many musketiers in the toppe of the Castell to driue them within the Fort from their defences making diuers bridges to gette to the walles to giue an assault and in that manner hee attempted it twise but his men were valiantly repulst with the losse of two Italien Captaines Horatio Fontana of Modena and Iohn Francisco Pagano a Neapolitaine with diuers others and some Netherlanders of very good accompt hee lost at this assault at the least sixe or seauen hundred men the losse was the greater by reason that fire fell into the shippe and burnt both it and al the men within it wherevpon he was forced to leaue the Sconse and to retyre with many wounded men so as Captaine Mathias Helt wone great honor and the Estates soone recouered Sevenberghe and the Castell In the meane time the vnited Prouinces had gathered togither a small armie vnder the commaund of Prince Maurice and the Earle of Hohenlo who marched into the Betuwe and incamped ouer against Nymeghen where-vppon the point of the Riuer of Wahall they began to build a great Sconse to keepe the towne from prouision on that side The Earle of Mansfeldt finding him-selfe to weake to fight with them came to Nymeghen finding that the Prince intended to make a Sconse there hee planted certaine Ordinance within Nymeghen which draue them from their worke and battered it downe Then hee went and lodged in the land of Cuyck along the Riuer of Meuse and Prince Maurice stayed all that Summer thereabouts to make vp his Sconse both in the view and in dispight of the Ordinance of Nymeghen who by the Earles commandement shotte continually against it and yet in the end of Iuly it was finished and made reasonable strong the which they called Knodsenbourgh in dispight of the Knodsendragers of Nymeghen for so were the townsemen of Nymeghen called when they grew contentious and brought the Knodsen into the streets It was victualled and furnished of all thinges for sixe monethes wherein there were foure or fiue hundred men placed vnder Gerrard of Yough after that he laie in the Betuwe and made the Riuer of Wahall his defence meaning in time by continuall shooting to tyer them of Nymeghen and to that end from Bomell to the Tole-house or Shencks Sconse hee placed soldiers and by the ayde of some shippes of warre kept the Riuer of Wahal to stoppe the enemies passage for that the Earle of Mansfeldt lying in Cuick and dayly growing stronger made a shew as if hee would passe the Riuer of Wahal they of Nymeghen importuning him therevnto who otherwise by reason of the Sconse were very much weakened The Estates caused a new Chanell to bee cutte crosse the Betuwe to drawe the water of the Rhyne into the VVahal beneath Nymeghen and defended it on either side with good bankes that they might ascend and descend the Riuer of Rhyne by the VVahal without any danger of Nymeghen By this chanell and the bankes the lower Betuwe vnto Dordrecht is greatly defended from Inundations they spent most part of this Summer in building of the Fort of Knodsenberg and in making of this Chanell The Estates made also an other strong Fort in the Iland of Voren by Herwerden aboue Bomel the which was done by the Earle of Solms whereby they of Gelderland as much as was before vnited with the other Prouinces receiued Prince Maurice for their Gouernor the rest by the King of Spaines command was gouerned by the Marquis of Varrenbon a Bourguignon In Friseland certaine inhabitants of the town of Groning made a motion vnto the Queene of England to receiue them into their protection which she refused to doe and yet shee caused her Secretary to commaund Sir Francis Veer who lay then about Doesborgh with his English regiment to take some order for them with William Earle of Nassau and the councell of Estate and although they had assembled about three thousand foote yet they of Groning would receiue no garrison into their towne but without it they offred to deliuer certaine places if they thought well thereof vpon condition that they would not by any meanes treate with the Estates but with the Queene of England wherevpon they brake off And for that Verdugo their Gouernor had more men sent vnto him from the Duke of Parma hee complayned by his letters of the fifteeneth day of March which were intercepted that his souldiars mutined for money and that in steed of money they had sent him more men whereas hee sollicited the Duke of Parma chiefely for money so that as then hee had three score and fiue companies of foote and fiue Cornets of Reistres but at the last hauing found meanes to pacefie his souldiars hee tooke the sâ—…onse of Immentil part of the garrison beeing gone forth about an enterprize from thence hee went to Nieuwelt which made William Earle of Nassau to go to field hauing some troupes sent vnto him from the campe before Nymeghen vnder the leading of the Earle of Ouerstein and incamped at Colum Verdugo lying
Brusselles the which was so rich and stately as if the naturall Prince of the country had bene come with an exceeding great charge in all sorts of splendor by liuely representations try umphant Arches Pyramids tables pictures with other excessiue sumptuousnes the which continued three daies most part of the towne neglecting their worke At the end whereof he called the Estates of those Prouinces which hee was to command to Court to acquaint them with his commission and the authority he had from the King for the gouernment of those countries as his Lieutenant Gouernor and Captaine generall ouer them whereof the letters were publickly read The Earle of Mansfeldt to whome by the death of the Duke of Parma the said gouernment had beene committed by prouision rising from his place deliuered his charge into his hand which done both hee and all the Noblemen and States there present did sweare all fidelitie and obedience vnto him in the Kings name The second of February they of the garrison of Groning through the fauour of the Ice made a braue enterprize vpon the great Fort of Delfziel they came along a causey where there was no ditch at the rampar but what was on that side shut vp onely with a pallisado the which they had pulled downe before that they of the Fort could discouer it or put them-selues in armes so as part of the vndertakers had already gotten to the toppe of the rampar But they were presently so furiously repulst as the combat continued aboue two houres And by very good fortune there was one of the Estates shippes of warre with sixteene peeces of Ordinance which shotte in flanke through them or Groning made a great spoile of them so as they were forced to retire with great losse For at their retreat they carried away fiue and thirty sleddes laden with dead bodies and wounded men Doubtlesse without that ship of warre those of the Fort had bene in great danger to haue bene forced but they escaped with the losse of one Captaine and some fifteene or sixteene soldiers besides those that were very sore hurt The Estates about that time to augment their armie made a leuie of a regiment and some Germaine horse vnder the commaund of the young Earle Iohn of Nassau And in like manner the Queene of England did suffer them to raise a new regiment of English vnder the command of Sir Francis Veer Generall of all the English in the States seruice The same moneth of February the Prince had an enterprise vpon the towne of Boisleduc in Brabant which was too much discouered Yet hee was in those parts with good troopes as if he had more disseignes in hand in that quarter to keepe the Spaniards by that meanes from passing into Friseland to succor Verdugo but hee suddainly fell vpon the towne of Maistricht as we will presently shew In March whilest that the Nobilitie and all the Arch-dukes Court at Brusselles dreampt of nothing but sportes Iusts and Tourneys newes came that Prince Maurice and the confederate Estates prepared to go before Boisleduc Where-vpon the Arch-duke hauing assembled his Councel to resolue what was to bee done all that Sommer following it was concluded to raise two armies one to hinder the Princes entry into Brabant and the other to make warre in France by Landercy whereof the Earle of Mansfeldt had the charge The 19. of the moneth the Estates of the vnited Prouinces published an Edict prohibiting all Libelles paâ—…ils and scandalous writings as well against Religion as against the State inioyning al Printers not to print any thing before it were visited by them that had authority and to keepe their originall coppies to conferre them with their impressions and to see if sence the visitation there had beene any thing added that was worthy of censure and withall to put to the names of the authors And that by the tenth of April following they should appeere and sweare to obserue the orders contayned in the said Edict with a prohibition to all persons residing vnder the Iurisdiction of the said Estates not to make any assemblies where Masse should be said or any exercise of the Romish Religion celebrated vpon the penalities set downe in the edict nor to carry any other then a secular habit vpon paine of confiscation thereof to their benifit to whom the Magistrate should appoint it Moreouer forbidden all schooles which shall not be allowed by the Magistrates Bailiffs or Lords of the place holding heigh and base Iustice or by their officers and Iudges And the said schoole-maisters not to teach their Deciples any bookes contrary to the Christian doctrine and the reformed relligion vpon the penalties conteined in the said Edict In the same moneth on Michael Renichon an Apostat priest being come to Breda was descouered first vpon suspition and commited to prison Being examined be confest that hee was come thether to murther Prince Maurice or his young Brother vpon which confession he was sent by the Seignor of Heraughiere Gouernor of Breda vnto the generall Estates at the Hage in Holland where being conuicted he was condemned to die His whole confession you may read in his sentence as followeth Whereas Michel Renichon borne at Templours and Curat of Boissiere in the country of Namur prisoner at this present hath confest being deliuered from the torture and hath sufficiently appeered that being disguized in the habit of a soldiar he parted from Brussells the fourth of March with letters from Cont Floris of Barlaimont and from thence hee went to Lovuain Dyest Herentall and Tournhout where through fauour of the said letters he had a conuoy to bring him to Breda where being arriued the twelth of the said moneth he deliuered vnto the Gouernor of the said place certaine letters of the Earle of Barlaimonts directed vnto Captaine Langon who had sometimes commanded in the Castle of Tournhout conteining that the bearer was come thether by the expresse commandement of the Archduke Ernestus of Austria The said prisoner declaring also that he had beene charged to descouer vnto the gouernor some enterprize vpon the towne of Breda the which hee did collour with certaine vnlikely reasons wherein he did persist saying that he had beene some yeares secretary to the Abbot of Marolles and that a little before hee had beene aduanced to be Secretery to the sayd Earle of Barlaimont the which he afterwards confest to be but an inuention of his yet would he not declare the causes why he was come thether till that on the first of Aprill being brought to the Hage he had attempted to hang himselfe with his arming points tied to a barre in the prison where he was found halfe dead hauing the bloody markes of a halter about his necke and his speech much impayred And that the said prisoner the second day of the moneth and sence at diuers times had confest as well by mouth as by his owne hand writing And on the twenty day
enemies to the country Where-vpon followed the vnion and confederation made at Gant in Nouember 1075. betwixt all the Prouinces of the Netherlands for the preseruation of their rights liberties priuiledges and freedomes It is well knowne to all men how disloyally and fraudulently this vnion was approued by the Spaniards and what fraud and deceipt was vsed in it The letters of Escouedo the breach of Don Iohns oth the manifest declaration of the Councell of Spaine brought by the Baron of Selles and deliuered at Macklyn togither with the negotiation treated at Lovuain in the presence of the Ambassadours of many Princes and Potentates might giue sufficient testimonie in the yeares 1577. and 78. It is also well knowne how deceiptfully shamefully absurdly and preiudiciall the Assemblie held concerning a peace in the Cittie of Cologne ended During the which not onely the Prouinces of Arthois and Henault with some priuate townes were seduced and drawne to a particular treatie but they also vsed all kinde of violences against the good towne of Maeistricht hauing many secret and false practises in the other Prouinces townes and members of the same to breed some alteration and bring them to their ruine It is also well knowne what trickes they haue vsed to circumvent them of Flanders what goodly presentations they made vnto them and yet how mournefull and lamentable the issue was Whereto did the treatie of peace tend in the yeare 1587. and 88. and what deceipt or rather violence was hidden vnder it the great Armadoe of Spaine which arriued during this treatie the which was held at Bourbourc all defeated and sunke by the powrefull hand of that great GOD hath sufficiently shewed since in the yeare 1591. the disseignes of a peace procured a new by the Emperor beeing intreated therevnto by the King of Spaine with all these Netherlands haue bene discouered by the armies sent from time to time out of the said countries against the French King whereby we may more amplie obserue that the Spaniards and their adherents in all their wars do make the aduancement of the Romish religion their pretext But if they will confesse the truth they labour for nothing but to settle and confirme their pretended Monarchie to domineere ouer all Christendome and to spoile all Kings Princes and common weales of their rights and lawfull prerogatiues as it appeared in the behalfe of the Queene and Realme of England by that proud and mighty armie in 88. of the which they did publikely sing the triumph before the victorie the which they caused to be printed and published And if we will looke into the warre and negotiation of France from that yeare vnto this day and especially in that they sought to transferre the Crowne of France not onely from the lawfull King and all the Princes of the bloud but also from the French nation into that of Spaine vnder the name of their Infanta The which the Duke of Feria and other Spanish Ministers treated there by commaundement from the Councell of Spaine it requires no other proofe but the decree giuen in the Parlament of Paris and their Iustifications which are falne from their League Many letters intercepted and the effects doe witnesse that their practises vsage of the countries of Cologne Strausbourg the Duchies of Iuilliers Cleues and Mont and likewise of the good towne of Aix tended to no other end Finally how often hath it bene countermined by the chiefe Princes of Italie In what esteeme do they hold the conquest of Holland and Zealand ioyned with the other Prouinces to make Sedem belli of them or rather an assured Rendez-vous for all Christendome So as they had rather quit some part of Christendome to the Turke then abstaine from making war against the Netherlands or to withdraw any part of their soldiers which are appointed against them Finally how they doe handle the Emperour the Princes Electors the Potentates of Germany yea all the Estates of Christendome onely for the aduancement of this generally Monarchie of Spaine appeares plainely by the letters signed with the King of Spaines owne hand whereof the Coppie translated is here-vnto annexed the Originall remayning in this Court which letters doe also make mention of the poynt propounded by his Highnesse Which is that the intention of the Councell of Spaine is that his Highnesse should treat sincerely of the affaires of Christendome and namely to leaue the Netherlands in peace for that it appeares by them that the Earle of Fuentes Don William of Saint Clement and Sephano D'ybarra all three of them Spaniards are appoynted to bee his chiefe councellers in matters of the Netherlands with charge that the said strangers should instruct his Highnesse in which of the Noblemen of the Countrie hee might trust how hee should gouerne the Prouinces and how he should gouerne the Prouinces and how hee should subdue those which are vnited and confederate The Estates doubt not but his Highnesse hath vnderstood that of late through the Instigation of the Earle of Fuentes and of Stephano d'Ybarra Doctor Lopes Phisition to the Queene of England vpon promise which they made vnto him of fifty thousand crownes had vndertaken to poyson her Maistie who hauing accused Emanuel Louis Tynoca and Stephano Ferreira Digama as adherents to this execrable murther were all executed As also the said Fuentes and Ybarra had plotted by the hands of Emanuel Andrada who had vndertaken it to poyson the French King with a nosegay of flowers or roses without any poulder and yet with so subtill a poyson as the smelling thereof should cause his death without remedy Speaking nothing of that which shall be found in the difinitiue processe of Michel Renichon who calles him-selfe Triuteres a Priest of Namur who two moneths sence disguized in a soldiars habit had beene sent from Brussells into these vnited Prouinces together with other murtherers corrupted to that end to murther my Lord Prince Maurice of Nassau borne Prince of Orange yea and his excellencies youngest brother being but ten yeares old studying in the vniuersity of Leyden not to take him away as they did the Prince of Orange and Earle of Buren that now is his elder Brother out of Lovuain by violence against the rights and preuiledges of the country and against the lawes of Nations but in effect to murther him after the same manner that the councell of Spaine caused there father of happy memory to be slaine whereby his heighnes and all the world may vndoubtedly know by what people and by what meanes the good inhabitants of the country are circomuented and how little the Estates can be abused when they shall iudge that the present offers of a treaty of peace on the Spaniards behalfe shall proceed out of the same affection and shoppe that the precedent did which are formerly mentioned And rather for that in respect of their maiesties of France and England allies to these countries matters will appeer more heinous and pernitious then euer so
the repeopling of this towne he graunted goodly priuiledges and gaue land by inheritance to them that would build and inhabit there with immunitie of excises and customes for certaine yeares and accommodating the garrison as well as he could It is vncertaine what numbers were slaine during this siege of Oostend yet it is sayd that there was found in a commissaries pocket who was slaine before Oostend the 7 of August before the yeelding thereof diuers remarkable notes and obseruarions and among the rest what number died without in the archdukes campe of euery degree Masters of the campe 7. Colonels 15. Sergeant maiors 29. Captaines 565. Lieutenants 1116. Ensignes 322. Sergeants 1911. Corporals 1166. Lanspisadoes 600. Soldiers 54663. Marriners 611. Women and children 119. All which amount to 72124 persons Which number is not so great considering the long siege sicknesse and the cold winters vpon the sea coast in so cold a clymat fighting against the elements It is vnknowne what number died in the towne the which is thought was much lesse for that there were not so many in the towne who were better lodged had more ease and were better victualed At the same time about three hundred horse of the vnited estates made a sudden incursion into the countrey of Luxembourg whereas they surprized the towne of Arlon the which they spoyled a whole day together at their pleasures then carying away their bootie and many good prisoners they came to Duyts right against Cologne where hauing shipt their goods and prisoners they sent them by the Rhin into Holland and they returned by land into the vnited prouinces to their garrisons The Marques Spinola hauing as we haue sayd finished the siege of Oostend and wonne thereby much honour and reputation he was sent by the archdukes into Spaine as well to giue an account of his actions as to procure a new prouision of money and to receiue the reward of his seruices from the king the which were such as at his audience in the kings chamber his maiesty saluted him with the name of duke of Saint Seuerino whereof he gaue him the title he made him lieutenant generall to the archdukes in the Netherlands gaue him the earledome of Vogira in the duchie of Milan in Italie with a pension of twelue thousand crownes a yeere for his diet commanding he should be put in the number of the Grandos of Spaine besides other goodly rewards which the king gaue him Sluce being taken Lodowike Gunther earle of Nassau who had maried the countesse of Walckenstein and Broeke being sicke died in Sluce this Lodowike was the sonne of old Iohn earle of Nassau and brother to William and Ernest earles of Nassau being a gallant yong earle and one that was much lamented hauing been employed in many great enterprizes and at the same time prince Maurice and diuers others were also sicke In remembrance of the long siege of Oostend and the winning of Sluce there were certaine counters made in the vnited prouinces both of siluer and copper the one hauing on the one side the picture of the towne of Oostend and on the other the townes of Rhinberke Graue Sluce Ardenbourgh and the forts of Isendyke and Cadsant with this inscription round about it Plus triennio obsessa hostirudera patriae quatuor ex me vrbes dedi Anno 1604. Oostend being more than three yeeres besieged gaue the enemie a heape of stones and to her natiue countrey foure townes Another counter hauing on the one side the siege of Sluce with this inscription Traxit duxit dedit Anno 1604. On the other side were the armes of Zeeland and round about it Beatus populus cuius adiutor deus The towne of Vtrecht did also make a triumphant peece of coyne both of gold and siluer where on the one side stood the siege of Oostend and on the other the siege of Sluce all the forts and hauens and on both sides round about was grauen Iehoua prius dederat plus quam perdidimus 1604. The king of England being quietly seated in the royall possession of the crowne the king of Spaine and the archdukes had sent their embassadours into England to make an ouerture of a peace as wee formerly shewed and this yeere on the nineteenth of May certaine commissioners came into England to that end during the siege of Oostend and Sluce for the Archdukes came the earle of Arembergh sir Iohn Richardot president and sir Lewis Vereycken secretarie of estate and for the king of Spaine came Alexander Rouido doctor and councellor for the king in Milan who had in his company as an assistant Martin de la Falia Baron Van Niuele but Dom Ioan Fernandes de Velasco Constable of Castilia and Leon duke of Frias eaâ—… of Hara c. councellour of estate and for the warres had only full power and authority to conclude for the king of Spaine who remaining sicke at Wynoxberghen in Flanders by vertue of his commission gaue authoritie to Ioan Baptista Taxis earle of Villa Mediana and to doctor Rouido to treat What followed in this treaty I thinke it needlesse to insert here being so well knowne to euery man After the conclusion of this peace betwixt England Spaine and the archdukes the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces called sir Noel Caron their agent then resident in England to come home into Holland and to acquaint them with the estate of England since the peace with Spaine whereupon the king gaue him letters of recommendation with certaine instructions concerning the money which was owing by the vnited prouinces vnto the crowne of England the king desiring that embassadours should be sent ouer vnto him to that end the which was done accordingly The general Estates returned sir Noel Caron back into England giuing him the title of their embassador and commission to cary himselfe so in all places the which made many to wonder and the Spanish embassador to storme who presently demanded audience and made his complaint vnto the king of the wrong was thereby done vnto the king his master who was dishonored thereby contrary to the league and friendship which was then betwixt them desiring that all accesse vnto the court in that quality might be denied him as being sent from such persons as had traiterously fallen from their lord soueraigne prince with many other bitter words and full of spleene To whome the king of England made answere That hee was not yet informed of any such matter and that when as hee should be fully certified thereof he would make him an honorable and a reasonable answer and afterwards vpon conference with his councell he told the Spanish embassadour that he had no knowledge of the Estates resolution but yet he thought it good to let him know that by the contract of peace made with Spaine all neutrality with the Netherlands was allowed him saying moreouer that as he was no author of their separation from Spaine so would he not
thousand and that within eight or ten daies vpon paine of military execution They did also taxe the Abbat of Cornelis Munster at sixeteene thousand ricx Dallers but the refusing it did leuie men muster vp all his subiects to resist them But soone after there camâ—… an assignation out of Spaine for six hundred thousand Ducats to be paied in sixe moneths so as the mutines were satisfied according to the agreement they had made with the Archdukes and had leaue to depart freely where they pleased yea eight hundred of them that were last proclaimed were to depart the countrie within foure and twenty houres So as such as were in Flanders retired some to Calais and some into Picardie for that their heads were rated euery one according to his qualitie These are the preiudiciall fruites of mutinies who in the end after much harme and mischiefe done must needs be payed To end the troubles betweene the Earle of East-freezeland and the towne of Embden this yeare certaine mediators tooke vpon them to deale therein as the King of England by a Gentleman called Mr. Ralph Winwood now a Knight who lay at the Hage for the said King and certaine Deputies for the Estates as Iohn Baâ—…el Iacob Boelissen Vitus Caninga and Abel Coenders van Helpen who propounded certaine articles vnto both parties as to hold and obserue the last treatie â—…ade in the Hage and all other treaties decrees and contracts to remaine in full force with-out preiudice or innouation of those of Embden and touching ciuill actions namely the order concerning money and the yearely acknowledment of all that is contained in the first article of the accorde made as also the ciuill controuersies and actions concerning the iurisdiction they should bee left to the disposition and deciding of the cordinary iudge without preiudice to any man That they of Embden according to the decree made in the Hage should restore the Ordinance and other things which they had gotten Further that thâ—…y of Embden should suffer the Earle to enter and yeeld vnto him the imposts of the wines and the iust halfe of the forfeitures that should bee made vntill those matters were otherwise determined and decided That the Commander and those of the garrison should maintaine them-selues by Hunting Fowling and Fishing as well by land as by water and to that end and purpose the Earle should without refusall giue the Burgers of Embden conuenient letters for the seas and intreat for the prisoners that they with their shippes and goods might bee released in euery place That the Earle should promise to suffer them of Embden to enioy the benefit of neuteralitie both by water and by land and to doe all that belonged vnto a good Lord and Soueraigne Commander Lastly that all extraordinary exactions should cease and be called in againe and all offences and iniuries should bee remitted and quite forgotten and from thence-forth a good peace and vnity entertained on both sides These are the principall points that were set downe and propounded vnto both parties by the said Committies and with their consents agreed vnto the which were found and confirmed by them to be reasonable and good hoping they should bee held and well obserued and if it fell out that the said Earle or those of Embden did breake this accord the said Committies should mooue the King and the generall Estates to reuenge such iniuries by force and by no meanes permit any thing to bee done to the contrary this was concluded in the Hage vpon the tenth of Nouember 1606. and signed by the said Committies after the which they of Embden deliuered the Earle his Ordinance and other munition which had beene taken from him Vpon the tenth of Ianuary 1607. the Earle caused the said agreement to be openly proclaimed The last of Ianuary 1607. at the earnest request and intercession of the Townesmen of Groning it was agreed by the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces that the Castle made there to keepe the towne in awe should bee opened and throwne downe towards the Towne at such a time when as euery man did iudge it was not to bee done for the effecting whereof an Ingeneur was sent thether vpon the third of Februarie This yeare the yong Earle of Brooke a Nobleman of great hope riding out of Holland to the house of Brooke vnto his brother with a small conuoye of horse-men was intercepted and watched for in the way by certaine Spanish Souldiers vpon hatred which in times past they had borne vnto the Earle his Father and yet had reuenged it at their pleasures vpon the way as he went by Wesel with foureteene horsemen the Spaniards mette him first taking his Secretarie who roade before and him they stabd with Bodkins to make him tell them the trueth of his Lord who being thus tormented was forced to confesse his comming after then there followed two of the Earles pages whom they presently slue for that they would not confesse any thing of the Earle after that came the Earle with foure horse-men and some Gentlemen vpon whom the Spaniards fell and because he would not yeeld himselfe they shotte him into the body and after cruelly murthered him giuing him diuerse wounds after that hee was dead doing the like to some of the Gentlemen that were with him yet some of the company escaped This acte was much abhorred by all the country there-abouts The 7. of February Cont Henrie assembling a good number of horse-men of the vnited Prouinces and certaine footmen which he set vpon peasants horses he thought there-with to charge two regiments of Spinolaes horsemen lying dispersed in the countrie of Limborgh And vpon the eight of February hee began to set forward but the said regiments vnderstanding thereof got into the next towne there-abouts whereby that enterprise was disapointed Where-vpon Cont Henrick returning back againe fell vpon a small towne called Erckenlens wherein Frederick Vanden Berghe lay And vpon the eleuenth of February in the morning by the meanes of a Petrad he entred it and tooke the Earle of Berghe prisoner and about fiftie of his horsemen the rest being out of the towne and for that the Burgers of the said towne during the time of their neâ—…tralitie had vsed much crueltie and hard dealing against the soldiers which serued the vnited Prouinces as also being then strengthened with a garrison of their enemies he suffered it to be spoiled and after burnt it and so they departed with the bootie gotten therin As the King of Spaine had prepared a great fleete of shippes of all sorts well manned with Soldiers and furnished with all things necessary meaning to annoy the vnited Prouinces all he could So likewise the vnited Prouinces being duly informed thereof they for their parts did also arme to sea twenty seauen shippes of warre and foure for victualls and munition Of which fleet they made Iames Hemskerke of Amsterdam Admirall whose wisdome courage and experience
former contracts and also that it is confidently spoken in Embden that by your honors direction a great number of shippes which sayled into Spaine are there arrested their goods attached and the men committed to prison and hardly intreated and also that by your honors permission the soldiers of the garrisons of Linghen and such like places in the Earldome of East-Freeseland haue runne through the said country and committed great insolencies against the Inhabitants thereof taking diuers of the townes men of Embden prisoners all directly against the said contracts Seeing then that by vertue of our contract made with your honor wee are determined to take the said matter in hand and to preuent all dangers which may ensue in the like Wee haue thought it good to send you this letter by our Trumpet earnestly desiring that your honor for the reparation of things that are amisse and of all other inconueniences would presently or at the furthest within foureteene dayes after the receipt hereof giue order without any further delay that there may bee fortie thousand Gildens prepared towards the payment of the garrison of Embden and that the money rising of the willing contributions may bee deliuered into the hands of the rent-maister and left with him to bee imployed for such vses as it is appointed according to the resolution that all enterprises made in the countrie without the lawfull consent of the Estates shall bee forborne and not attempted and that which hath beene wrongfully taken from any man and without consent restored that also without delaye your honor will presently doe your best indeuour for the discharging of the Ships Saylers and other persons of Embden which are stayed and imprisoned in Spaine And lastly that the souldiers of Linghen and such like places may bee kept out of the Earledome of East-Freezeland which if your honor faileth to doe wee declare our selues guiltlesse of that which wee shall bee to our great griefe forced to doe beeing the necessarie meanes to vrge your honor to reason and to maintaine your honorable promises and to preuent all future troubles and inconueniences desiring nothing else but that which shall bee fitte for your honor and your subiects good well-fare and quietnesse as knoweth GOD whom wee beseech to inspire your Lordships heart with some good motions for the well-fare of your selfe and your subiects From the Hage the third of Iuly 1607. c. Herevpon ensued no great effects but that the Earle of East-Freezeland sent Hans Hendricke Stâ—…mler to make complaint thereof vnto the King of England and to craue his intercession vnto the Estates of the vnited prouinces to stay them from any forceable proceedings from whome hee receiued a fauourable answere and to the Hage he sent Doctor Dothia Wyarda some-times Sindick of the towne of Embden Monsieur van Kinphausen and Doctor Thomas Francius who excused the Earle and sayd that hee desired to obserue the contracts and agreements made and had giuen no cause to the contrary vnto them of Embden but that they had conceiued a needlesse feare which proceeded from their owne guilty consciences which had made them to send for souldiers with some other friuolous allegations The towne of Embden for the furtherance of their cause and to mooue the Estates to proceed in their desseigne sent Vbbo Reinets their Burgomaister and Sindick Samuell van Winghene councellor and Daniell Althingh Secretarie in regarde they found that the Earle intended to keepe them in continuall alarme and to put them vnto great charges and by that meanes to bring them into debt and so to drawe the Burgers vnto him With them they brought diuerse Letters of licence giuen by the Earle vnto the Saylers of Embden bearing daâ—…e in Esens the sixt and the thirteenth of February one contradicting another and some beeing of no force vnlesse they shewed other particular letters but at the last euery thing was ended and ordered by the generall Estates with admonition vnto them according to the contracts to liue in vnitie and peace and the towne put in hope that the Estates would bee carefull of their good and preseruation Vpon the twelfe of May in the yeare of our Lord one thousand sixe hundred and seauen when Fryer Iohn Nayen the Commissioner for the King of Spaine was vpon his returne towards Brussels before his departure out of Holland hee wrote a letter secretly vnto Cornelis Artesens Secretarie to the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces desiring to speake with him his wife or sonne before hee went out of Holland and withall appointed him a secret place of meeting Artesens vpon the receite of this Letter suspecting they would seeke to corrupt him with some presents went presently to Prince Mauâ—…ice and others of the chiefe of the Estates shewing them this Letter with the circumstances and contents thereof assuring them that the Fryer intended thereby to winne him by some offers and gifts asking their aduice how hee should carry him selfe therein and whether hee should goe him-selfe or that hee should send any other the messenger in the meane time staying for his answer Where-vpon Prince Maurice and the Estates thought it very fitte and auaileable for the seruice and good of the countrie to discouer the aduersaries desseigne in this action that hee should goe secretly thether to heare what hee would propound vnto him and that if hee oâ—…ered any gratuitie hee should accept it if it were giuen as a bribe to corrupt him but if it were done onely to craue his furtherance for the dispatching of the Treatie as then to bee made hee should refuse it giuing him withall expresse commandement to keepe it close and secret vnto him-selfe whereby hee should do the countrie great seruice with these directions Artesens vpon the foureteene day of May went vnto the place appointed by the letter and was secretly brought to Frier Iohn Nayen in Saint Agathes Cloyster in Delfe Where hee entertained him verie kindely giuing him thankes for the great seruice hee had done vnto the Archdukes for that the first motion of the treaty of peace was begâ—…nne by him whereby they found that it had brought him into a great suspition and dislike amongst the common people and that for the same cause hee was hardly censured by them In regard whereof hee sayd that the Archdukes thought themselues ingaged in their honours to bee thankefull vnto him beeing of themselues so nobly minded as they would not faile to shewe their bountie vnto all those that should doe them any seruice with many such like perswasiue words promising to doe for him his children or friends whatsoeuer they would desire at their handes and for a beginning and assurance of their Princely disposition hee said that hee had expresse commission from the Archdukes to restore his house vnto him which hee had in Brussels with his patrimoniall lands and goods that were confiscated that hee might dispose thereof at his owne will and pleasure giuing him to vnderstand
of our Townes they shall haue for a reward for euery head the summe of fiue and twenty crownes paid them by the handes of the said Auditor generall finding them also vppon the same payne aforesayd not to staie dwell or remaine in the countries townes and Kingdomes of the King of Spaine for that his meaning is not to vse their seruice any longer and therefore wee commaund all our Iustices Officers and others our subiects to gouerne them-selues herein according to this our Proclamation without any fauor partialitie or detraction whatsoeuer Da◅ed in our towne of Brusselles the fourth of December 1607. By force of this proclamation many of the said mutinous soldiers which could not get presently out of the country were in diuers places ◅ain hanged which although it were done by them for an example of punishment of the like mutinies yet it bred a ielousie in many men of iudgement that by the like reasons of state other proceedings and contracts might in the like sort be broken and made voyd The nineteenth of December Ieronimus van Diskow and Erbghehessen vp Quees Ambassadors for the Elcteor of Brandembourgh came to the Hage to assist the Estates in their treaty of peace who in long time after made no motion for that their commission was restrayned to the comming of the Palsgraues Ambassadors and to deale with them and not without them which Ambassadors came not thither so soone The twentith of December the Deputies of the generall Estates beeing for the most part altogether or else hauing sent their opinions touching the treatie aforesaid euery man shewed his authority and commission which for the most part tended to this end that notwithstanding the defects of the aforesaid letters of argreation yet that they might enter into a treatie with the enemies Deputies concerning a peace or long truce alwaies insisting vppon the chiefe poynte which is their freedome of the countrie and not to yeelde vnto the enemy in the least poynte thereof nether yet in matters of state nor concerning religion And after much disputation amongst them and diuers conferences held with Prince Maurice William Earle of Nassau and the Councell of Estate as also with the Ambassadours of France England and Denmarke for that the Ambassadors of Brandenbourgh excused them-selues for the reasons aforesaid at the last vppon the foure and twentith day of December they wrotte vnto the Arch-dukes that they according to the protestations and declarations sette downe in their answer made the second of Nouember from the which they ment not to varrie were content to enter into a treatie with their Deputies in the Hage and that to the same end they should send seauen or eight persons instructed according to their offers to the Hage so as they might be aduertised before frō the Arch-duke that their meaning was to send within tenne daies after the receipte of their letter vnto the Hage the like or a lesse number of persons quallified as aforesaid and with full commission and authoritie not onely in the King of Spaynes behalfe but also for the Arch-dukes to make a good and short resolution and agreement about the treatie aforesaid And for that the truce made to the fourth of Ianuary next insuing was almost expired they desired the Arch-dukes to consider whether it were not expedient to prolong the same for a moneth or sixe weekes more if they thought it good to enter into the said treatie vppon the conditions aforesaid where vnto they sayd those their letters should serue for a consent if the Arch-dukes would send their consent there-vnto not onely in their owne but also in the King of Spaines behalfe They also sent the coppy of their letters to Fryer Iohn Nayen and Verr◅yken with request to deliuer the originall letters vnto the Arch-dukesand that if they would consent to send any Comissioners that it would please them to write their names number and the day of their departure from Brusselles to the end they might send them conuenient passeports and so they sent the chiefe letters by Graue Maurices Trumpet by the way of Seuenberghen and an other Trumpet by reason of the frost with a copy thereof ouer the Dussen that if one fayled the other might be deliuered The 29. of December Hippolitus de Coly Councellor to the Elector and chiefe Iudge of Heydelbergh Ambassador for the Palsgraue of Rhyne came to the Hage to aid the Estates also in that treatie With these accidents deliberations difficulties resolutions touching the affaires of the Netherlands this yeare of 1607. ended leauing to the beginning of the next yeare an vniuersall expectation in a manner of all the worlde for the pacefiing of the troubles in the Netherlandes and the ceasing of the long continued bitter warres Wherein either partie pollitickly seemed to seeke his owne aduantage The Vnited Prouinces pretended by that treatie to bee free States and Prouinces wholy released and freed from the Soueraignty claime and pretences of Spaine and consequently of the warre begun to maintaine the same and that they from henceforth as a free common wealth where-vnto no man pretended any right would gouerne and rule them-selues according to their owne pleasures freedomes and priuiledges and the rather for that the enemie hauing wholy yeelded vp his right should from thenceforth haue no pretence nor coullor to make any more warre against them and with this hope all those which seemed to bee so much inclyned there-vnto were fledde and the rather for that they saw that this busines by most mens iudgements was vnlikely to bee brought to any good end that by armes they lawfully might recouer againe all the townes and Prouinces which since the Vnion made at Vtrecht had forsaken them and therefore notwithstanding the contract and promise made by the said Vnion they thought it better to yeelde to necessitie and by an honourable agreement to saue all the parcels thereof which they as then inioyed especially when as they might doe the same with such credit and honour and thereby to attaine the expected end and freedome which they so long had sought Wee haue formerly declared how that the Emperor wrotte a letter vnto the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces touching the treatie of peace wherein hee seemed as if hee had an intent to breake it off and by that meanes to disanull all that the generall Estates had done or should do concerning the same Where-vpon the Estates made an answer vnto the Emperor bearing date the second of Ianuary 1608. Certefiing him that they held it very strange his imperiall Maiestie had not beene informed of their proceedings in that action neither from his Nephew the King of Spaine nor his brother the Arch-duke Albertus where-with if they had beene acquainted they would not haue beene so forgetfull to certefie him thereof saying moreouer that they were well assured that on their behalfe both before and after the gouernment of the Arch-duke Mathias diuers petitions had beene
with expectation to the great amazement and griefe of many good men which did hope to haue seen an end of these long ruinous and bloodie warres and the conclusion of a good firme and honourable peace or long truce But seeing the hearts of kings are in the hands of God who directs all their actions and resolutions as he thinketh best let vs Netherlanders hauing compassion one of anothers miseries pray incessantly vnto him to inspire these princes and Estates with mild and peacefull spirits for the finishing of this good worke if it may be for his glorie and the good of the countrie whereby there may ensue a Christian peace quietnesse and vnitie in the Netherlands on either side and loue each to other refraining to shed blood and lastly that the Netherlands may thereby attaine vnto their ancient and flourishing estate and gouernment God well serued and euery man to enioy his owne freely and without feare the which the Lord God of his mercie graunt FINIS A Table of all the memorable things conteined in this Historie of the Netherlands A. ABot of Saint Vaast of Arras what he was 798. Accord of the Lord of Montigny cheefe of the mutines with the Spaniards 689. Accord betwixt Iohn of Bauaria and the Duke of Brabant 133 Abbay of Ouwerghem spoiled and diuersly censured 391 Adâ—… Countesse of Holland 45. marries with the Earle of Loos ibid. Adolph Prince of Gelders prisoner 174 Accord made by the Spaniard with the towne of Gand 862 Act of great resolution done by a Sea Captaine 661. Act of promise of the confederate Noblemen to the Gouernesse 407 Act like a Romaine done by Captaine Bordet 514. Act vnworthy and cruell of Captaine Pont well reuenged 661 Admirall of Arragon sent Ambassador to the Emperor 1148. hee passeth the riuer of Meuze and takes Orson 1174. ransomes Wezel 1182. takes many neutrall places 1191. and comes neere vnto Bomel 1210. is taken prisoner 1248 Aduice of the Prince of Orange for the making of a councell of Estate 712 Aduocates in Arras executed wrongfully 675 Albert of Bauaria 16. Earle of Holland 105 subdues the Frisons 111. his death 116 Albert Duke of Saxonie Gouernor of the Netherlands 207 hee gets the hereditarie gouernment of Friseland 219. tyranizeth ouer the Frisons 222. slaine before Groning 294. Allyance betwixt them of Ostergoe and Groning 213 Alcmar in trouble 210. besieged by the Duke of Alua 519. endures three assaults 524 the Duke forced to raise his Campe 527 Alexander Farnese Duke of Parma succeeds Don Iohn 981. makes a Bridge to shutte vp the riuer of Antwerpe 865 Alost solde by the English to the Spaniard 833. Alpen taken by Prince Maurice 1129 Agent from the great Commander into England and to what end 887 Albert Cardinall of Austria succeds his brother Ernestus 1114. hee takes Calais and Ardres 1115. excuseth himselfe and layes the fault vpon the Admirall 1202 Albert prepares his army to goe against Prince Maurice in Flanders ibid. Alliance betwixt the Flemings and Brabansons against the Duke of Saxonie 207 Allennes thinking to surprize Courtray hee looseth Menin 716. afterwards hee surpriseth Courtray 730 Allen a Cardinall writes against the Queene of England 996 Ambassadors from the Emperor to the vnited Prouinces touching a peace 1051. from the King of Poland to them 1128. from the King of Denmarke vnto them 1134. from the Duke of Wirtemberg vnto them 1158 Ambrose le Duke Sargent Maior in Arras how he behaued himselfe 673 Andrien van Assendolf pentioner of Harlem beheaded 500 Amsterdam against Harlem their skirmish at Sea 503. in the end it yeelds to the Estates 655. Amiens surprized and spoiled by the Spaniard 1126 recouered by the French King 1128. Aâ—…ne of Poelgeest mignion to the Earle of Holland murthered 109 Anthony Perrenot Cardinall of Granuelle called into Spaine 349. hee crosseth the petition of the Estates of Brabant 381. a legend of his life 344 Antwerpe perplexed for the new Bishops 347. sends their Deputies into Spaine 348 they intrenche them-selues against the Castell 595. are spoyled by the Spaniards 596. a tumult at a generall Procession 705. Priests and Monkes chased away 706. are blockt vp by the Prince of Parma 863. they compound and yeeld 884 Answer from the generall Estates to them of Lille Douay c. 691 Appologie made by the Prince of Orange in answer of his proscription 764 Armie of the Germaines to succour Nuys 174. of Duke Cassimire to succor the States 673. at Sea sent by the Spaniards in the yeare 1588. 998. of King Philip in Piccardie 323. of the Duke of Parmaes to succour the League 1043. of the States vpon the coast of Spaine and at the Ilands 1213 Arnold Earle of Holland slaine by the Frisons 9. Arnold Duke of Gelders offers the combate to Adolph his sonne 174 Arnold of Groue-velt Gouernour of Sluys 957. Arnold resignes the Duchie of Geldres to the Duke of Bourgongne 174 Arnhem assured for the Estates 875 Articles of the priuiledges of Brabant 1371 Articles set downe by the Inquisition of Spaine against the Netherlands 442. confirmed by the King of Spaine 443 Assemblie of the Estates of Friseland 213 Assembly at Bolswaert 214 Assembly of the chiefe of the Nobilitie at Dendermond 415. an other assemblye of the Nobles 368 Articles of peace betwixt France and Spaine 144. Audenarde abandoned by the Protestants who had surprized it 496. besieged and yeelded to the Duke of Parma 8â—…2 Arras the chiefe towne in Arthois in great troubles 673 Arschot in Brabant yeelded to Dom Iohn 654. Audience of the Deputies of the Estates with the French King 860 Axel in Flanders taken by the Estates 920 Attempts of them of Amsterdam against them of Harlem 504 Ambassadors from England and France to the Estates 818 Appologie made by the Protestants for their taking of armes 428 Admirall of Arragon set at libertie 1259 Adolph Earle of Berghen taken prisoner 1264. Ambassadors from the vnited Prouinces to the King of England 1297 Ardenbourg abandoned to Prince Maurice 1307. Archduke Alberts men comming to relieue Sluys put to rout 1309 Archduke Albert hinders the assembling of the generall Estates 1320. hee prepares for warre 1321 Admonition to the vnited Prouinces against a peace 1328 Admirall of Dunkerke taken at sea 1351 Archduke Albert iealous of the Duke of Bouillon 1354 Accorde made betwixt the Earle of East-Frise-land and the Towne of Embden 1365. B. BAerle taken and recouered 772 Baltazar Gerard killes the Prince of Orange 832. is executed ibid. Baron of Enghien beheaded in Henault 107. Baron of Battembourgh Lieutenant to the Prince of Orange at the reliefe of Harlem 513. Baron of Montigny prisoner in Spaine and poisoned 454 Baron of Selles sent from the King to the Estates 653 Barons of Batenbourg executed by the Duke of Alua 449 Baron of Anholt slaine at the siege of Lochum 808. Bastard putatiue of the Emperor beheaded in Holland 824 Baron of Boxtell Gouernour of Boisleduc 700. Backerzeell offers violence to
of Horne put to death by the Duke of Alua 451 Earle of Rheneberg falls from the Estates and deliuers Groning to the Spaniard 734. his death 776. Earle of Warax defeated and slaine at Tournhout 1126 Earle of Hohenlo vide Philip. Earle of Egmont vide Lamoral Earle of Egmont vide Philip. Edict against them of the religion 253. A second against them 257. the third 267. a forth 273 Edict perpetuall and accord made by Dom Iuan and sent to the Estates of Holland and Zeland 624. Edict of Proscription against the Prince of Orange 763 Edict made by the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces against the King of Spaine 782. Effigies of the Duke of Alua in the Citadell of Antwerpe 437 Eindouen in Brabant wunne by the Spaniard 773. taken for the Duke of Aniou 810. yeelded againe to the Spaniard 824. Emanuell Philibert Duke of Sauoy made Gouernor of the Netherlands 320 Emenesse reuolts from the Bishop of Vtrecht 102. burnt by the Hollanders 196. spoyled by the Spaniard Emperor sends succors to the Earle of Holland to subdue Friseland 14 Enterprise to take the Duke of Alua 445 Enchuysen the first towne in Holland which refused the tenth penie 480 Enterprise of the Duke of Parma vpon Cambray 1024. vpon Dyest 803. of the Zelanders vpon Tertolen 508. of the Estates vpon Bourbrouc 791. of Philip Earle of Egmont vpon Brusselles dishonorable 706. vpon Arschor 803. of the male-contents vpon Gand 743. of the Estates vpon Lille 771. of Prince Maurice vpon Mastricht 1056. of the Spaniaâ—…ds vpon Steenwyke 1126. of the Groningers vpon Delfzyel 1076. of the Duke of Aniou vpon Antwerpe 812. of La Motte vpon Ostend 876. vpon Zibrick 915 Ernest Archduke of Austria Gouernor of the Netherlands for the King 1076. hee seekes to purge himselfe for Renichons attempt 1079. his death 1102 Earnest Earle of Solms prisoner wounded and dyes 1104 Escouedo the Secretarie animates Dom Iuan 641. Estates of all the Prouinces seeke to assure them-selues of Antwerpe 595. they Print their Iustifications against Dom Iohn 647. they seeke succors 648. they haue three seuerall Campes 650. their Armie defeated neere Gemblours 654. their great Armie at Remenant 662 Estates of the vnited Prouinces resolue for their preseruation 587. they demand succours in England 588 they begin to distrust Dom Iohn 644. they declare the King of Spaine fallen from the Soueraigntie of those Prouinces and take vpon them the gouernment 782 Extract of the life of Cardinall Granuelle 344. Execution of rigorous Edicts in the Netherlands 353 Extract of the King of Spaines Letters to the Duchesse of Parma 408 Executions done by the Duke of Alua 449. Enschede yeelds to Prince Maurice 1132 Elector of Mentz answer to Cardinall Andrew 1205 Enterprise vpon the towne of Flushing discouered 1262 Enterprise to sacke and ouer-runne Antwerpe 1264. Estates troupes made an Incursion into Luxemborg 1292 Embden demands ayde of the vnited Prouinces against their Earle 1294 Erkelens taken and spoyled by Cont Henry of Nassaw 1366 Emperor writes to the vnited Estates touching the borders 1303 Estates of the vnited Prouinces prepare for warre 1321 Enterprise made by Prince Maurice vpon the riuer of Scheld which proued vnfortunate 1341. Emperour sends to the Hage for a Pasport for his Ambassadors to treate of a league or peace 1343 Estates refuse and denie the Emperors request 1343. Earle of Hertford sent Ambassador from England to the Archdukes 1349 Enterprise by the Spaniards vppon Berghen 1348. Enterprise vppon Graue quickly discouered 1349. Enterprise vpon Sluys ill performed by the Spaniards 1355 Estates perswade Prince Maurice to releeue Rhinberck 1363 Enterprise vpon Venlo ibid. Earles of Brouck murthered by the Spaniards 1366 F FAction of Schieringers and Vetcoopers in Frisland long and dangerous 75 Faction of Hoockins and Cabillaux in Holland 98 Factions reuiue in Holland 146 Factions in Frisland demaund succors for the Duke of Saxony 218 Factions in the Religion at Vtrecht 1057 Faction barbarous of the Admirall of Arragon to summon a neutrall place 1174 Flemings chased out of the I le of Walchren 56 defeated with bloudshed Put to rout by the Earle of Holland 66 Flemings more seuerely intreated for matters of Religion then any other 382 Fleete sent from Antwerp to victuall Middelbourg defeated 542 Floris the first the sixt Earle of Holland assailed by the bishoppes of Liege and Collogne 18 Floris the third the thirteene Earle taken prisoner by the Earle of Flanders 38. his death 939 Floris the fourth the seauenteene Earle slaine at a Torney in Clermont 52 Floris the fift the ninteene Earle subdues the Frisons 53. hee forceth a Lady basely 67. the cause of his death 68 Fort floting at Antwerp called the end of the warres 877 Flemings put Philip of Austria in possession of the Earldome 199 Floris of Holland trecherously slaine by the Earle of Cuyck 34 Frederick the third Emperor comes into the Netherlands with his sonne Maximilian 204. he dislikes the peace made by his sonne with the Flemings ibid. Francis of Valois Duke of Alanson comes with an armie to succor Cambray 778. hee is inuested Duke of Brabant 796. and Earle of Flanders 804. failes to surprise Antwerp 812. hee seekes to excuse it 815. what chiefe men of his army were slaine and taken there 814 Fort of Sas by Gant taken by the Spaniardes 827 Fort of the Hage in the country of Liege yeelded to the Estates 1045 Fort of Zutphen surprized by the Estates 1047. Fort of Delfzyel yeelded to the Estates 1049 Fort of Patience sold by certaine French men to the Spaniard 1154 Frisons subdued by the Earle of Holland 7. they rebell 27. are reconciled to the Earle 73 Frisons impatient of great exactions take armes 222. they complaine 228. and refuse Albert Duke of Saxony for their Gouernor 229 Flanders punished with three plagues togither 932 Fight at sea betwixt the Zeelanders and Spaniards 509 Fight at Coesteyn-dike 878 Fight at sea betwixt the Zeelanders and Spaniards 519 Friars burnt at Bruges 657 Furnes and Dixmuiden yeelded to the Spaniard 827 Fort at the Sluce of Outdwater basely abandoned 583 Fort built at Burcht by the Spaniard 598 Fight at sea betwixt sixe galleys and certaine English and Holland ships 1290 Frederick Spinola generall of the galleis defeated flies 1292. slaine in an other fight at sea 296 Fort of the Spaniards taken with great slaughter of their men 136 Forts taken by P. Maurice nere the I le of Cadsandt 1307 G GAnthois abandon their Duke before Calais 147. are defeated by the Hollanders rebell against Charles of Bourgongne 161. intreat Marie their Princesse ill 187. put her Councellors to death beeing reconciled they mutine against the Archduke 203 Ganthois beeing in mutiny take the Duke of Arschot and others prisoners 649. they leauie men 676. are defeated by the Malcontents 681. Articles offred them by the Estates 684. beeing in mutinie they seeke to deliuer Alost to the Spaniard 683. they yeeld to the Spaniard 862. their Cittadell built
Netherlands 217. goes with his wife into Spaine 226. is crowned King of Castille in the right of his wife 228. his death 232. Philip Earle of Hohenlo presseth the Spaniard in the Isle of Bommel 1024. marries the Prince of Oranges daughter 1012. comes to the battaile of Tournhout and giues the first charge 1126. his death 1355. Philip the second King of Spaine 317. his last departure out of the Netherlands 337. seekes peace with France 1141. hee giues his daughter the Infanta in marriage to the Arch-duke Albert 1160 Philip-ville yeelded to Dom Iohn 659 Philip of Montmorencie Earle of Horne imprisoned by the Duke of Alua 437. executed at Brussels 451 Philip Earle of Egmont makes an attempt vpon Brussels to his great dishonour 706. is taken prisoner in his towne of Nyenhouen 730. is deliuered for Monsieur la Noue 883 Philip of Marnix Signior of Saint Aldegond prisoner to the Spaniards 530. his speech to them of Antwerpe during the siege 868. his death 1205 Philip Earle of Nassau makes a road into Luxembourg for the Estates 1063. hee chargeth the Spaniards is wounded taken prisoner and dyes 1104 President appointed in the Prouinciall councell in Holland Zeeland and West-friseland 146 Preaching forborne in Antwerp 400 Prince of Spaines speech to the Duke of Alua 415. Princes of the Empire in Armes against the Admirall of Arragon 1209 Ponthus of Noielle Siegnior of Bours procures the Castle of Antwerpe to be deliuered to the Estates 645 Proclamation of the Estates for the obseruing of the pacification of Gand 604 Proclamation of the Duke of Parma against the towne of Aix 1027 Proclamation of the King of Spaine dispensing with the payment of his debts 1123 Protestants of Amsterdam propound fiue articles to their Magistrate 425 Pedro Dordoigno sent to kill the Prince of Orange executed 824 Protestants defeated at Austerweel 422 Protestants of the Netherlands make warre at Sea vnder the Prince of Orange 463. Proceeding vpon the petition of the Nobles in the Netherlands 390 Practises of Charles Duke of Bourgongne to ruine the house of Brederode 169 Protestants request for a religious peace 666. Proscription against the Prince of Orange 763. Preparation of the Spanish armie at Sea in the yeare 1588. 998 Preacher murthered at Deutecome 1200 Protestation of the Prince of Orange for his taking armes 491 Prince of Iuilliers and Cleues vnfortunately married 880 Practise to betraye Gheertruydenberg discouered 1259 Q. QVarrell betwixt them of Bruges and Antwerpe 200 Question among the Clergie of the Netherlands for incorporating of spirituall liuing to the new Bishopricks 347 Question in Spaine about the choosing of a Generall to subdue the Netherlands 415 Queene of England offers succors to the Estates 890. shee publisheth the reasons that mooues her therevnto 894 R. RAmeken a Forte in Zeland besieged and yeelded to the Protestants 518 Reconciliation of Arthois Henault c. to the Spaniard 708 Refusall to surpresse the new Bishops augments the troubles in the Netherlands 351. Remedie to stanche the bloud in the Prince of Oranges wound 801 Religious peace made 669 Resolution of the Estates of Holland 557 Renold Lord of Brederode and his brother imprisoned by the Bishop of Vtrecht 169. his processe beeing referred to the Knights of the Order he is absolued 170 Retreat of the Spaniards out of the Netherlands 625 Retreate of the ministers out of Antwerp 426. Retreat of many Protestants out of the Netherlands 410 Relation of the enterprise at Antwerp 812 Returne of the Spaniards into the Netherlands 809 Reâ—…er van Bron chuysen captaine for them of Vtrecht 196 Riuer cut from Vtrecht to Leck 107 Rhinberk besieged in vaine by the Spaniard 924. taken by Cont Charles of Mansfeldt 1025. besieged and wonne by Prince Maurice 1129. recouered againe by the Admirall of Arragon 1284. taken againe by Prince Maurice 1286. and last of all by the Marquis Spinola 1364. Richardot sent into Spaine by the Duke of Parma 1020 Robâ—…rt Dudley Earle of Leicester Generall for the Queene of England 910. discontented with the Estates 921. at his going into England hee appoints a Councell of Estate 930. prepares to raise the siege of Sluis 961. hee excuseth himselfe vnto the Estates for not doing it 964. hee failes to surprise Leyden 979. is called home into England and resignes his Gouernment vnto the Estates 982 Romerswall yeelded to the Spaniard 53 Rotterdam yeelded to the King of the Romaines ' 207 Rouard of Brabant what Office it is 1â—…6 Rowland Yorke made Gouernor of the Fort at Zutphen 928. sells it to the Spaniard 943. Ryperdas speech to them of Harlem 497 Roeroort surprised by Schenck 991 S SAint Quintin besieged and taken by the King of Spaine 323 Saint From in Liege yeelded to duke Chaâ—…ls of Bourgongne 162 Sarras Gouernor of Flussing vnfortunate 477. is charged by the Spaniards and repulseth them at Sooteland 478 Saint Guislaine a towne in Henault assured for the Estates 655 Saint Andrewes Fort besieged by Prince Maurice and yeelded 1230 Sanchio de Auila sent to succor Ter-goes and performes it happely 479 Scandall how interpreted 883 Sanchio de Auila sent to besiege Flussing 477 Sas by Gant seized on by the Spaniard 827 Sentence for the razing of Culembeurgs house 444 Schonhoven surprised by the Countesse Iaqueline 134. yeelded to the Spaniard by composition 586 Sentence of the Inquisition against the Netherlands 443 Separation of the confederate nobles of the Netherlands 410 Separation of the three iurisdictions of Holland cut to releeue Leyden 560 Sevenberghe taken and the Lord of it driuen away 139. taken by the Earle of Mansfeldt for the Spaniard 1035 Schulenbourg taken by the Spaniard 877. Seege of the Protestants of Zeeland before Ter-goes their army flies awaie amazed 478 Sichen in Brabant yeeldes to the Spaniard 654. recouered for the Estates and after yeelded to the Spaniard 826 Slyckembourg taken for the Estates 877 Sluis besieged by the Duke of Saxony â—…11 besieged and taken by the Spaniard 961 Shippes and men comming out of Spaine defeated by the Estates shippes 1347 Spinola marcheth with his army towardes Frisland 1347 Spaniards repulst at an enterprise vpon Berghen 1349 Spinola goes into Spaine 1353 Sentence pronounced against the Gouernor and Captaines which yeelded Linghen to Spinola 1354 Spinola seekes to enter into the Suider Sea 1359. Shippes of Holland taken by the Danes 251 Skyrmish at Rymenant Leguer 662 Spel a Prouost Marshall hanged at Brussells 462 Specification of the oppressions done by the Admirall of Arragons men in a neutrall Country 1190 Soubourg a Fort in Zeeland besieged by the Flussingers and yeelded 508 Spaniard beaten at the Bryele 472. they surprise Berghen vp Zome 474. they faile to surprise Camphere 475. they quit the siege of Leyden and flie 570. they mutine and faile to surprise Vtrecht 573. they surprise Alost in Flanders 590. they assemble in the Castle of Antwerp 596. they depart by accord 626. they are chased out of the I le of Bommel 1024. they mutine and
husband The Earle of S. Pol sent 〈◊〉 into Brabant An assembly of the states of Brabant Thâ—… Earle of S. Pol made Reuward of Brabant The Lord of Berghen slain in the Dukes chamber Many of the duke oâ—… 〈◊〉 seruants apprehended The Emperor anâ—…â—…ce Elector write into Bâ—…abant so the prisoners The prisoners set a libertie Whâ—…t the office of Reuwâ—…rd â—…s Many beheaded at Brussels The Contesse Iaqueline causeth the Dâ—…ke of Brabant her husband to be cited to Rome The Contesse Iaqueline made â—…re to the duke of Gloceâ—…r He comeâ—… with an Army into Henault 1423. Iohn van Vlyer beheadded at the Hage Iohn of Bauaria gouernor of Holland dies The Duke of Brabant acknowledgeâ—… Earle of Holland in the right of his wife Captaine Albert Beyllincâ—… buâ—…ied aliue 1425. Schoonhouen besieged A Truce made at Schoonhouen The duke of Brabant bebesiegeth the Contesse his wife in Mons A treatie made by the duke of Bourgongne to atteme vnto the Countesses countrey The Contesse laqâ—…e is deliuered into the Duke of Hourgongnes hands The Contesse of Holland led against her will vnto Gant The Contesse it freed out of the duke of Burgongnes hands The Contesse comes into Holland The battel of Alphen whereas the Coneesse was victor The English and Zeelanders defeated by the Duke of Bourgongne at Brouwershâ—… Anno 1424. The Cardinals sentencâ—… touching the duke of Brabants marriage with the Contesse of Holland The Duke of Glocester abandons the Contesse Iaqueline The Duke of Bourgongnes ambitious desugne Scuenberghe besieged And yeelded vp in despight of the Lord. 1426. Harlem besieged by the contesse A second battaile at Alphé where the Contesse is victorious The Contesse makes knights William Nagel Captaine of the Kennemers Captaine Na gel by the Kennemers defeated 1427. The death of Iohn Duke of Brabant A sâ—…a battaile fought neere to Wyeringhen The Lord of Brederode defeatâ—…d and taken prisoneâ—… An accord betwixt Duke Philip and the Contesse Iaqueline 1429. Philip of Bourgonge buyes the County of Namur 1430. Philip Duke of Brabant dyes Philip of Bourgongne makes his entrie as duke of Brabant The Lady Iaqueline Contâ—… of Holland 〈◊〉 thâ—… fourâ—…h tiâ—…e The Contesse denyed mony by her seruants Reasós which moued the Conâ—…esse Iaqueline to louâ—…â—…ranc of Borsselle â—…he marâ—…yes him secretly The Lord of Borsselle appâ—…ended by the Duke of Bourgongne The Contesse resignes aâ—…l heâ—… Coâ—…ntries to the Dukâ—… for her husbands liberty The Duke of Bouâ—…gongne takes possession of Holland c. 1436. The death of the Conâ—…esse Iaqueâ—…ine Noblâ—…men in the time of the Contesse Iaqueline The chiefe Nobility of Friseland 1437. Duke Philip right heire to Holland zeeland and Friseland His wiues and children Duke Philips â—…ards 1438. Warre betwixt the Esterlins the Hollanders zelanders 1444. The factions reuiued in Holland A tumult at Amsterdam by the factions The Dutchesse comes into Holland to pacifie the troubles She returnes without any effect The Duke sends for the heads of both factions Institution of the 〈◊〉 President in Holland A tumult at Leyden The Duke comes into Holland He reconciles the two factions War betwixt the Duke of Bourgongne and the Ganthois 1452. The cause of this warreâ—… 1453. The Ganthois submit themselues vnto the Duke and are reâ—…onciled 1455. The death of the Bishop of Vtrecht Great competitors for the bishoprick Sugiestions by the â—…oeckin faction against the bishop of Vtrecht The duke belâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…ports against them of Brederode The duke of Bourgongne meanes to make his bastard sonne bishop of Vtrecht by force Dauid the duke of Bourgongnes bastard made bishop of Vtrecht Levvis Daulphin of France comes to Brusseles to the Duke of Bourgongne 1460. Death of king Charles of France Levvis King of France falles in dislike vvith the Duke of Bourgongne 1461. Certaine signtories come to the Earle of Charolois 1462. What Iohn of Koesteine vvas Croy lanoy Koestein conspire against the Earle of Charolois They seeke to poison him The practise discouered vnto the earle Koestein committed to prison He is condemned to loose his head Iohn of Iuy â—…hat accused Koestein beheaded also Causes of dislike betwixt the king of France and the duke of Bourgongne The answer of the Lord of Chymay to the French King 1463. The Freâ—…ch King comes to 〈◊〉 to the Dukâ—… of Bourgongne The Earle of Charolois 〈◊〉 to come to the King which discontents his 〈◊〉 The duke of Bourgongne and his sonne reconciled The Earle comes to his fathâ—…r 〈◊〉 speech vnto the Duke his father The Duke of Bourgoâ—…gne reconciled to his sonne 1464. Which is 20000. pound starling Certaine demands made by the French King vnto the duke of Bourgongne The Dukes requests vnto the King The bastard of Rubempre sent into Holland to surprise the Earle of Charolois Rubempre his companions apprehended The Kings intention touching Rubempres acte The duke of Bourgongne reâ—…res in hast from Hesdin 1464. The â—…rench king sends Ambassadors to the duke of Bourgongne The French kings demands The Earle of Charolois answere The Earle of Charolois sends a message vnto the King The Duke of Bourgongne falles sicke The Earle of Charolois made Gouernor of his fathers contries Hiâ—… speech vnto his friends A new quarrel betwixt the Duke of Bourgongne and his Sonne The Earle of Charolois writs to all the Townes 1446. The towne castell of Lanoy taken taken Letters from the Earle of Charolois to them of Arras 1465. The Earle of Charolois reconciled to his father The duke of Bourgongne leauies an army to succor the duke of Berry The Earle of Charolois forces The dukes speech to his Sonne at his parting The French King makes a league with them of Liege The Liegeois in armes against the duke of Bourgongne The death of the Contesse of Charolois Peronne surprized for the Duke of Bourgongne The insolencie of them of Dynant The Earle prepaâ—…res an armie against the Liegeois The Liegeois sue for peace 1465. A peace concluded with the Liegeois The Liegeois offer an affront to the Earles men The Earle of Neuers reconciles himselfe to the Earle of Charolois 1466. The Dynandois 〈◊〉 the peace Dinant besieged Dinant taken and razed The Liegeoiâ—… reconcile themselues againe to the Earle of Charolâ—…is 1467. The Earle of Charolois marries Marguerite sister to the King of England The death of duke Philip of Bourgongne Duke Philips qualities Printing first â—…uented Duke Charles pourchaseth the County of Ferrette His wiues Duke Charles takes posseâ—…on of his coun tries The Ganthois mutine against their Duke The Duke yeelds to the Ganthois The Ganthois submit themselues vnto the Duke A tumult at Macklyn The Liegeois breake the peace The Duke goes with an armie against the Liegeois The Duke sends back the 300 hostages The Liege ois came to raise the â—…eege at Saintron A battaile betvvixt the duke and the Lâ—…geois The Liegeois defeated Saintron yeelded Tongres yeelded Liege yeelds vnto the duke The Liegeois in doubt to deliuer the town The duke enters
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
prince of Cleue 1585 Sterckenhof and Cantercrois yeelded The castle of Stralen yeelded 1585 Macklyn yeelded by composition 1585 La Noues speech to the prince of Parma 1585 The prince of Parma made knight of the Order 1585 1585 1585 1585 The Queene taketh counsell what to do touching the low countries 1585 What money Holland had contributed in 9-yeares 1585 Reasons why the Queene of England did not take vpon her the absolute gouernment of the Netherlands 1585 Aide of 5000 foot and 1000 horsemen The time of repaiment of the money disbursed Flessingue and the Bryel giueÌ„ to the Queene in caution The townes shall be left furnished with ordnance c. as they were found Receiuing in of English garrisons but still holding their owne ciuile gouernment 1585 They shall not haue any conference or con spiracie with the enemie c. The obseruing and keeping of priuiledges The English souldiers must paie impost excise Prouision for discipline and pay to be made by the Queene Deliuering of the townes againe when the money is paid An oath of fidelitie to bee made by the souldiers Prouision for the field Monethly paiment The souldiers shall haue free exercise of religion Order for victuals Entrance and permission to fit in the counsell of Estate 1585 The authoritie of the gouernour generall Reformation of the Mint Prouiso for publicke authority martiall discipline The gouernor shall haue ouersight of all things without altering religion or priuiledges No compact to be made with the enemie without consent of her Maiestie c. The Queene shall make no treatie but by consent Taking vp of new souldiers paying theÌ„ to be done by the gouernour c. To change or chuse new gouernors The authority of the admiral of England Free vse of the hauens on both parts 1585 To end all questions and controuersies Free passage for horses The Englishmen may passe ouer with the generals pasport alone The commanders oathes A declaration in print made by the Queen of England 1585 Graue Maurice letter to the Queene for consent of deliuering Flessingue into her hands 1585 1585 1585 1585 1585 1585 1585 1585 1585 1585 Isselloort yeelded to the Estates 1585 The Queene of Englands letters to the townes of the east countries 1585 1585 1586 1586 The earle of Leicester acknowledged gouernour generall 1586. The Earle of Leicester refuseth all instructions 1586 The Queene of England offended with the states for 〈◊〉 the Earle of Leicester the gouernment 1586. A proclamation made by the Earle of Lecester for marshall discipline and for the prohibiting of trafick with the enemy c. The Earle of Lecester sought to force the seafareing men to buy passeports and to contribute something to the warres 1586. The King of Spaine arested the Englishmen in Spaine The Englishmen of warre take the Neitherlanders at sea and make them prizes Certaine Protestants Frisons defeated 1586. 80. Spanish horse defeated An enterprise vpon Zybrich failed 1586 The Marshall of Westphalias men defeated The brauery of thirty soldiers 1586. Schenck ouer-runs the Diocesse of Collogne The Prince of Parma besiegeth Nuys 1586 Nuys sommoned The Prince of Parmas offer The answer of them of Nuys 1586. Nuys battered The gouernor Cloet shot in the legge They of Nuys offer to yeeld and are sent back The great spoile and slaughter at Nuys 1586. The cruell death of Cloet Gouernor of Nuys The Pope sends a halloued sword to the Prince of Parma 1586. The Earle of Leicester discontented Paul 〈◊〉 Prisoner at Vtrecht Some banished from Vtrecht 1586 Paul Buys escapes out of prison 1586. 1586. Râ—…inberg besieged by the Prince in vaine Dearth of corne in Bruges 1586 Peter de Bronsqualx Ioos van Peenen beheaded in Brugges The discripâ—… of Doesborch Doesborch wun by the Earle of Leicester the 13. of September 1586 The Earle of Leicester marcheth to Zutphen The Earle of Leicester entreth into Deuenter The Prince of Parma â—…aueth Berck 1586. Sir Philip Sidney shot before Zutphen whereof hee died The Earle of Leicester besieged the sconce at zutphen The Prince of Parma victualeth Zutphen The Earle of Leicester takes one of the sconces by zutphen forcibly Sir Edward Stanley for his valor made knight by the Baile of Leicester The greatest sconce by zutphen forsaken by the enemy 1586. Rouland yorke made gouernor of the sconce before Zutphen Sir William Stanley made gouernor of Deuenter The Earle of Leicester breakes vp his campe in Nouember The States request to the the Earle of Leicester 1586. The Earle of Leicester at his departure commandeth the gouernment of the Neitherlands to the Councell of Estate by act dated the 23 of Nouember 1586. An act of restraint made by the Earle of Leicester during his absence The Earle of Leicesters picture made in gold giuen to his friends in the Lowe-countries 1586 Death of the Cardinall Granuelle The Earle of Maeurs leuies Reistres and they mutine A great drought Deuouring Snayles An extraordinary dearth of corne 1586 Flanders punnished with three scourges this yeare Captaine Luth a prisoner and inlarged A prodigy of bloud Deputies of the Estates sent into England to attend on the Earle of Leicester A discours of aduise to the Earle of Leicester 1586. 1586. 1586. 1586 1586. 1586. 1586 1586 1586 The complaints of the States soldiars Aquaâ—…ll betwixt the earle of Hohenlo and Sir Edward Norris 1587. A vaine enterprise vpon Buâ—…ich Wouwe castle sold to the Spaniards by a French Captaine 1587 Roero ort surprized by Schenck The King of Denmarke seekes to make a peace betwixt the King of Spain and the states Caius Ranson being vnknowne is taken prisoner Ranson complaines vnto his King Stanley seekes to berray Deuenter to the Spaniard 1587. Stanley yeelds Deuenter to the Spaniard Stanley seekes to excuse him-selfe Rouland Yorkes life and treason 1587. Certaine speeches vsed in thâ—… councâ—…ll of State 1587 1587 1587. 1587 1587 1587. The towne of Graue besieged by the Prince of Parma The towne of Graue yeâ—…lded vp the 7. of Iuly 1587. The fort of Sgrâ—…uenweert built by Schinck called Schenks sconce The Lord of Hemerr beheaded in Vtrecht The Nobility of the Netherlands fall in dislike of the Earle Venloo besieged by the Prince of Parma and won the 28. of Iune 1587. Venloo yeelded to the Prince of Parma A conuoy of 3000. strong going to Colleâ—… cut off by their owne soldiars and many of them slaine 1587. Prince Maurice gouernes in the Earle of Leicesters absence The Barron of Buckhorst sâ—…nt into the Netherlands 1587. Rose nobles coynedat Amsterdam 1587 1587. Sâ—…phen Perret a prisoner 1587. General Norris called home into England The Queene discontented vvith the Estates letters The Duke of Parma prepares to besiege Scluse The Seignior Groenevelt gouernor of Scluse 1587. Sir William Russel Lord gouâ—…nor of Flussing sends corne to Sluce and men Supplies of men and munition sent to Scluse Patton a Scottish-man yeeâ—…ds Gelders to the Spaniards 1587. Prince Maurice mâ—…kes a roade into
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
to bee feared that they would change their partie and fall to the king of Spaine The earle of Moeurs who was gouernour sought all meanes to draw in a greater garrison for the Estates the which he could not effect the bourgers opposing themselues not without great daunger of his life two millers hauing discharged two shot vpon him wherewith hee had beene slaine if he had not beene armed at proofe and in like manner hee was set vpon by two brewers the one thinking to thrust him through with his halberd and the other striking him on the head with a hatchet but he was armed This being past and the tumult pacified he put such out of the towne as he had noted Whereupon the bourgers tooke counsell how they might chase away the garrison which was in towne for the effecting whereof there were fiftie men of one resolution who thought to put it in execution vpon the first of March but there fell out some other occurrents which stayed it Being afterwards aduised by an old captaine to suffer some of the king of Spaines men to enter who might ioyne with them they durst not attempt fearing least the other bourgers who were ignorant of their designe would rather hinder the entrie of the Spaniards than chase away the Estates souldiers These vndertakers were in great perplexitie and feare to bee discouered for there were fiue dayes respite from the day they should haue executed it before their companie came in guard These fiue dayes past and the matter was not discouered The day of their guard being come some of this enterprise going the round about the breake of day they found in one quarter that those that had the guard were all Catholickes with the which being fortified they went to the corps de gard of souldiers whom they shut vp there and then seized vpon the Arcenal and on the market place The other bourgers which were in their houses hearing this noyse ranne towards the market place These vndertakers went and met them telling them that the souldiers were in a mutinie and meant to spoyle the towne Whereupon euery man went to armes and ioyned with the first motiues of this tumult to defend themselues the towne their wiues and children falling vpon the souldiers and other bourgers which held their partie whom they disarmed and afterwards chased the whole garrison out of the towne renewing their magistrates and all their law Yet at the first they would not receiue the king of Spaine his garrison although that Martin Schenck and Camillo de Monte did much insist to put in some whilest they were in these garboyles The which being pacified they of Nymeghen sent their deputies vnto the prince of Parma with whom they agreed to submit themselues vnder the king of Spaines obedience Whilest that this was working at Nymeghen Taxis lieutenant to Verdugo tooke the castle of Nyenbeeke in the quarter of Veluwe in Guelderland by force whereas some of them were hanged after they had yeelded vp the castle and others put to raunsome From thence hee went before the castle of Hackfort the which held out long and did him much despight yet beeing forced in the end to yeeld themselues vnto his mercie he cut all those in pieces that were within the place except onely one clarke of a band who was knowne by a Chanon that was there at whose suite his life was saued and hee put to ransome Those of Doesbourg being a towne that is seated vpon the riuer of Yssel which is one of the armes of Rhyn seeing how the Spaniard prospered and that they of Nymeghen had had good successe in the expulsion of their souldiers they did the like vnto their garrison and sent messengers for others to Zutphen so as vpon the nine and twentieth of March they concluded with the prince of Parma as they of Nymeghen had done before The earle of Moeurs was all this time at Arnham the chiefe towne of the Duchie of Gueldres the which did in like manner wauer for the which the sayd earle was much troubled and would gladly haue assured it with a greater garrison for that hee found the bourgers to be halfe shaken who would soone haue followed the example of them of Nymeghen and Doesbourg wherefore he caused some souldiers to come neere vnto the port the watch who was in the steeple giuing the alarme whether that he were woon by the earle or that the bourgers mistooke him the townesmen being all in armes went to another port than that whereas the souldiers were who in the meane time entred making themselues masters of the bourgers corps degard whom they chased from thence And by this meanes the towne was assured for the earle of Moeurs holding the Estates partie the which was much displeasing to some bourgers who desired rather to haue had the Spaniards in their towne The tenth of March Oliuer vanden Timpel Seignior of Corbeke and gouernor of Brussels after that he had beene long besieged and seeing no hope of succours made an accord with the prince of Parma for himselfe the souldiers and bourgers as followeth That the sayd Seignior of Timpel should not for sixe moneths space serue in the countrey of Brabant against the king nor the captaines for three moneths nor the souldiers for foure moneths the which should depart with their armes and baggage and vnto strangers that serued them should bee payed what was due vnto them out of their entertainement for confirmation of which accord there were sent into the towne on the princes behalfe Richardot President of Arthois and Garnier Secretarie of Estate In regard of the bourgers it was agreed That hee should settle againe the Romish Religion within the towne and restore the churches which the Protestants had held That their priuiledges should be maintained vnlesse there were any that might minister occasion of new troubles the which should be consulted of and moderated by the counsell of Estate That nothing should bee imputed vnto them for all the warres past That they of the Protestants Religion should haue two yeares libertie to doe their businesse whether to stay or depart That the king should be restored to all his rights and prerogatiues That the houses of the Cardinall of Granuelle the earle of Mansfeldt and of other noblemen hauing followed the kings partie which the bourgers had ruined should be repaired and built vp againe and all the goods which had bin taken there restored or the value therof That the impositions which they had raised if they were not vnreasonable and vniust should be payed vnto the end of the terme The same conditions were also propounded to them of Antuerpe and of Macklyn At that time William of Blois Seignior of Treslon who in the beginning in the yeare 1572 with the Seignior of Lumay earle of Marche had taken the Island of Bryel being Admirall of Zeeland vpon the riuer of Antuerpe was sent for to come to Middlebourg where
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