our soules And we do also confesse that by reason of your bishopricke you haue much land and many rents tithes possessions and other reuenues which haue beene giuen by my auncestors vnto the church of Vtrecht for the honor of God and the entertainment of divine service the which I would be verie loath any way to impeach or hinder As I also would intreat your lordship your subiects to vse the like moderation towards me and my vassals and so he ended his discourse After these two goodly victories which Cont Thierry had gotten against Adelbold bishop of Vtrecht he resolued to reuenge the death of his father in Friseland for the effecting wherof he was assisted by the Emperour Henry the 2 who sent Godefroy with the great beard duke of Lorraine vnto him with goodly succors of souldiers The Earle hauing also leuied a goodly armie of his owne subiects leading the bishop prisoner with him entred into the countrey of Friseland where going to affront the Frisons armie a sodaine terrour and feare seized vpon the Hollanders without any apparant cause which made them sodainly to disband flie as if they had been chased and followed at the heeles by their enemies so as it was not possible to stay them to fight euery one seeking his owne safetie The Frisons seeing this vnexpected rout pursued them at their ease in which pursute the Duke of Lorraine was taken and the bishop escaped from the Hollanders retyring himselfe vnto the Frisons incensing them more and more against Cont Thierry who hauing made his retreat to Harlem he speedily gathered together his scattered armie with the which he marched directly to Heyligerlee where he met the Frisons with the bishop who came boldly and resolutely to charge him hauing forced the Duke of Lorraine to accompanie them to the battaile the which was fierce and very bloudie whereas the Earle had the victorie with great slaughter of the Frisons the Duke being freed from their hands and ioyned with the Earle after that the bishop beeing wounded had saued himselfe with great danger of his life they both together with their vnited troups fell vpon the country of Friseland putting all to fire sword destroying the whole countrey vnpeopling it of men and cattell taking and carrying away all they could find And thus the Earle reduced all the countrey of Friseland vnder his obedience the which he gaue to his yonger sonne Floris and forced the inhabitants which remained to acknowledge him for their lord and to take an othe of fealtie holding the said seigniorie notwithstanding in fee of the Earle his father who returned victorious into Holland Floris remained in Friseland the which he gouerned with power and authoritie all his lifetime Cont Thierry finding himselfe at rest from all his wars hauing subdued all his enemies he went accompanied with the lord of Arckel his faithfull subiect and a great traine of gentlemen to Ierusalem where the said lord of Arckel died of sicknesse and was honorably interred there by Cont Thierry who being returned into Holland after that hee had finished his pilgrimage liued some yeares intrest and quietnesse with his wife and children then hauing ended the course of his life he died in the yere 1039. hauing raigned 46 yeares and was buried in the church of the Abbey of Egmont by his fathers The lady Withilde his widow returned into her countrey of Saxony where she died foure yeares after In the said Abbey of Egmont there was found preserued from ruine the Epitaph of these three Earles Thierry the 1. 2 and 3. Earles of Holland and Zeeland Lords of Friseland of the lady Gena wife to the first and of the lady Hildegarde wife to the second as we haue extracted and inserted them here for the reuerence of antiquitie The odericorum tria corpora magnificâ—…rum Hic sita sunt titulis quaeque not at a suis. Hi fundaâ—…rant loca nostra Patresque fuerunt Istsus ornatus ordinis atque status Hic Comitissarum sociantur membraduarum Virtus est quarum non celebrandaparum Genna prior dicta tum pracipue benedicta Hildâ—… garda suo digna legititulo Auropraeclâ—… am tabulam quae struxit ad aram Multiâ—…dis donis iure sequendabonis Progenies borum mores imitare tuorum Quos coeliregio sumpsit ab exilio In the said Abbey is also found the Epitaph of Sicco or Ziffrid of Holland first lord of Brederode sonne to Arnould brother to Thierry the 3. Earles of Holland as followeth Status sepe morum statu immutatur honorum Quod Comes exegst quem lapis iste tegit Siccogâ—…nus Comitum Comitatum ponit auitum Dum quod amat sequitur sic minor efficitur Sed fundis seruis aerisque nitebat aceruis Inferior solo Principe fratre suo Qui dum perpendit quo mundi gloria tendit Iuris multa suitradit huic domui Stâ—…rps de Siccane processit in hac regione Florens diuitijs viribus ingenijs Iulius in Nâ—…nis tulit hunc vt conditionis Cui vera sit quies perpetâ—…sque dies THIERRY THE FOVRTH OF THAT name and fift Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland 5 Theodoricus Quartus Nine yeares I liued Earle of Holland fortunate Not knowing nor yes caring what belongd to mariage state The Germans I compeld the towne of Dort to leaue That sought by all the meanes they could my life for to bereaue Who being ouercome and put vnto the flight Turn'd backe and shot a shaft at me which in my thigh did light The names of three of my forefathers I did beare And with them in their sepulcher my bones interred were THIERRY the 4. of that name after the decease of Thierry the 3. his father was the fift Earle of Holland and Zeeland and Lord of Friseland Hee was neuer married and therefore he left not any children to succeed him On a time a torney being appointed in the citie of Liege whither came many Princes and Noble men Cont Thierry went thither in like sort accompanied with many Noble men and Barons his vassals As the Princes Noble men were at the torney it happened by an vnfortunat blow that the Earle slew the brother of the bishops of Cologne and Liege so as the noble men of Germanie sought to reuenge the death of this yong knight Thierry vnable to make his partie good retired secretly with all his traine out of the citie The Germains aduertised of his retreat pursued him and hauing ouertaken the last of his traine they slew some among the which were two knights Cont Thierry hauing recouered Holland without danger went to Dordrecht and caused all the ships of Cologne and Liege to be burnt tooke all the Germaine marchants prisoners and put them to great ransoms to reuenge the death of his two knights and of his other seruants The bishops of Liege and Cologne bearing this indignitie impatiently sent an armie vnder the command of the Marques
being iealous of their libertie would no longer obey his lieutenants and officers of iustice nor receiue any commandements from them The Earle being much moued at this contempt went with an armie to reduce them vnto reason Beeing entred into the countrey some yong gentlemen of his armie being lodged in a village called Schoerle went with some few souldiers to discouer their enemies The Frisons lying in ambush brake forth and hauing compassed them in on euerie side they slew many the most apparant of them were Simon of Anuers William of Voorhout Baldwin of Harlem Floris Roesschen Gerard Drossart Allard of Egmont Bruyn of Castrichom Euert of Noortwick Gerard of Monstre all knights the which were drawne from among the dead and buried in the Abbey of Egmont After this vnfortunate skirmish Cont Floris hauing fortified his armie hee went himselfe in person against the Frisons whom hee did wonderfully destroy to reuenge the death of his knights his souldiers killing all they could incounter both men and women The Frisons seeing their owne miserie submitted themselues to his mercie and promised vnder their hands and seales neuer to rebell against him nor his successors the which they held not long Being thus reduced vnto reason the Earle returned into Holland where hee liued the remainder of his dayes in peace In the yeare 1131 the regular Monks of Middelbourg in Zeeland were for their disordred life expelled their Couent by Gombault bishop of Vtrecht who placed other Monks there that came from Antuerpe which was to change a pour-blind man for one that had no sight the said town of Middelbourg being then but a village with a castle which they cald Burcht but by little and little they began to wall it in by reason of the ordinarie incursions which the Flemings made into the isle of Walchren And the other islands began to erect seigniories among the which that of the family of Borssele as the most antient of all was the most aduanced and rich in lands In the yeare 1133 Prince Floris Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland hauing gouerned his countries in peace except the troubles of Friseland for the space of 31 yeares died the sixt of the Nones of March leauing three sons and one daughter as we haue said This Prince exceeded all his predecessors in wealth state and liberalitie aboue all hee was a great giuer of almes of a quiet disposition and very considerat before he entred into any warre For said he that Prince which loueth his subiects will not rashly vndertake a warre if hee bee not forced He is buried in the Abbey of Egmont by his fathers whose Epitaph was found as followeth O Florens species lege cerne quid citò fies Quod teres tumuli forma decet tituli Floruit vt palma serie Florentius alma Cultor Iustitiae iura tuendo piae Duxerat vxorem claram Regisque sororem Ambo praeclari parbenè iuncta pari Larga manus dantis altar sacrum venerantis Donis non minimis praecipuè decimis Tempus ei pacis labor est victoria Patris Attulit optato suppede Marte dato Quum senas nonas Sol martis tempore donas Contigit hanc lucem morte mutare ducem THIERRY THE SIXT OF THAT name and twelfth Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland THIERRY espoused the daughter of the Earle PALATINE SOPHIA cald that trauailed with him in Palestine Where wearied with long â—…yle it was 〈◊〉 to die Twice in one day the Frisons he subdued valiantly Vtrecht he did besiege and ruled fortie yeare And in the Abbey of 〈◊〉 his bones â—…rred 〈◊〉 Intombed with a diademe of thornes the which the King Of Idumeas ensigne was which he from thence did bring THIERRY the sixt of that name son to Floris the second was twelfth Earle of Holland and Zeeland and Lord of Friseland who tooke to wife the ladie Sophia daughter to Otho Palatin of Rhin of whom he had foure sons Floris the 3. that succeeded him Otto Earl of Benthem Baldwin bishop of Vtrecht and Peregrin Vicont of Montfort with three daughters Sophia that was abbesse of Fontenelle Hedewic that was a religious woman there and Petronelle who was a faire and louely lady but I know not to whom she was maried He had also one bastard called Robert of Holland We haue formerly said That in the yeare 1086 the Emperour Henry the 4. vpon sleight suggestions had giuen the counties of Oostergoe and Westergoe in Friseland to Conrard bishop of Vtrecht which Marques Egbers had giuen to the bishopricke of Vtrecht to hold them of the empire during the time that he was competitor with the Emperour Henry but Lothaire vncle by the mothers side to this cont Thierry the 6 reuoked this donation as soon as he came to the empire after Henry as purchased vnlawfully by stealth restoring those two quarters of Oostergoc Westergoe with the seuen Forests in the which three parts consists al Friseland vnto Cont Thierry his nephew annexing them to the estate of the Earles of Holland Who so desires to know the limits of these three iurisdictions of Oostergoe Westergoc and the seuen Forests let him read our particular description of Holland Zeeland Vtrecht Friseland Oueryssell and Gronningue which are sixe Prouinces of the vnited Estates of the Netherlands gouerned by Prince Maurice of Nssaau and Cont William of Nassau his cosin In the yeare 1132 the Frisons rebelled againe against Cont Thierry whom hee suffered in the beginning but the Winter following during the sharpest frosts when as the ice did serue as a bridge to passe ouer all riuers and marisâ—…es where with that countrey doth abound the Earle went with an armie to reduce them vnto reason The Frisons beeing nothing amazed went to incounter him with all their forces had in one day two battailes against the Hollanders in both which they were defeated with such losse of their men as the number of the dead could not be knowne After this victorie the Earle returned triumphing into his country of Holland and his men laden with spoile and prisoners The said Cont Thierry as we haue said had one brother called Floris the black a bold man and proud who whether that he enuied the estate and prosperitie of his brother or for some other priuat and domesticke quarrell the which is easily kindled among great men through iealousie or otherwise falling into difference one with another he retired himself out of Holland to the Frisons who complained of the excessiue impositions and charges that they were forced to beare to whom Floris was verie welcome hearing of the hatred that was betwixt his brother and him making him their General with whom he entred into Holland ruining all the Castles and places of strength in the earledome euen vnto Harlem hee spoiled the towne of Alcmar and all the villages round about the which they did daily and at night they returned laden with spoile
Thierry entred the Veluve with an armie destroying and burning wheresoeuer hee came so at the carried away a great spoile Cont Otto did also lâ—…nic what men he could following Conâ—… Thierry as far as Heymens bergh to rescue the prey wherethere was a sharp incounter but the Gueldrois seeing his men slip away he saued himselfe through the swiftnesse of his horse Cont Thierry pursuing them that fled tooke many prisoners among the which were some gentlemen William earl of East-Friseland hearing of the victory which his brother had gotten â—…ame to him to the castle of Horst to congratulate with him for this his happy successe Cont Thierry remembring the quarrels past and the loue his brother had borne vnto the earle of Gueldre imagining that he came now to attempt something against him he commanded an officer of his called Henry Craen to seise vpon his brother and commit him to prison the which was done But soone after William hauing broken prison he retired himself secretly to the earle of Gueldre to be supported by him against the earle of Holland his brother where he remained some time Otto earle of Gueldre knowing him to be verie valiant hauing seen good proof thereof in Palestina against the Sarracens considering also the goodly portion which he had in Friseland gaue him his daughter Alix in mariage by whom he had one sonne named Floris who was afterwards Earle of Holland Otto William and two daughters Ada who was abbesse of Rhinsburgh the which was an abbey of noble women and Ryckwyf who was a religious woman in the same cloister After the mariage of William and Alix celebrated in the towne of Staueren Otto of Gueldre returned into his countrey and William was honourably receiued with his wife and acknowledged throughout all the countrey of Friseland for their lord Soone after and the same yeare the Earles of Holland and Gueldre were reconciled together vpon condition That Adella eldest daughter to Cont Thierry should marie with Henry sonne to Cont Otto but he liued not long and died without children In the yere 1198 Didier of Holland Arnould of Isenburgh both elect bishops of Vtrecht pleading their cause at Rome the pope adiudged the said bishoprick through the fauour of some courtiers in Rome and the aduantage of his election to Arnould where he was consectated the 30 bishop of Vtrecht But as he died soone after and was buried at Rome pope Innocent the 3 gaue the said bishoprick to Didier of Holland who had been his competitor was in like sort consecrated at Rome At his returne to take possession of his bishoprick he fell sick at Padoua in Italy where he died and was there buried To whom succeeded Didier vander Are collegiall prouost of Nydrecht vpon Meuse being in commission in the realme of Sicile who after the death of these two bishops was sent for to come and take possession of the said bishoprick the which at his first entrance he found very much charged with debts so as by the aduice of his barons nobles townes and chapters he went into Friseland to demand some aid or gratuitie to free himselfe of debt William earle of East-Friseland would not suffer his subiects to be charged with any imposition or extraordinarie subsidie for the preuenting whereof he went to Staueren whither the bishop was come vnto the abbey of whom he laid hold at the end of masse thinking to carrie him away to his castle of Osterzee but the monks with the help of some Frisons fearing if they should suffer it the bishop would excommunicat them tooke him away from him by force Afterwards Thierry Earle of Holland and Otto earle of Gueldre father in law to Cont William of East Friseland beeing reconciled to his brother and freed him from any bad conceit of him banded themselues iointly against the bishop The earle of Gueldre seised vpon all the countrey of Ouerissel for his part chased away all the bishops officers and puta garrison of Gueldres into the towne of Deuenter The Earle of Holland spoiled the whole countrey on this side the riuer of Yssel and besieged the bishop in his city of Vtrecht during the which time the earl of Gueldre going with a safeconduct towards the emperor Otto the 4. competitor to the emperor Philip hee was staied by the way by the duke of Brabants people The Earle of Holland hearing of these newes raised his siege from before Vtrecht marching with his troups towards Boisleduke where he entred by force and there tooke prisoners the lords William of Paruis and Henry of Cuyck brethren to the duke of Brabant The Earle thinking to retire with his prisoners into Holland the duke being assisted by the Archbishop of Cologne the bishop of Liege the Duke of Lembourg and the Earle of Flanders pursued him with all speed to rescue his two brethren Cont Thierry finding himselfe ouercharged at a passage after that he had long defended himselfe being vriable to resist so great forces was in the end taken and so the Duke of Brabant had the two Earls of Geldre and Holland his prisoners The bishop of Vtrecht seeing these two prouinces without Lords to defend them entred the countrey of Holland with all the forces he could gather together as well of his owne as from his allies from whence hee carried a great spoyle the Nobilitie and Commons of Holland pursued after to rescue it and defeated some knights and souldiers of Vtrecht in the rereward burning in their returne some villages of his iurisdiction The next day the bishop entred into the Veluve the which he spoyled tooke the towne of Zutphen went to Deuenter which yeelded vnto him so as he recouered great store of treasure Soone after a peace was made betwixt the Earle of Holland and the Duke of Brabant whereby the Earle paid vnto the Duke two thousand markes of siluer for his ransome and so did the Earle of Geldre both which were afterwards reconciled with the bishop of Vtrecht whereby all quarrels were ended In the yeare 1203 Thierry Earle of Holland fell sick at Dordrecht lamenting much the absence of his brother William Earle of East-Friseland although there had still remained some small seeds of hatred to recommend his daughter Ada vnto him being yet to marry and her countries of Holland and Zeeland Alix wife to the said Cont Thierry euen before the death of her husband and during his sicknes without the councell or aduice of any one of her own proper motion desirous to marry her daughter had contracted her secretly to Lewis Earle of Loos to the end the Countrey during her widow-hood might be gouerned at her pleasure so desirous was this woman of rule thinking that Lewis being farre inferiour in quality to her daughter would not dare to oppose himselfe against her not caring in the meane time if her daughter were well or ill maried In the meane time Cont Thierry died hauing gouerned
his countries thirteene whole yeares in continuall warres In his time there flourished in Holland Didier bishop of Vtrecht Otto Earle of Benthem and Peregrin Lieutenant of the Countie of Holland al three his vncles brethren to Cont Floris who was father to Cont Thierry and Robert also his bastard vncle then William Earle of East-Friseland Floris Prouost of Vtrecht and Robert Earle of Kennemerlandt his brethren Henry of Geldre husband to Adella the eldest daughter to Cont Thierry William Lord of Brederode Hugues Lord of Teylingen and William his sonne Seignior of Leck Robert of Heusden and Altena issued from the Earles of Holland with a great number of knights squires This Epitaph of the said Cont Thierry the seuenth of that name was found in the Abbey of Egmont Terricus iacet hic peperit quem filia Regis Ada Comes Comitem genuit Florentius istum Quiclausus tumulo virtutum pondere micans Siccatur meritâ—…que doles Hollandia tantum Amisisse virum per quem suffulta labores Insidias rabidos sopisti tuta tumultus Quem pietas quem ver a fides probit are magistra Virtutumque cohors tutum seruauit inermem Soluitur in cineres corpus soluitque tributum Carnis antiquae redit ad primordia matris Hic binas nonas voluente Nouembre relinquens Exilium mundi sanctis conregnat in astris And vpon his Tombe were grauen these foure verses Hic Terrice iaces Comes care regia â—…stus Mortetua populus largus discretus honestus Et fortis bellatâ—…r er as victorque mâ—…destus Milite pro tanto fundantur cum prece quaestus ADA CONTESSE OF HOLLAND and Zeeland the fifteenth in the gouernment of the said Earledomes Ada Theodorici Septimi Filia This ADA did possesse her predecessors wealth But'gainst her fathers will did matchin mariage by stealth With one vâ—…worthie her though mother was content But as it after did appeare God seemed discontent And did within one yeare bereaue her of her life Who dead her husband sought to claime th' inheritance of his wife But the Cont WILLIAM with great power did him withstand As heire vnto his neece deceast and draue him out the land ADA daughter to Cont Thierry the seuenth succeeded her father and was the fifteenth commaunding in Holland and Zeeland as Contesse but she gouerned these Countries but one yere and died without children During the sicknesse of Cont Thierry the father Lewis Earle of Loos to whom Ada had beene promised in mariage by the mother was in the castle of Altena where hee attended newes of the fathers death The Contesse Adella presently after the decease of her husband sent to Lewis to come to Dordrecht with al speed the which she did and there he gaue him her daughter in mariage and in steed of a funerall pompe there were feasts and nuptiall banquets deferring the obsequies till after the mariage which being consummated and all the feasts ended the body of Cont Thierry was with small pompe and ceremonie caried and interred in the abbey of Egmont William Earle of East-Friseland hauing intelligence of the death of his brother came vnto Zipe with an intent to assist and mourâ—…â—…e funerall yet would he not passe on before he had demaunded a safe conduct from the Contesse and those of her Councell the which was denied him yet he stayed in that place vntill the funerals were ended which done he returned into Friseland His kinsfolkes and good friends in Holland as Floris Prouost Cathedrall of Vtrecht his brother Otto Earle of Benthem and his sonne Ieams Chastelain of Leyden Philip of Wassenare William of Theylinghen Iohn of Ryswicke Gualter of Egmont and Albert Bauiart knights and other gentlemen well affected vnto him shewed themselues discontented that they should be gouerned by a woman and a poore Earle to whom they held themselues nothing inferior they therefore made a league among themselues not to endure the gouernment of her nor her husband This done they secretly sent a man of marke on their behalfes into Friseland to Cont William giuing him to understand of their resolution and alliance and that without all feare he should come and ioyne with them at the abbey of Egmont where they would attend him Cont William departed out of Friseland as couertly as he could but for want of a good wind to carry him into Holland or it may be the better to informe and assure himselfe of their intentions he put to land in Zeeland at Zirixee in the Island of Schouven where he was receiued and imbraced by them of the countrey and by the Lords of Borsele of Croningen and others who acknowledged him for their prince and Earle of Zeeland In the meane time Gualter of Egmont and Albert Bauiart accompanied with the Kennemers entred the towne of Harlem and tooke armes against the Earle of Loos the lady Adella widow do wager to Cont Thierry whom they forced with M. Ghysbrecht of Amstell to flie by night and to retire themselues to Vtrecht The young Contesse Ada remained there a while but in the end she retired also beeing accompanied by Roger Vander Meer Otto van venzen and many other knights and gentlemen of the Earle of Loos his traine comming all amazed to the towne of Leyden there to maintain themselues against their enemies as in a place of refuge and safetie the Kennemers being in armes with Gualter of Egmont their Commaunder pursued the young Contesse and those of her traine euen into the said towne where also was Philip of Wassenarewho with his Rhynlanders ouer whom hee was captaine besieged the Bourg so straitly as the besieged were constrained to yeeld for want of victuals Cont William who was then in Zeeland hearing that the Earle of Loos and the Contesse Dowager had saued themselues in Vtrecht and that the yong Contesse Ada was staied in Leyden he came speedily into Holland the which by the assistance of his friends he tooke wholly vnto himselfe disposing of their goods that had beene opposite unto his will then he caused the young Contesse his niece to be conducted with an honourable traine and good intreatie into the Isle of Texel vnder his iurisdiction of Friseland The Earle of Loos being thus chased away meditating of the meanes to be reuenged hee inuited to his succour the bishop of Liege his brother Iohn duke of Lembourg and the Earle of Flanders his kinsmen relying much vpon the bishop of Vtrecht whom hee woon with 2000. marks of siluer and a promise that if he remained victor and in quiet possession hee would hold the Earledome of Holland in fee of the bishopricke of Vtrecht the bishop of Liege being his caution for the performance thereof Cont William hauing notice of the forces which the Earle of Loos prepared to recouer Holland he appointed Gualter of Egmont and Albert Bauiart to be chiefe of the Kennemers and Philip of Wassenare and the Seignior of Theylinghen to commaund the Rhynlanders and he
sexaginta q◅inque qui past quam per venerabilem Dom. Guidonem Suffragan Episcopi Traiectensis praesentibus nonnull◅s proceribus magnatibus in peluibus duabus ex aere baptismum percepissent masculis Iohannes foemellis vero Elizabeth nomina imposita fuissent simul omnes cum matre vno eodemque die fatis concesserunt in hoc Lodunensi temploiacent Quod quidem accidit ob pauperculam quandam foeminam quae ex vno partu gemellos in vlnis gestabat pueros quam rem admirans ipsa Comitissa dicebat id per vni◅m virum fieri non posse ipsamque contumeliose reiecit vnde haec paupercula animo turhata perculsa prolium tantum numerum ac multitudinem ex vno part◅ ei imprecabatur quod veltotius anni dies numerentur Quod quidem praeter naturae cursum obstupenda quadam rationeita factum est si◅ in hac tabula in perpetuam rei memoriam ex vetustis tum manuscriptis quam typis excusis Chronicis breuiter positū narratum est Deus ille ter maximus hac de re suspiciendus honorandus laudibus extollendus in sempiterna saecula Amen And vnderneath it were these two verses En tibt monstrosum memorabile factum Quale nec a mundi conditione datum At that time there were in Holland and Zeeland fiue hundred knights whereof those that follow were the chiefe Otto brother to Cont Floris William Lieutenant of Holland their brother Didier Lord of Brederode Baylife of Holland Albert his sonne who was afterwards Lord of Brederode William Lord of Theylingen and of Leck These two houses are descended from the auncient Earles of Holland then Iohn Lord of Heusden Iohn de Veen his son Iohn Lord of Arckel Herbert Lord of Botersloot Hugh his son the Lord of Altena the Lord of Lederdam the Lord of Aspren the Lord of Putten and of Streymen Henry Lord of Vorn Ieams Vicont of Leyden Didier Lord of Wassenare Ghysbrecht Lord of Amstel Henry Lord of Woerden William Didier of Theylingen brethren Symon of Harlem Isbrand of Harlem Nicholas Persin Gualter of Egmond Gerard of Egmond his sonne Wouter of Egmond Gualter of Egmond Arnould of Egmond and Nicholas of Egmond all brethren VVilliam of Heeckhuysen Korstant of Raphorst Ieams van ◅uoud Hugh of Craelingen Didier of Gode Roger Bockel Hugh of Ackersloot all renowned knights Goeselin of Ryswicke Albert Vuitten Haghe Didier van Velson Paule of Brigdam Bouven or Bauldwin van Ziburch Floris van VVoert and many other Squires WILLIAM THE SECOND OF THAT name eighteenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland and afterwards king of Romans 18. Guilielmus Secundus Leyden first brought thee forth thy race did make thee great VVithin the Countrey Holland thou didst hold thy soueraigne seat Thy wife ELIZA was Rome did thee king elect The Hage thou mad'st chiefe place for lawes thy people to protect In Harlem at thy charge a Cloyster thou did'st make In Friseland fighting in thine armes death life from thee did take Twice ten yeares thou wast Earle and seuen yeares a King Death neither spareth Potentate nor any liuing thing WILLIAM the second of that name after the decease of Cont Floris his father was the 18 Earle of Holland Zeeland c. being only six yeres old when his father died he was therefore vnder the guard and keeping of his vncle Otto bishop of Vtrecht He was borne in the Chamber of Holland for at that time the towne of Leyden was so called Being come to mans age hee maried Eliza or Elizabeth daughter to the duke of Brunswike by whom he had one sonne named Floris the 5 who was the 19 Earle of Holland c. He loued armes and vertue more than to gather riches The popes who had beene alwayes in gratefull to emperours and kings their benefactors hauing degraded Frederic the 2 and Conrard his son from the empire and made Henry Landtgraue of Turinge to be chosen who died soone after the princes electors seeing the popes hatred against Frederic the emperor increased daily and that there would neuer bee an end they gaue the gouernment of the empire in the yeare 1247 to William Earle of Holland c. who at the instance of Henry 2 duke of Brabant by the recommendation of his father in law Otto duke of Brunswike and by the promotion of pope Innocent was chosen king of Romans for that there was no prince in Germanie that for feare of the emperor Frederic and Conrard his son durst accept of the empire Being chosen he was solemnly receiued and crowned at Aix-la-chapelle the 1. day of Nouēber hauing first forced the said town the which vntil that day had alwayes held Frederics part to yeeld vnto him and to administer vnto him the first imperiall crowne and after the death of the emperour Frederic he was by the same pope Innocent proclaimed emperour in the citie of Lion foure yeres after his election The said Cont William king of Romans after that hee had beene crowned at Aix by Conrard bishop of Cologne being then but 20 yeares old he went to Liege whereas he graunted vnto Otto earle of Gueldres brother to the said bishop of Liege the imperiall towne and castle of Nymeghen with all the rights reuenues and iurisdictions belonging and depending thereon to hold it in fee for euer of the empire paying therefore one and twentie thousand markes of pure siluer vpon condition That it should be alwayes lawfull for the emperor or king of Romans to redeeme it again paying the said sum of 21000 marks of siluer and that if afterwards they would ingage it againe the earles of Gueldres should bee alwaies preferred and haue the choice to take or leaue it The which was afterwards confirmed by the successours of the said king William From Liege king William would go to visit all his chasteleines or castles along the riuer of Rhin the which were all open vnto him with offer of seruice except Keyser Weert where the captaine denied him the entrie the king besieged it and held his campe before it aboue a yeare in the end victuals and other prouision failing he sued for mercie The king hauing receiued the captaine into grace seeing his generositie and valour after hee had taken ◅n othe of fealtie he gaue him in mariage Catherine his cosin daughter to Alsard of Brederode and for her dowrie the chasteleine of Keyser Weert with the towne and castle for him and castle for euer to hold of the empire This done he marched towards Holland passing by the towne of Vtrecht where at the request of the bishop Otto his vncle he ratified the priuiledges giuen by former emperors to the said town and bishopricke of Vtrecht yea he augmented them much and gaue them letters patents Being returned into his countrey of Holland and making some stay there he built the palace of the Earles of Holland in the village of la Haye commonly called the Hague whereas
of the meanes of reuenge she went vnto the ladie Blanche mother to S. Lewis king of France and to Charles duke of Aniou his brother whome she solicited to come to succour her with an armie and to write vnto king William That his intent was to reuenge the ouâ—…rage she had receiued of him and that he had a desire to fight with him if hee would attend him onely three dayes vpon the plaines of Ashen in regard whereof shee promised the countie of Henault vnto the said duke of Aniou whereof she would disinherit Iohn d' Auesnes her eldest sonne and all the children which he had had of the ladie Alix sister to king William to the end this countie of Henault might neuer fall as it did soone after into the house of Holland or Holland Zeeland and Friseland into that of Henault vpon these goodly promies the duke of Aniou entred Henault with a goodly armie whereas the contesse Marguerite made him to take possession of the towne of Valenciennes and of other townes and castles as earle of the countrey meaning to haue the pay of his hire before he had done his seruice or had merited any reward vaunting with great vanitie and ouerweening that if he could incounter that king of the water for so he called the Earle of Holland being king of Romans vpon the land in an open field he would handle him in such sort and so free Flanders from him as the memorie thereof should remaine for euer Afterwards the duke went to visit the king S. Lewis his brother being returned from prison out of Siria giuing him to vnderstand of all that he had treated with the contesse Marguerite of Flanders and that by prouision he was in possession of the countie of Henault requiring his ayd and fauour therein I haue not yet vnderstood answered the king that William king of Romanes hath attempted any thing against vs and therefore we will not attempt any thing against him so long as hee shall containe himselfe within those tearmes and limits and that he shall do nothing that may bee preiudiciall to our subiects neither will I vndertake a quarrell for the pleasure of a proud passionate woman transported with the desire of reuenge against him The duke hauing receiued this answere from the king his brother returned to the contesse Marguerite and acquainted her therewith perswading her with pertinent and forcible reasons not to make a new attempt against king William but to content her selfe with her first losses Shee persisting in the haughtinesse of het courage with a resolution and eloquent words would needs perswade him That if hee lay camped seuen yeares vpon the playnes of Ashen king William would neuer shew himselfe For said shee I protest before God that Iohn d' Auesnes my sonne nor any of his children or of the bloud of Holland from whence this irrepairable losse hath come vnto mee shall euer inherit the earledome of Henault whereupon shee disinherited the said Iohn d' Auesnes her sonne to the end that those which were issued from the house of Holland should neuer inherit any thing that was hers The lady Alix sister to king William and wife to Iohn d' Auesnes beeing discontented with her mother in lawes courses went to Aix to the king her brother to impart vnto him her griefes and to let him vnderstand that the contesse pretended to depriue her husband and all his children of their inheritance to aduance the duke of Aniou beeing a stranger to whom shee had alreadie transported his inheritance of Henault to frustrate the house of Holland thereof in time to come King William hearing the complaints and reasons of his sister was soone resolued to succour and assist her writing vnto the said duke of Aniou that hee should leaue the countie of Henault whereunto he had no right the which hee would take in good part Whereunto the duke answered proudly That neither for loue nor any feare of him he would forsake it and if he had so much courage as to attend him on the plaines of Asshen there hee would fight with him and reuenge the wrong hee had done vnto the Flemings The said duke laboured in the meane time to seize vpon all the townes of Henault and to haue them at his deuotion The towne of Aath onely made resistance the which he besieged for that it held the partie of Iohn d' Auesnes King William writ againe vnto the duke That if he were so valiant as he vaunted himselfe to bee he would goe and attend him three whole dayes vpon the playnes of Asshen as hee desired The duke returned him an answere That hee would not fayle him whereof he aduertised the contesse Marguerite who assured him confidently that the king would neuer come to fight with him at land and therefore hee should not feare any thing but goe and campe boldly two or three dayes there The duke smiling answered her That hee would doe so sending word vnto the king That if he came to Asshen he should find him there The king seeing him thus braue hauing drawne his armie together promising vnto his nobles an honourable reward and to his souldiers good pay he marched through the countrey of Brabant and neuer rested day nor night vntill he came to the playnes of Asshen where he camped attending there three daies more for the duke of Aniou than had beene limited The duke was all this time in campe before the towne of Aath who hearing that the king was come thither raysed his siege sodainly and retires himselfe into Valenciennes to auoyd the furie of the Hollanders whom he had so much braued and threatened before The king followed him and went to besiege him in the said towne but the duke slipping secretly out at a posterne gate passed ouer the riuer of Escault and retired into Fraunce The inhabitants of Valenciennes seeing the duke thus retired had abandoned them at need could take no better course than to yeeld to the kings mercie vpon good conditions who receiued them causing them to sweare vnto Iohn d' Auesnes their lord During the treatie of their accord newes came vnto the king That the Queene his wife was brought in bed of a sonne whereof he was wonderfully ioyfull the which was Earle of Holland after him called Floris the fifth The chronicles of Flanders report this great defeat of the Flemings in the isle of Walchren otherwise as also the calling in of duke Charles of Aniou by the contesse Marguerite where it is said That king William had giuen the islands of Zeeland to Cont Iohn of Auesnes his brother in law to the which the said contesse pretended a right sending an army to conquer it the which the said Flemish chronicles confesse was defeated and that in reuenge thereof she had called in the duke of Aniou and depriued her said sonne of Auesnes of the countie of Henault But vnder correction of the chronicles of Flanders there is no apparance that king
shooes with his foot He tertified little children to behold him and yet there was not any roughnes nor malice in him but was gentle and mild as a lambe for if he had beene fierce and cruell answerable to his greatnesse and proportion he might haue chased a whole armie before him In those daies there sprung vp in the country of Friseland the factions of Schyerlingers and Vetcoopers the which froÌ„ a small beginning vnworthy to be written the which notwithstanding we haue related in our description of the vnited prouinces of the low countries was the cause of great effusion of bloud destruction of the country ruine of good families murthers among all sorts in generall As in like sort the partialities of Hooks and Cabillaux in Holland and those of Guelphes and Gibilins in Italie the diuersitie of coloured hoods in Flanders and other like factions in France were the causes of great miseries in those times also according vnto some opinions it seemes that all these factions began almost at one instant that of the Schyerlingers and Vetcoopers hauing continued in Friseland vntill that the Emperour Maximilian the first sent Albert duke of Saxonie thither to suppresse them for that the Commissioners which he had formerly sent to pacifie and reconcile them had preuailed nothing making him his lieutenant and gouernour hereditarie yet with small profit for he was slaine there and his two sonnes the dukes Henry and George as we shall shew hereafter did not auaile much so as they left all so great louers haue the Frisons alwayes beene of their franchises and liberties But vnder the gouernment of the said princes of Saxonie these factions ceased to oppose themselues with their ioint forces against the rule of strangers as they had done often before when any stranger came to assaile them and hauing chased them away they returned to their first spleene and hatred but the Saxons brought them to so great pouerty and their quarrell continued so long as they forgat their factions IOHN EARLE OF HENAVLT THE second of that name one and twentieth Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of West-Friseland 21 Joannes Hannonâ—… Fiue yeares I liued Earle of Holland by descent Of blood and for my comfort God three noble sonnes me sent Whose valours did enfranchise me from all my feare Whil'st Brabant and the Emperor 'gainst me great malice bare By them I ouercame GVIDO DOMPIERRE in fight And freed the towne of Zirickxee from all their enemies might The Flemings I subdu'd that were my enemies And in Valencia deepe intomb'd my bones and ashes lyes THE SECOND BOOKE ¶ The Argument IOhn Earle of Henault sonne to Iohn of Auesnes and the Ladie Alix sister to king William Earle of Holland was the second of that name and one and twentieth Earle of Holland Warre betwixt them of Vtrecht and their Bishop Iohn de Renesse prouokes the Earle of Flanders against the Earle of Holland which was the cause of great warres ¶ William called the Good the third of that name the two and twentieth Earle of Holland Guy of Holland his brother bishop of Vtrecht had great warres against the Frisons Cont William subdued the East-Frisons Iustice done vpon a baylife of South-Holland for a cow whom the Earle caused to be executed lying on his death bed ¶ William the fourth sonne to the good Earle William the three and twentieth Earle of Holland He makes warre against the Russians them of Vtrecht and the Frisons by whom he was slain in battaile leauing no children ¶ Marguerite wife to the Emperour Lewis of Bauiere daughter to the good Earle William the foure and twentieth Commander in Holland and Zeeland where she appointed duke William of Bauiere her eldest sonne Gouernor in her absence He had warre against them of Vtrecht The faction of the Cabillaux rise in Vtrecht which bandie duke William against his mother after the death of the Emperor Lewis whereof followed two cruell battailes in the first the Empresse was victor in the second duke William after much bloud spilt they agreed ¶ William remaining the fiue and twentieth Earle of Holland Vtrecht had warre against their bishop and the bishop against the Earle of Holland who was distract of his wits and the gouernment put into the hands of duke Albert of Bauiere his brother notwithstanding the factions which grew betwixt the Hoocks and the Cabillaux William called the Franticke being dead ¶ Albert of Bauiere was the six and twentith Earle of Holland Delft rebelled against the Earle he besieged it and forceth them to obedience The bishop of Vtrecht in warre against the Earle of Holland Anne of Poelgeest minion to Cont Albert murthered in the night which bred a great quarell betwixt the Earle of Ostrenant and Cont Albert his father An affront done to the Earle of Ostreuant at the French kings table which caused warre against the Frisons who were often subdued and rebelled as often Warre betwixt the Earle of Holland and the Lord of Arckel The historie of a sea-woman taken in Holland ¶ William the sixt of that name the seuen and twentieth Earle of Holland succeeded his father Albert he had great warres against the bishop of Vtrecht and the Lord of Arckel The Liegeois make warre against their bishop brother to the Earle of Holland the Earle goes to succor him and defeats the Liegeois Warre betwixt the Earle of Holland and the duke of Gueldres Cont William leauing one only heire ¶ Iacoba or Iaquelina the eight and twentieth commanding in Holland c. she maried first with the Daulphin of France sonne to Charles the sixt who died at one and twentie yeares of age without children then she maried with Iohn duke of Brabant Iohn of Bauiere bishop of Vtrecht troubles her estate to make himselfe Earle The Lady Iaqueline seperated from the duke her husband by reason of neerenesse of bloud she espouseth the duke of Glocester who after leaues her She had great warres and troubles against the duke of Brabant against her vncle and against the duke of Bourgoigne shee marries Franc of Borsele secretly the duke Philip of Bourgoigne puts him in prison and for his libertie she resignes all her Countries vnto the duke IOHN Earle of Holland sonne to Cont Floris the fifth being dead without heires the Earledomes of Holland and Zeeland with the Seigniorie of Friseland came by succession to Iohn Earle of Henault sonne to Cont Iohn of Auesnes and the Lady Alix sister to William king of Romans and Earle of Holland and so sonne to Cont Iohns great aunt Iohn of Henault was the one and twentieth Earle of Holland for which he quartered his Armes the Lyon sables of Henault and the Lyon gules of Holland in fields or This Earle had foure brethren Botzard bishop of Metz Iohn bishop of Cambray Guy chanon of Cambray and Floris who was prince of Morienne At his comming to this succession of Holland and Zeeland he gaue vnto his brother Guy the Seigniories of Amsterdam
and Woerden to hold them in fee of the countie of Holland with all their rights and dependances the homage and right of heronie only excepted the which he reserued for himselfe which seigniories he should inioy but during his life or vntill he were aduanced to a bishoprick or to some ecclesiasticall dignitie equiualent to a bishoprick that then they should returne to the reuenues of the Earle of Holland wherof Guy past a couenant in writing to the Earle his brother This Guy gaue vnto Amsterdam many freedoms rights liberties statutes ordinances for the gouernment of the town and administration of iustice Afterwards he was bishop of Vtrecht and after his death these two seigniories returned to the Earle of Holland as we shall shew hereafter This Earle Iohn of Henault had to wife Philip daughter to the earle of Luxenbourg by whom he had his eldest son called Iohn without mercy earle of Ostreuant who was slaine at the battaile of Groeninghen neere vnto Courtray William who was Earle after him called the Good Iohn of Beaumont earle of Blois Henry chanon of Cambray Marguerite contesse of Arthois Adella contesse of Clermont Marie contesse of Bourbonois and Mathilda lady of Neele In the yeare 1301 Cont Iohn of Henault leuied great forces with the which hee came into Zeeland with an intent to reduce the seignior Iohn de Renesse vnto reason by armes who being banished his countrey went to the emperour Albert for succour shewing that the earledomes of Holland and Zeeland by the decease of the last Earle Iohn of Holland without heiâ—…s should returne vnto the empire whereupon the said emperor did write to all the countries of Holland Zeeland and West-Friseland what right he pretended vnto them and that his intention was to annexe them vnto the empire as Charles the Bald emperour of Romanes had giuen them in fee and homage vnto Thierry of Acquitaine the first Earle of Holland So the emperour came downe the same yeare as far as Nymegen to receiue possession thereof being accompanied by the archbishops and princes electors of Mentz Treues and Cologne and with many other princes and barons of Germany Cont Iohn of Henault prepared a goodly armie for to incounter him and to stop his passage and entrie into his countries planting his campe at Bonswaerd vpon the mouth of the riuer of Wahal searching a foord to passe vnto the other side to charge the emperours armie who hauing caused the Earles forces to be viewed and hearing that he was resolued to charge him hee then thought that Iohn de Renesse had abused him he therefore retired his armie vnto Cranenbourg with an intent to depart the next day and to returne into Austria But the bishop of Cologne iealous of the emperors honour laboured to treat a peace with Cont Iohn the which was concluded vpon condition That the Earle shall take an othe and do homage vnto the emperour and should hold his earldomes of Holland Zeeland and West-Friseland of the empire he and his successors for euer This done they returned good friends euery one to his home Some Zeelanders being come downe with Iohn de Renesse to the emperours seruice came too late and leauing their ships at Heusden went into Brabant Cont Iohn followed them at the heeles and burnt all their ships which done he banished the seignior of Renesse and confisked all his goods the which hee gaue vnto some gentlemen that had serued him faithfully in that voyage yet would not the said Renesse with his small troupe forbeare to make war against the Hollanders entring vpon the lands of Berghen vpon Soom whereas the lord of Berghen went to fight with him and defeated 500 of his men at one incounter who being escaped with the rest fled into the castle of Puydroyen Cont Iohn was then in the towne of Dordrecht sending his eldest sonne Iohn without mercy earle of Ostreuant to besiege him in this castle Renesse hauing intelligence of his comming and being well acquainted with his crueltie fearing least he should be intreated like vnto them of the castle of Berendorp where he put al that he found within it to the sword without any respect or mercie for the which he was since called Iohn without mercy hee resolued with his men to retire himselfe into Flanders and to abandon the place Being come into Flanders he made a league with the Flemings against the Hollanders Zeelanders and with a smal armie of their souldiers entred into the island of Zuytbeuelandt presuming to surprise the towne and castle Ter-Goes Those of Romerswael tooke armes against him and hauing charged them with all their forces slew about 800 of those Flemings vpon the place and the rest were put to flight among the which the seignior of Renesse escaped with great difficultie The same yeare William Bertold bishop of Vtrecht a busie man seeking to bring in many innouations vpon his subiects was taken prisoner by M. Asuerus of Montfort Hubert of Vianen Iohn of Linschoten and Iohn of Lichtenbourg Bourgmasters of the towne and was detained about a yeare in the house of the said Lichtenbourg within Vtrecht in the end by the helpe of some of his partisans he escaped out of prison yet could he neuer reenter into the towne but remained banished retiring himselfe vnto his friends in Oueryssel where hee was honourably receiued as their ghostly father and temporall prince A while after he went to Rome to resigne his bishopricke into the Popes hands that he might spend the remainder of his dayes in peace and rest But the Pope refusing to accept thereof commanded the bishop of Munster to assist his brother and companion to restore him to his bishoprâ—… and town of Vtrecht by force and to subdue his rebellious subiects Hereupon at his returne from Rome he leuied men in the countrey of Oueryssel being the vpper part of the dioces of Vtrecht to seeke to recouer his towne Some noblemen and gentlemen of Holland among other Henry Vicont of Leyden Didier of Wassenare Philip of Montfort Symon of Benthem Floris of Dunen and Ieams vanden Vouden all knights enemies to the bishop and friends to Ieams of Lichtenbourg with a good number of souldiers being called by the citizens of Vtrecht and with the consent of the Earle of Holland their prince went to succor the said Lichtenbourg to chase away the bishop Being come into a goodly champion countrey neere vnto Hooch-woord the bishop was twice as strong in men as they and went to charge them first he defeated some countreymen that were out of their campe and fought valiantly against the Hollanders During the fight Asuerus of Montfort arriued with some troupes to succour these noblemen of Holland and then the skirmish was more violent then before The bishop being well mounted passed and repassed through the Hollanders army three times without any harme for that no man durst touch him knowing him to be their spirituall father but thinking to charge through againe
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
good order that was in it hee should profit little retired from thence and went to besiege the castell of Wlenhorst the which hee forced then hee marched before Hollenstein the which yeelded by composition to haue their goods and liues saued from thence he drew towards Heermalen the which he burnt In the end after all these petty warres a peace was concluded betwixt the Hollanders and Traiectins by the which they of Vtrecht should pay vnto the Earle 4000. crownes for his charges in the warre And as for the siegneurie of Vreeswike it was said That if the bishop and seauen of the chiefe of the towne of Vtrecht did affirme by oth that it did rightly belong vnto the church of Saint Martins in Vtrecht that then the Earle nor any of his successors should for euer pretend any interest therevnto As the bishop and the seauen personages did lift vp their hands to take the said othe Cont Albert not suffring them to sweare but contenting himselfe with their bare affirmation deliuered them vp the siegneurie of Vreeswik and made them letters vnder his seale and so all quarrels were ended In the yeare 1377. Duke William of Bauaria the madde Earle of Holland dyed at Que sn◅y in Henault his body was carried and interred at Valenciennes he left not any children His funerals being finished the lords barons knights and all the nobilitie with the townes of Holland Zeeland Henault and Friseland receiued Duke Albert of Bauaria absolutely who before had been but Tutor vnto the said William his brother and did acknowledge him for their Lord and Soueraigne Prince and so was the 26. Earle of Holland c. In the yeare 1386. about Shrouetide dyed the lady Marguerite of Briga wife to Cont Albert of Bauaria and was buried in the chappell of the court at the Hage at the great altar towards the North. After her death the Earle continued fiue yeares vnmarried entertaining a Gentlewoman called Anne of Poelgheest for his mignion of whom shall bee hereafter spoken who being dead the Earle married with Marguerite the daughter of Adolph Earle of Cleues by whom he had no children In the yeare 1389. died Arnold of Horne bishop of Liege his body was transported to Horne and buried with his fathers After whose death the Chapter did choose Thierry of the Marke who refused it and therefore Iohn of Bauaria sonne to Cont Albert of Holland being but sixteene yeares old and at that time Chanoine of Cambray was chosen in his place and in the yeare 1390. he was conducted to Liege by his father and William Earle of Osteruant his elder brother with many Princes and Noblemen accompanied with about 1200. horse where he was honourably receiued by the Deane and Chapter In the yeare 1392. on Saint Maurice eue Anne of Poelgeest daughter to the siegnior Iohn of Poelgeest a squire mignion to Cont Albert was slaine at the Hage William Kuyser Steward to the Earle seeking to defend and preserue her was also slaine with her by the same murtherers who fled presently after out of the countrie Of which murther there did rise great scandall and trouble in Holland for the siegneor Conrard Kuyser father to the said William made great instance and pursuite vnto the Earle demanding iustice of thē that had murthered his sonne or caused him to be murthered or slaine trecherously in the night with an intended purpose without striking stroake in the open Court and doing his Prince seruice Of which murther he did blame as the chiefe the lord Philip Vicont of Leyden Didier lord of Aspren his sonne Two yong ge◅lemē brethren of Leck Henry Vicont of Montfort Iohn sieignior of Heemsted Iohn of Vlyet Philip of Pola◅en the siegneor of Duyuenwoord the siegnior of Warmount and many other Noblemen and Gentlemen to the number of 54. The Earle sitting in iustice with them of his priuie councell granted a personall adiournment against all the said lord◅ and for not appearing they should bee banished out of the county of Holland And for their contumacie not daring appeare they were condemned to haue forfeited body and good and for this occasion they retired to Cont William of Osteruant eldest sonne to Cont Albert who loued them and held them in great esteeme which made him to seeke all the meanes to purge them of these murthers and to reconcile them to hi◅ father who would by no meanes giue eare vnto it The son◅e discontented at this repulse hearing also that his father would seaze vpon him departed from the Hage being accompanied by all the said noblemen and came to the castell of Altena in South-Holland which castell Cont Albert had before of the lord of Horne and had giuen it vnto the Earle of Osteruant his sonne The other noblemen which remained at the Hage with the Earle insteed of moderating things and pacifying his wrath did incense him more and more by bad reports and false sug◅estions animating the father all they could against the sonne among the which one of the principall was Iohn of Arckell lieutena◅t and treasurer generall of Holland The Earle being resolute to chase his sonne with these other noblemen that were already banished out of his countries ◅ied a great number of men in Holland Zeeland and Friseland of all qualities and of his ordinary ga◅sons with the which he sent the siegnior Conrad Kuyser to ruine all the caste's and country-houses of the banished noblemen Conrad thrust on with a re◅enging spirit did willingly vndertake this charge and first of all hee destroyed Heemstede Warmont and Paddenpoel by Leyden all belonging to the sayd vicont of ◅e den who afterward was called Nonnenpoel The Earle marched with the rest of his forces vp the riuer of Merwede and arriued on Saint Peters day the same yeare 1◅93 at Gortichom where he was honourably receiued by the lord ◅co of Arckel the next day he passed by Wandichom and so went to Altena the which he did inuest round about and besieged it very straightly The Earle of Osteruant his sonne vnderstanding of his comming was retired but before his departure hee had well furnished the place of all things necessary for a siege as well for defence as to offend with the which he hoped the said lords with their people might well defend the place The Earle did all he could to batter it breake downe and ouer-throw the towers and walls doing great harme and annoying the besieged very much During this siege Iohn of Bauaria chosen bishop of Liege sonne to the Earle with those of his councell and some noblemen and councellors of the country of Henault came to the campe before Altena where the said bishop did mediate an accord betwixt his father and his brother comprehending the noblemen that were besieged by the which it was said that the said besieged should yeeld vp the place and haue their liues and goods saued with liberty to go freely to the towne
of Boisleduc to the Earle who attended them there Cont Albert hauing this castell caused it to bee ruined all but the two great towers and Cont William giuing place to his fathers indignation retired himselfe into France to king Charles the sixt where being in the yeare 1395. set at the kings table with many Princes and Barons there came a Herald or King at Armes who cutte the cloath before him saâ—…ing that it did not belong to any one how great a prince soeuer to sit at the Kings table if he had not armes and a scutchion The Earle answered that he had them as well as any other Then there was an old Herauld by which said pardon me sir for Cont William your great vncle was not onely vanquished by the Frisons but lyes yet without any reuenge taken buried among his enemies The Earle being ashamed thereat from that time forward did nothing but dreame by what meâ—…es he might repaire this disgrace and so retiring out of France much troubled he came into Henault And for that he durst not shew himselfe boldly before his father he writ secretly vnto him of the affront that had beene done him in France beseeching him most humbly that he would be pleased to aduise how he might reuenge himselfe and all his race of such a disgrace Cont Albert hearing these newes said This dishonor shall neuer be more reproched to me nor to my children for I will if it please God go my selfe in person the next yeare into Friseland and demand the body of Cont William mine vncle bring back his armes and reuenge his death Soone after the sonne was reconciled to the father and all the Noblemen that were with him who went all together to the court of Holland at the Hage The yeare following 1396. Cont Albert hauing resolued to make warre against the Frisons leuied a mighty army as well out of his owne prouinces as out of France England and Germanie in the which there were many Princes Earles and Barons and a goodly troope of choise men at armes The cheife of his hereditary prouinces were William Earle of Osteruant his eldest sonne Iohn bishop of Liege his yongest sonne and Albert lord of Nubingen his middle sonne the chiefe of the French troupes were the Earle of Saint Pol the Earle of Namur and the Admirall of France of the English the lord Scales and of the Germaines the Earle of Solms The Noblemen of Holland Zeeland and West-friseland were Guy Earle of Blois Iohn Lord of Arckell lieutenant of Holland Iohn of Brederode Philip vicont of Leyden Lord of Wassenare the siegniors of Aspren Seuenberghe Drongelon Henckelom Leydenburch and Waerdenburch with many other Knights and Gentlemen Their Rendez-vous was at the Hage where all these nobles attending the preparation of the army spent the time in iousts torneys and other goodly exercises of warre to adresse themselues in armes and to harden themselues to labour On Sonday after the feast of the Ascention Cont Albert arriued with all his forces at Enchuysen where 3000. ships and 4000. barkes did attend him to passe into Friseland where there is but foure or fiue leagues to crosse In this voyage the Earle made many knights among others Floris of Alcmada and Gerard of Voort Hollanders Hee had 180000. men well armed with the which he entred by Cuindert into Friseland The Frisons of Stellingwerf hearing him to approache gathered together all the men they could out of their owne villages and from their neighbours and with a valiant resolution went to incounter him the day that Saint Iohn Baptist was beheaded The Earle charged them the incounter was furious and the combate cruell and bloudy when they came to ioyne There was many a man ouerthrowne many heads armes eares and legges cut off targets head-peeces broken with the waight of battle-axes with hideous and fearefull cryes of men wounded and dying In the end the Frisons not able to withstand so great a multitude were broken and put to flight some heere some there so many men so many waies who thinking to saue themselues by the marishes and quagmiers many were smothered and drowned there Others flying by the ordinary high-wayes were pursued and taken whereof there were foureteene hundred prisoners After this first victory Cont Albert sent Peter Beets sonne to Didier Beets a Knight with them of Amsterdam of West-frisland of Kennemer and Waterlandt vp the riuer of Lanwere to assaile the Frisons on that side and giue them another battaile The which being discouered by them they planted themselues in such great numbers vpon the sea shore to hinder the Hollanders landing as no man durst offer to go to land but they lay still at anchor to keepe the Frisons from putting to sea In the meane time the Earle marched with the body of his armie towards Staueren and from thence through Gheesterlandt to Saint Odolphus cloister to aduise which way he might best assaile and subdue the Frisons who notwithstanding that they lamented their first losses gathered together new troopes being resolued to hazard a second battaile against the Hollanders The Earle seeing his enimy ready to fight hauing put his armie in good order went first to the charge and there was a second battaile giuen which the Frisons lost The Earle remaining maister of the field caused his tents and Pauilions to be pitcht and staied there ten daies to see if the enemy would come to seeke him During which time not any one presented himselfe euery man redoubting his power During this abode there were certaine Englishmen notwithstanding the Earles expresse defence which would goe and discouer and skirmish with the enemy Being two leagues from the campe they set fire on certaine villages and laded themselues with booty thinking to returne to their quarter the Frisons lying close in their ambushes seeing them approach discouered themselues of all sides The English men being not much amazed put themselues in good order retiring gently fighting with their arrowes and slings but the multitude of Frisons was so great for that their numbers increased continually as the English began to defend themselues casting themselues into a neere fort which they made good against the Frisons who held them there besieged all the rest of the day and the night following The Earle vnderstanding the danger in which the Englishmen were intreated the townes of Holland to goe thether and to vngage them some of them answered That if their Prince went with them and marched before they would follow him The Earle hearing this answer said to them of Delse Goe you and vngage them At this commandement the Delphois made him a modest answer My Lord although you haue heretofore destroyed vs yet for the loue of you we will willingly goc and succour them or dye all in the enterprise beseeching you to remember this seruice when any good occasion is offered Herevpon they marched directly towards the Frisons The English
they could After this victory the Earle raised his campe and came the same day with all his armie to Dockingen the which hee did furnish with victuals munition for warre and a good garrison against the Frisons there-abouts Two dayes after hee went with his troupes to Lanen where he lodged fiue weekes to see what the Frisons would doe During which aboad many of them came vnto him and sued for mercy who after they had taken the othe of fealty and obedience he receiued them into grace causing all the villages that would not doe the like to bee spoiled and burnt whereby his soldiers got great spoile Then came they of Groninghen who did promise to him and sweare in the name of the Earle of Holland his father fealtie and homage acknowledging him for their soueraigne Lord. But they kept not long their faith nor promise for soone after with the other Frisons they set vpon the Hollanders euen whilest that Cont William was yet in Friseland and laide ambushes to surprise him vsing all the meanes they could to breake and ruine his armie About that time a great number of Frisons being in field in a certaine place where there was but a little water to crosse betwixt their campe and the Earles they laboured to fill it vp in the night with fagots bauins hay straw and turfe that they might passe through it and so assaile the Hollanders campe but this worke being discouered the English with some Frisons of the Earles part went and charged them in another place which disapointed their worke so as they could not passe There was among the English a Captaine called Panthere which did wonders putting the enemies to slight with the losse of ten of his men onely This done Cont William of Osteruant made Floris of Alcmada one of his chiefe Captaines his lieutenant in Friseland and Gerard of Egmond siegnior of Wateringhe brother to the Lord of Egmond Gouernor of Staueren and then he returned a conqueror into Holland In the yeare 1400. the Frisons seeing the Earle of Osteruant retired with all his armie out of their countrie and that by his fathers commandement hee was gone into Henault notwithstanding all their accords and othes they rebelled the third time And as part of their countrie and the towne of Staueren were maintained vnder the garde of the said siegneors of Alcmada and Egmond hauing at that time a garrison of Hollanders in the said towne The Frisons being armed and in field went to besiege them Albert Earle of Holland father to Cont William wondring at this ordinarie rebellion of the Frisons enemies to all soueraigne command leuied a new armie of choise men giuing the charge and command thereof to Arnold of Egmond Lord of Yselstein and to Walrauen Lord of Brederode whom he sent into Friseland to free the towne of Staueren from siege assoone as these Noblemen had past the seas with their troupes the Frisons fled and vanished away like smoake euery one sauing himselfe as he could The siege being thus raised the Hollanders returned into their country except the Lord of Brederode who staied in Friseland with his horsemen Soone after the garrison of Hollanders that was in Staueren would make an enterprise in the night vpon the fort which the Frisons held at Molckweer neere vnto their towne but they could not effect it for that the Lord of Brederode was sore hurt there and taken prisoner whereof being halfe cured and hauing no great garde about him hee found meanes to escape without danger In the yeare 1401. Cont Albert would haue Iohn of Arckel who had beene his lieutenant and treasurer generall of Holland to giue an account as well of the gouernement which he had delt in as of the treasure which he had managed The Lord of Arckel a proud man and relying vpon his forces refused to do it Whereat Cont Albert being much displeased referred the matter to the Earle of Osteruant his sonne who presently caused all the lands and siegneuries of the said Lord of Arckel to be forfeited as Haestrecht Vlyest Stolwyk and many other villages causing him to be adiourned to appeare in person and for contumacie to banish him the countrie of Holland The which did so much transport the Lord of Arckell as hee durst presume to send a Cartell of defiance vnto Cont Albert the which hee receiued at the castell of Nyenbourg neere vnto Alcmar And soone after the said lord of Arckel entred sodenly with an armie into Holland thinking to surprise the towne of Oude-water but his enterprise was discouered in time by the Bourgesses Hauing failed of this he went to besiege the castell of Ghissenburch the which he forced and spoiled Then hee came to Werckendam into the which he shot fire and burnt it passing on he went to Ablasserdam where he burnt some poore mens houses Hauing done all this hee sent another Cartel of defiance to the Earle of Osteruant the which was presented vnto him in the presence of Philip the Hardy Duke of Bourgongne The Earle receiued this Cartell with a cheerefull countenance made the messenger or Herald good cheere and gaue him some crownes commanding him expresly to say vnto his maister That it was in his power to defie him but it would be one day in his power to pardon him or not Soone after the Earle went to his father at the Hage The yeare following the Lord of Arckel past the riuer of Leck with his troupes and entred into Krimpen-waert the which he spoiled and burnt carrying away a great booty But thinking to enter with all this pillage into his towne of Gorrichom those of Dordrecht and Schoonhouen being aduertised went to armes as also all the villages of that quarter came to Nyeuport to rescue the prey Those of Arckel hauing no other passage were charged by the Hollanders who making a stand there were 24. peasants ouerthrowne at the first and Gerard of Lyesuelt Knight Water Simons Adrian Wittens Gerard Mobbout Hugh l' Imager Bourgeses of Dordrecht Bourchard and Iohn Robrechts Bourgesses of Schoonhouen seauen riche countrimen of Leckerkercke and fiue of Scheruelandt were taken prisoners who notwithstanding any resistance were carried into Gorrichom Seuen or eight daies after those of Rotterdam and Schyedam tooke armes and went into the Lord of Arckels country spoiling and burning all where they past and so returned home laden with spoile Afterwards the Earle of Osteruant put in armes the cittizens of Harlem with the Kennemers those of Leyden and the Rhynlanders those of Amsterdam with the Waterlanders and Goylanders the which hee sent vnder the command of Henry of Wassenare Vicont of Leyden into the territory of Arckel commanding him to spoile and burne it These troopes spoilng the countrie thus came before the towne of Hagenstein the which they did batter and assaile but they could no other thing but ruine the suburbes and a Mill ioyning vnto the towne and then
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
impouerished could not forbeare to murmure against their Lord and the rather for that it was commonly reported among them that the Earle had sworne neuer to pardon their Lord. William of Arckel his sonne was much troubled to see his father oppose himselfe so obstinately against so mighty a Prince perswading him often with liuely reasons to reconcile himselfe with such great and mighty enemies such as the Earle the bishop of Vtrecht and the Lord of Vianen were This yong Nobleman seeing that he preuailed nothing and that he could not mollifie his fathers hart had pitty of his subiects who were so pittifully ruined without cause through the obstinate wilfulnesse of their Lord he parted discontented from his Father and came to Gorrichom where he laboured to draw the chiefe and richest of the towne to be at his deuotion and to sweare faith and loyaltie vnto him among other Iohn Gerrits Prouost of the towne Conrard Iohn Arnold and Gerard of Haerlaer foure brethâ—…en Ambrose Wouters and Iohn van Donck issued from a bastard of Arckel being ioyned and vnited to their yong lord they concluded together to treate a peace with the Earle and to exclude the â—…d of Arckel his father seeing hee would so obstinately seeke his owne and his subiects ruine without cause At the same time the lord of Arckel was gone to Renald Duke of Iuilliers Geldres his wiueâ—… brother during his absence the yong lord of Arckel his sonne by the aduice of the aboue named Gentlemen deposed all the Magistrates Councellors and Officers of the towne of Gorrichom which his father had made establishing a new Baylisse and Iudge in the place of the old the like he did at Lederdam and in the castell The Lord of Arckel who knew nothing of all these practises returning out of the country of Iuilliers thinking to enter into Gorrichom found the gates shutt against him refusing to giue him entrance the like was done vnto him at the castell From thence he â—…ent to Lederdam where he had the same entertainement Being in this perplexiâ—…ie the Lord of Arckel returned presently the same way he came into the country of Gelders without eating or drinking But soone after he did write secretly vnto his sonne by men of good iudgement of his councell who could handle this yong Nobleman in such sort as without taking any aduice and councell of the aboue named and of the chiefe of the towne he went to Boisleduc to reconcile himselfe vnto his father Wheâ—…evpon those chiefe men being discontented that he had made an accorde without their priuity or aduice and that he would leaue them ingaged at his returne from Boisleduc thinking to re-enter into Gorrichom the gates were shut against him This yong Nobleman finding himselfe debarred from entring into the towne turned head and went to the Duke of Iuilliers his Vncle. Being gone those seauen men sent certaine deputies of qualitie vnto the Earle of Holland to require his ayde and protection against the Lord of Arckel in regarde whereof they offred him all duty of homage and â—…ealty The Earle being glad to winne such a towne and country without strikiâ—…g stroake and therewithall subdue his enemie with little labour hee came about Whitsontide to Wandrichom where hee was receiued and feasted in the Castell and acknowledged for lord of Arckel confirming and ratifying theâ—…r priuiledges as well olde as newe From thence hee went to Gorrichom and into the Castell and into Leederdam where he was likewise receiued for Lord of Arckel and generally inuested in all the countrie The Lord of Aspren hearing that the Earle was at Gorrichom came to meete him neere vnto Leederdam doing him all honor and reuerence and seeing Conrard Iohn Arnold and Gerard van Haerlaer bretheren Ambrose Woutsersen Iohn Van Donck whom the Earle had newly made Knights with their collers of gold wondring much he said My Lord beware of these new Knights for what they haue done this day vnto their Lord they may doe to morrow vnto you The Earle smiling made much of him raysing him vp vnder the arme he lead him to his lodging where hauing feasted him he returned into Holland The Lord of Arckel and his sonne deuised by what meanes they might recouer their inheritance The Earle to preserue it sent Philip van Dorp a Knight with 500. men to garde Gorrichom The yong Lord of Arckel hauing with the helpe of his friends gathered some men together came in the end of haruest and attempted to passe the walles of Gorrichom neere vnto a Tower called the Tower Robert by scalado which hauing effected those of the garde hearing that it was their yong Lord leauing the rampart fled heere and there This yong Nobleman passing on brake open the gate on the East side and drew in his men with their colours flying making great and fearfull cries The Burgesses that were affected vnto him turned presently on his side and in this enterprise there was not any man hurt but Henry Vander-streat that was slaine at the first entrance The next day Didier le Cocque neere kinsman to Ambrose Woutersen had his head cut off The rest that were opposite to the Lord of Arckel leaping ouer the walles escaped This yong Nobleman went presently to besiege the Castell of Arckel where the besieged expecting succors from the Earle of Holland defended themselues valiantly The Earle hearing of these surprises leuied men in all hast and went to besiege Gorrichom chasing the young Lord first from his siege and forcing him to retire into Gorrichom The Earle being fully resolued to force this towne called all the Gentlemen of his Prouinces and Seigneuries and required them of Vtrecht to assist him On the other side Renold Duke of Iuilliers and Geldres a man of a turbulent spirit demanded nothing more then some occasion to quarrell with the Earle whom he sent to defie by a Herald with open letters as he had presumed before to defie the French King where the bishop of Liege brother to the Earle of Holland imployed his credit happily to make his peace with the said King who else had ruined him This Duke then came with an armie and camped not farre from the towne of Gorrichom The inhabitants went forth in the night drew the victuals and munition which he had brought them into the towne The Earle hearing of the Dukes comming raised his siege and went and planted himselfe before the Chappell of Dalem vpon the dike right against the Geldrois to offer them battaile the which was deferred for that night in the which the Geldrois did rise and retired himselfe into his country The Earle seeing him gone went to continue his siege before Gorrichom and after that hee had well furnished the castell of Arckel and the places there-abouts he returned into his country A while after the Lord of Arckel and his sonne did transport vnto Duke Renold of Gelders all the right and
of May in the said yeare 1417. died William of Bauaria Earle of Holland Zeland Henault and Lord of Friseland of a sore he had in his leg which came with the biting of a mad dogge the which being opened by his chirurgeon did so impaire as it was the cause of his death The said Ladie Iaquiline widow to the Dolphin of France succeeded him in al his siegniories Her father recommending her before his death to his most faithfull seruants requiring them to marry her againe to Iohn Duke of Brabant He was interred at Valenciennes in Henault after he had gouerned his countries the space of 13. yeares The lady Marguerite of Bourgongne his wife daughter to duke Iohn of Bourgongne liued long after him and was interred at Quesnoy in Henault This Cont VVilliam was a seuere man against his rebels and enemies and very courteous affable and kinde vnto his friends a iust and bountifull Prince He had two bastard brethren Albert and VVilliam of Bauaria the which was Lorde of Schagen This William was twise at Ierusalem to see the holy Sepulcher and once at Mount Synay or Saint Catherines Mount in which voiages he was knighted and at his returne made Chastelain or Gouernor of Medemblyck Afterwards the good Duke Philip of Burgongne become Earle of Holland gaue him in West Friseland the seigneories of Schagen Bersinghorne and Harynckhuysen which William caused a goodly castle to bee built in the said village of Schagen and made a great circuit of the countrie to be dicked in and recouered from the sea neere vnto Sype and the village S. Martin calling it Nyelant he had to wife Alix the daughter of Iohn of Hodenpil by whom he had besides daughters three sonnes Albert Seignior of Schagen a knight Iohn Escoutette of Harlem and William He was a very famous and renowned knight all his life time for his vertues and valiant deeds he dyed old in the yeere 1473. His eldest sonne Albert of Schagen had to wife Adrian daughter to the Lord of Nyenrode and Velson by whome hee had one onely daughter named Iasine who was first married to VValter of Egmond Lord of Soetermeer and afterward to Iosse of Borssele Count VVilliam had also three Bastards two sonnes and one daughter Lewis and Euerard knights and Beatrix van Vlyet Euerard was the first seigneor of Hoochtwoud in West Friseland where he caused a goodly house in forme of a castle to be built and had to wife the daughter of Flores van Kyesweck by whom he had Anthonie seignior of Hoochtwoud This Anthonie had to wife Sophia the daughter of Iohn seigneor of Polgeest who bare him fiue sonnes Baldwyn seignior of Hoochtwoud a knight William Gerard Cornellis and Euerard who was a Monke in the Abbie of Egmond and one daughter named Iudeth who was a Nun in the couent of Poel by Leyden This Baldwyn sold the said seigniorie of Hoochtwood for that hee had no children to Iohn the first Earle of Egmond Bâ—…atrix the bastard daughter of count William was first marryed to Philip van 〈◊〉 a knight by whom she had no children afterwards she married againe to Iohn of Woerden siegnior of Vlyet by whom shee had Gerâ—…ard of Vlyet Esquire At that time their flourished among the chieâ—…e of the Nobilitie of Holland and Zeeland Williâ—…m lord of Arckell Wallerand Lord of â—…ederode Earle of Genap William of Brederode Iames lord of Gaesbeck Abcoude Wyâ—…k Putten and Streuen Philip vicont of Leyden lord of Wassenare Iohn and Henry â—…is sonnes Iohn of Egmond and William of Yselstein his brother Philip of Leck Wâ—…lsart of lâ—… Vere Henry of Vianen Ameiden Floris of Borssele lord of Seuenbergh Zuylen and S. Martins dycâ—… Faâ—…er to Franâ—… of Borssele the last husband of Iaqueline countesse of Holland Iames of Borssâ—…le lord of Brigdam and Dâ—…yuelandt Costin of Hemestede and 〈◊〉 of Hemestede Iohn of Cruninghen Iohn of Renesse Hubert of Culenburch Didier of Merwe Iohn of Laâ—…geraeck Didier lord of Henckelom Iohn vicont of Montfort Arnold of Lyenburch Henry of Naeldwyck and his two sonnes Wiliam and Albert squires Didier of Leck Iohn of Hodenpil William bastard of Holland first siegnior of Schagen and his brother Adrian both sons to count Albert of Bauaria â—…rard bastard to count William the first lord of Hoochtwoode and Lewis a knight his brother Iohn of Treslon bastard to Guy Earle of Blois Iohn of Vianen siegniâ—…r of Noordeloos Iohn of Woudâ—… lord of Warmoâ—…t and Alemada Iames of Woude his sons Daniel of Poele Clâ—…wer gouernor of S. Ghertruâ—…denbergh 〈◊〉 of Poelgeeâ—…t and his brother Gerrard Bartholomew of Raphorst Iohn of Hemisted siegnior of Beâ—…thusen Iohn of Vlyet Philip of Dorp Iohn Henry and Ghysbreecht of Croenenburch brethren Flores of Alâ—…mada Gerard of Woert Gerard of Zyl Giles of Cralingen Gerrard of Lyesuelt Floris of Abeele Gerard Conrad Iohn and Arnold brethren of Haerlaâ—…r Frederik of Seuenter Berthold of Assendolse Didâ—…er of Beets all knights Then Iohn of Egmond siegnior of Soâ—…termeer an other Iohn of Egmond siegnior of Wateringh Albert of Egmond of Maremsteyn â—…ugh of Alâ—…mada Herpert of Forest Didier of Assendelf Symon of Burcht Floris of Adricom Gerard vuytten Hage Gerard Potter Baldwin of Wietten Floris of Tol. Herpert of Bossche William Egger first lord and founder of the town of Pourmereinde Iohn his sonne Floris of Kyeâ—…oeck Iohn vander Myer Arnold Spyerinck Nicholas of Waterlandt William Nagle with many other squiers and gentlemen which were to long to number and most of all these noble Famylies are at this day extinct IAQVELINE OF BAVARIA THE 28 Gouernesse in Holland Zeeland and Friseland and Contesse of Henault 2â—… â—…acoba Bauariâ—… Foure times in marriage I my fruite did try Yet could I not increase my Progenie Gorrichom I won gainst William of Arckel In which Exploit three hundred English fell Beneath my Conduct while one day did shine My husbands ransome made me to resigne My Contries to the Duke of Burgondie Ten yeares with paine I sat in soueraigntye And now in one Graue with my Grandfather Peace did my bodye to his rest conferre THE Lady Iaqueline or Iacoba as the Hollanders terme her the daughter and onely heire of VVilliam of Bauaria Earle of Holland c. succeded after the death of her father in all his Earldoms and seigniories She was then widow as we haue said to the Dolphin of France being 17. yeeres old keeping with her mother the Lady Marguerite daughter to Iohn duke of Bourgongne father to Philip. Her fathers obsequies and funerall pompe being ended she was conducted throughout all the townes of Henault whereof she tooke possession and receiued the homages of her subiects and vassals By reason of her widowhood and her youth shee had much trouble in the gouernment of her Contries especially of Holland for that the two factions reuiued againe the Hoeckins holding the Countesses partie and the Cabillautins a contrarie one by reason whereof all the time of her
these spoiles and thefts which the Hollanders of the Cabillautin faction holding the part of Iohn of Bauaria did commit vpon their friends of Vtrecht and Amersfort they held it their best course to make open warre and to that ende they allyed themselues to these Lords William of Brederode Philip vicont of Leyden the vicont of Montfort Iohn of Heemstede with all the rest of the Hoackins faction that were chased out of Holland against the lords of Egmond and Gerrard Boel lord of Hemskerke cheife counsellors to Iohn of Bauaria and against all their Allyes The yeare following Iohn of Bauaria and his faction did ruine many of their aduersaries castels in the quarter of Woerden Suylen Houthorst and Nessen On the other side the lorde of Broderode the vicont and the siegnior of Hemsted ioyned to them of Leyden did also burne some of the Cabillautins castels as Zuyck Raphorst Rhinburch others running as far as the Hage but they only spoiled it sparing the fire in respect of the Princes court palace the honor of the earls that had built it In the same yeare Iohn of Bauaria tooke the castle of Poelgeest situated in the village of Coekerke by assault causing all their heads to be cut off that were within it from thence hee went to the castle of Does the which was yeelded vnto him then he besieged the castle of Waert in the village of Leyrdorp the which hee battered and tooke by force killing most of the besieged then razed it to the ground he in like sort wonne that of Zyl by Leyden whereas there dyed many men and then hee ruined it Hauing taken all these castles and gathered together greater troupes hee went and besieged the towne of Leyden the space of nine weekes so as in the ende he forced them to yeeld vpon composition by the which it was agreed that all soldiers strangers and namely they of Vtretch should depart with bagge and baggage and that Iohn of Bauaria should be receyued into the towne without the oppression of any man The which being thus concluded the vicont Philip and the inhabitants did onely acknowledge him as Gouernor of Holland The souldiers of Vtrecht thinking to retire safely vnto their towne the lord of Egmond lay in wait for them at a passage and pursued them vnto their gates On the other side Iohn of Bauaria against the said Accord forced the vicont of Leyden to resigne and yeeld vp his viconty vnto him and not to retaine any thing for himselfe nor his successors but the castle the Toll and the Gruytte whereas before a vicont of Leyden had a great command and prerogatiue in the Towne as the placing of a Bayliffe foure Bourghemasters and seeuen Sherifs Henry the viconts eldest sonne held at this siege the part of Iohn of Bauaria against his father who also made session of the said Viconty This towne being thus yeelded to Iohn of Bauaria they went with them of Dordrecht to besiege the Towne and castle of Gheertruydenbergh whereof Didier vander Merwen was Chastelaine or Gouernor whom in the ende hee forced to yeeld to haue their liues and goods saued That yeare 1420. Iohn Duke of Brabant came from Antwerp into Zeeland at the request of Iohn of Bauaria and landed at saint Martensdyk whereat the pursuite of the siegnior of Aschen they assembled without the priuitie of the Contesse Iaqueline in the house of Floris of Borssele where the duke of Brabant did ratifie and confirme vnto Iohn of Bauaria the gouernment of Holland Zeeland and Frizeland for seuen yeares longer and moreouer did yeeld vp vnto him the towne of Antwerp and Marquisat of Herentael The duke of Brabant being returned to Antwerp by the aduice of Euerard Tserclaes his steward discharged and put away all the Contesse Iaquelines ladyes of honor and maydes and quite altred and changed her estate and traine giuing her the contesse of Moeurs the lady of Weesmael Asschen and others to attend on her The which did wonderfully displease the lady Marguerite of Burgongne Douager of Holland mother to the Countesse who departed presently with her daughter towards Brusselles and comming to the court to the Duke and his councell shee sought to perswade him to dissolue this new estate or traine The which not able to obtaine shee departed discontented and went to her Inne called the Looking glasse The Contesse her daughter followed her weeping with one only Page the which did breed admiration and pittie in all that beheld her The next day the mother and the daughter retyred themselues into Henault where they liued at Quesnoy le Conte Whilest these things were acting the barons nobles and townes of Brabant held an assembly in the towne of Louuaine where it was decreed to displace Euerard of Tserclaes steward to the Duke and the siegneor of Asschen whereunto the Duke opposed firmely for that they were his two mignons and chiefe councellors Whereupon the Estates of Brabant sent to Paris to Philip Earle of S. Pol brother to duke Iohn intreating him to come into Brabant to gouerne the countrey and to rule his fathers inheritance complayning that Duke Iohn suffered himselfe to bee ruled and gouerned by a companie of flatterers and pick-thanks who sought nothing els but to set diuision betwixt the Nobles and townes of the countries and their Lorde and Prince Although the Earle were loth to vndertake this charge yet at the intreatance of the king himself he went into Brabant where hauing saluted the duke his brother at Brusselles hee went to Louaine there hee vnderstood the causes of the complaints made by the state and the reasons of either partie which being heard he went to Quesnoy from whence hee brought the Contesse Iaqueline and her mother to Louvaine Then hee appointed an other assembly of the States on the 29. of September at Vilvoord whereas the sayde Earle being present with the two Ladyes Princesses mother and daughter and all the Deputies of the Estates of Brabant they attended the Duke onely who counterfeited himselfe to be sicke hauing expected him there some space hearing that he went from Towne to towne to auoid this Assembly the States by the aduice of the Ambassadors of the King of France and duke of Bourgongne resolued to create the Earle of S. Poll Reuward of Brabant which election was made the first of October Duke Iohn of Brabant hauing beene perswaded by William lord of Bergen vppon Soome his chiefe councellor and Euerard of Tferclaes to make Iohn of Bauaria gouernor of Holland and Frizeland hauing also beene the cause of the changing of the Contesse Iaqueline his wiues traine The Bastards of Holland beeing incenced for this cause slue the lord of Bergen in the Duke his masters chamber On the other side the Duke hearing that Cont Philip his brother had the title of Reuwart of Brabant and had displased and changed the magistrates of Brusselles came before the
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
an armie The Duke had also his armie in field of the which the Earle of Estampes was generall who made sharpe warres against the Ganthois in the which they were some-times beaten and did some-times beate the Dukes troopes In the end after a great ruine of townes and destruction of the country of Flanders the Ganthois hauing receiued a great defeate by the succours which the Hollanders sent vnto the duke and afterwards an other where there were slaine 6000. of them vpon the place which was the 23. of Iuly 1453. They sent their deputies the 26. of the said moneth vnto the Duke to aske him forgiuenesse in the name of all the people and the 30. following by the prayers and intercessions of some Noblemen both cleargie and secular they were reconciled vnto the duke vpon certaine conditions who receiued them into grace the warre hauing continued fiue yeares The conditions of this reconciliation by the which the greatnesse of the Ganthois was much impaired and the duke assured for the remainder of his life from their mutinies and all the warres which the Ganthois had had at that time are written at large in the Chronicle of Flanders At that time Adrian of Borsselle Lord of Brigdam Duyuelant Galmeade Somersdyk and Zuyburch married Anne the bastard daughter of duke Philip of Bourgongne by whom hee had one sonne called Cornellis who dyed yong and two daughters Agnes and Anne The Lord of Brigdam was then great Chamberlaine to Duke Philip and afterwards to duke Charles his sonne The 4. of March 1455. died Rodoph of Diephont bishop of Vtrecht hauing gouernd his Bishoprick about 23. yeares After whose death duke Philip sent Cont Ihon of Nassau to the Chapter of Vtrecht intreating them to choose his bastard sonne the bishop of Teroane Arnold Duke of Geldres came in person to sue for Stephen of Bauaria Chanoine of Cologne The Chapter without any respect of the intreatie of two mighty Princes nor of these two competitors chose Ghysbrecht of Brederod their Prouost Cathedral a wise and a vertuous man This election was made ioyntly by them all except Gerard vanden Massche Iohn of Wittenhurst Chanoins who gaue their voice to Stephen of Bauaria yet seeing all the rest were of one minde they yeelded and consented to their election This election did not much please them of the Cabillautin faction in Holland for that those of Brederode were of the Hoekins seeking all meanes to hinder it and sending some of the chiefe among them to Brussels to the Duke of Bourgongne giuing him to vnderstand that if this election were of force and that Ghysbrecht of Brederode remained absolute bishop he was in danger to loose his Earldome of Holland if he did not preuent it by his wisedome For that said they Renowld Lord of Brederode his brother would with his ayde attempt to conquer it vnder a coulour that he vaunts himselfe to be issued from the ancient and first Earles of Holland hauing already purchased many friends in the diocesse of Vtrecht and in East Friseland by whose fauour he might easily seaze vpon the countrie The Duke giuing eare to these false reports beleeued them although that the lord of Brederode was well knowne to be a milde and quiet man who would neuer haue entertained such a thought hauing made it sufficiently knowne vnto his Prince with what loyaltie hee had serued him in his last warre against the Ganthois Vpon these aduertisements the Duke sent the Bishop of Arras to the Pope to presse him to haue the prouision of this Bishoprike of Vtrecht for Dauid his bastard for whom Alphonso King of Arrâ—…gon did also solicite Ghysbrecht the elect bishop had also sent his Ambassadors to desire confirmation thereof whom the Pope held in suspence yet receiuing his annuat or first fruits which was 4000. ducats but hee made them no other dispatch Whilest that these Ambassadors were at Rome the Duke and the Earle of Charolois his sonne came into Holland being resolued to install Dauid bastard of Bourgongne in the bishoprick of Vtrecht by force being at the Hage the Duke kept open court did solemnize the order of the Golden Fleece of the which hee created 26. Knights himselfe making the 27. The Lord of Brederode meant to come vnto this feast but hauing some other lets he went not the which was happy for him for his enemies had laid two ambushes in seuerall places to kill him but his stay disapointed them Another time being come vnexpected to the Dukes court at the Hage his aduersaries laide three ambuscadoes more for him with 500. men but hee departed sodenly and so well accompanied as they durst not attempt any thing returning safe to Vtrecht to his brother that was chosen bishop Those of Vtrecht hearing that the Duke ment to bring his base Sonne into the Bishoprik by force sent him word that their preuiledges and ecclesiasticall orders did not admit a bastard to that dignity The Duke to auoide and make frustrate that obiection obtained a dispensation from the Pope for his bastardise making him legitimate Those of Vtrecht being discontented fortified themselues with men and with all things necessary to resist any attempt Notwithstanding in despight of them and those of the house of Brederode hauing obtained from the Pope prouision of the sayd Bishoprick for Dauid his bastard hee forced Gysbrecht that was chosen Bishop to compound with him and to yeeld vp his bishoprik to Dauid Vpon condition that he should remaine Prouost Cathedrall and Prouost of Oudt Minster in Vtrecht and Prouost of Donas in Bruges and that yearely during his life hee should haue an Annuall pension of 4200. florins of gold out of the bishoprike of Vtrecht and for the charges hee had beene at by reason of his election 50000. Lyons of gold For the performance of all which conditions the duke of Cleues stood bound in the name of the duke of Burgongne who by reason of this accord entred with his base sonne Dauid into the towne of Vtrecht and put him in possession But those of Deuenter and other townes of the contry of Oueryssel which is the high diocesse of Vtrecht opposed themselues and would not acknowledge Dauid for their prince pastor vntil the duke besieging Deuenter forced them thervnto Whilest that the Duke held the said towne of Deuenter besieged Lewis Daulphin of France fell in disgrace with King Charles the 7. his Father beeing much perplexed and doubtfull for a time whether he should retier himselfe to the King of England or not But hee thought it best to goe vnto his couzin Duke Philippe of Bourgongne taking his waie towards Brusselles with a small trayne which made the duke yeelde to a composition sodenly with them of Deuenter that hee might go and receiue him This Prince was so honorably entertained feasted and treated as hee remained fiue yeares in the Dukes Court vntill the death of the King his Father hauing an
estate and traine appointed him as if he had beene the Dukes owne Sonne In the yeare 1460. died the sayed French King Charles the seauenth called the Gentle The Duke of Bourgongne being aduertised thereof assembled all his Barrons and cheife Nobility to conduct Lewis Daulphine of France and to see him take possession as the eldest Sonne of the deceased King of the Realme and Crowne of France The King being crowned by the helpe of the Duke of Bourgongne being desirous to shewe himselfe thankefull for so great a seruice hauing as it were led him by the hand vnto the Crowne gaue him great thankes and to recompence him in some sort he gaue vnto the Earle of Charolois his Sonne certaine townes and castells in France with a yearly pension The King would haue make an exchange with the Duke of some townes but they could not agree so as many yeares after the King discouered a spleene and dislike which hee had conceiued against the Duke and that before hee had confirmed the donation made vnto the Earle of Charolois of the sayd townes and castells The Earle of Charolois besides his seigneuries of Bethune Chasteau-Bellain Archel Putten Streyen and the Country of Goyelandt receiued in the yeare 1461. by Adrian of Borselle his Atorney in that behalfe the possession of the moeity of the Seigneury towne and castell of Aspren by reason of a certaine murther committed by one William van Buren vpon Rutger of Boetselaer lord of the other moeity And in the yeare 1462. the sayd Earle was receiued lord of the towne of Henkelom being but a quarter of a league from Aspren by the forfeiture of Iohn of Henkelom and Otto his Sonne who in the ende did resigne it vnto him by agreement And so this signeury of Henkelom returned to that of Arckel from whence it issued at the first At that time there fell out great troubles in the Duke of Bourgongnes Court for the causes which followe Iohn lord of Croy had in his youth bred vp a poore boye in his house named Iohn of Koestein whome hee aduanced to be first an assistant and then a groome of the Dukes chamber who carried himselfe so loyally and vertuously as the duke esteemed him very much giuing him great meanes and hauing made him knight hee was his taster for his drinke By which aduancements both in goods and honours hee grewe so proude and arrogant as hee beganne to contemne others yea Barons so gracious hee was in the Duke his Maisters fauour as hee seemed to bee the onely man to mannage his most important affaiers At the same season Iohn of Croy and Iohn of Lanoy Gouernor of Holland conceiued a secret hatred against the Earle of Charolois the dukes Sonne their Prince for that hee had obtained of his Father the countrie of Arckel the which the Duke had giuen a little before vnto the sayd lord of Lanoy and the gouernment of Namur and Boulenois to the lord of Croy who had inioyed it manie yeares for which guifts the Earle had growne in hatred of these two Noblemen who notwithstanding did wholie gouerne and possesse the dukes person who by their means shewed his Son the Earle of Charolois no good coūtenance The Earle finding it left the duke his Fathers Court and retired himselfe into Holland hoping that this dislike would passe and die Some of the cheife Noblemen of Brabant and Flanders came vnto him and furnished him with all that hee had neede of These two Noblemen of Croy and Lanoy full of spight to see his traine so great and the cheife Noblemen runne after him consulted for the better maintenance of them selues how they might supplant and ruine the Earle the which they did impart vnto Iohn of Koestein who fearing likewise to bee disgraced and put from his Offices after the dukes death beeing also wholie bound vnto the lord of Croy for his aduancement gaue ◅are willingly vnto them and tooke the charge vpon him corrupting a poore younger brother a Bourguignon with the promise of a great sum of money and sending him into Piedmont to buy poison descouring vnto him to what ende it was This gentleman called Iohn d'Iuy hauing performed his voiage and brought this poyson to Koestein demanded that which he had promised him the which he not onely refused to pay him but also abused him with iniurious words ◅Iuy discontented at this answere complained to an other gentleman of Bourgongne called Arguenbant and discouered vnto him the whole secret This Arguenbant being wonderfully amazed aduised Iuy to goe speedily and discouer the whole truth of this matter vnto the Earle of Charolois saying that if he went not hee himselfe would goe and accuse him Iohn of Iuy without any farther stay went vnto the Earle and casting himselfe on his knees before him he beseeched him humbly to pardon him the offence which he would reueale vnto him and then layed open the whole truth of the matter The Earle being much amazed thereat went presently to the Duke his Father to descouer vnto him all that hee had heard of this villanous practise crauing iustice of the Author thereof naming Iohn of Koestein The duke hauing promised to do him iustice the Earle went vnto his lodging commanding Iohn of Iuy to goe vnto Rupelmond and to attend him there as he did The next day morning Iohn of Koestein beeing a hunting in the Parke at Brusselles the duke called him commanding him to go with the lords of Aussy and Creueceur to Ruppelmond to make answere to a gentleman that did greatly taxe his honour Koestein answered him proudly after his accustomed manner that hee feared no man liuing whervpon he pulled on his bootes and went to horse-backe with fiue seruants and so went to the lord of Aussy whome hee found on horse-backe with the lord of Creuecaeur with fifteene or sixteene Archers of the Dukes garde Being come to Ruppelmond soone after arriued Anthony bastard of Bourgongne the Bishoppe of Tournay with the lords of Croy and Goulx The Earle of Charolois came also and caused Koestein to bee put into a Tower of the which hee him-selfe kept the keyes so as no man might speake vnto him but in his presence These foure Noblemen made the processe of the sayd Koestein after that hee had beene confronted with Iohn of Iuy declaring him guilty and condemning him to loose his head and his bodie to bee cut in foure quarters Beeing brought to the place of execution which was vpon one of the highest Towers of the castell hee disired to speake with the Earle of Charolois who went vnto him and heard him long in secret which made them presume that hee accused some one namely the sayd lords of Croy and Lanoy the which the Earle dissembled Hee intreated that his bodie might not bee quartered the which beeing graunted him hee lost his head This done Iohn of Iuy was called of whome the Earle demaunded if Koestein had kept his
promise with him and payed him the somme as hee agreede vpon whether hee would then haue reuealed the fact the poore foole answered no and therefore hee presently caused his head to bee cut off About that time Lewis the leauenth King of France made a proclamation throughout the Earldomes of Flanders and Arthois that none should presume to inrowle him-selfe in the seruice of Edward King of England nor any way assist him He would also haue raised an impost vpon the sault in Bourgongne the which had neuer beene practised before But the duke would not admit of the one nor the other for hee was a friend and had made a truce with the King of England Wherevpon hee sent the lord of Chimay to the French King to shewe him the causes why hee could not allowe of such innouations in his countries and to intreate him to forbeare But the sayd lord was long at Court before hee could haue audience Seeing one daie that they fed him still with delaies hee attended so long before the Kings chamber as in the ende hee came forth When the King had seene him hee asked him what manner of man the duke of Bourgongne was Is hee of an other mettell then the rest of the Princesse of my Realme yea my Leege answered Chimay beeing a bold man and of great courage the Duke of Bourgongne my Maister is of an other stuffe then the Princes of France or of all the Countries about for hee hath kept you nourished and supported you against the will and liking of the King your father and all others whom it did displease the which no other Prince would nor durst doe At these words the King held his peace and returned into his chamber Afterwards the sayd Lord of Chymay returned making his report vnto the Duke The French King being resolued to pay vnto the duke of Bourgongne 450000. crownes and redeeme the townes which were ingaged vnto him in Picardie on this side the riuer of Some by the treatie of Arras he gathered together great store of treasure from all parts of his kingdome for there was no Abbay Chanonlerie nor riche Marchant that was esteemed to haue money throughout all France but did eyther giue or lend him And hauing recouered the sayd summe hee sent it to Abbeuille to the Duke of Bourgongne from whence the Duke caused it to bee brought to Hesdin where hee then kept his court Soone after in the yeare 1463. the king came thether in person the Duke went to meete him and receiued him with great honour and state and lodged him in his owne lodging in the Castell where hee promised to accomplish all that remained of the Treatie of Arras but hee fayled afterwards in some points During his aboad at Hesdin the duke sent diuers messengers to the Earle of Charolois his sonne being then in Holland to come and doe his dutie vnto the king But hee refused to come saying That so long as Ihon of Bourgongne Earle of Estampes and the Lords of Croy and Lanoy should be about the King hee would not come holding them for his mortall enemies for these Noblemen had left the Dukes Court and retired them to the kings seruice for hee knew well they were of his secret councell charging them with the practise of Ihon of Koesteyn and to haue councelled the Duke his father to accept of the money for the redeeming of the aboue named townes The Duke was wonderfully discontented at his sonnes refusall and would not for a long time after see him The King parting from Hesdin the Duke intreated him to confirme those seruants which hee had placed in the redeemed Townes in their offices Hee granted it but hee performed little changing all the Gouernours Captaines Prouosts and Magistrates thereof appointing and committing in their places such as hee thought were not greatly affected vnto the duke as the Lords of Lanoy Croy and Estampes The discontentment betwixt the Duke and the Earle of Charolois his sonne continued so long vntill the States of the Netherlands to whom the Earle had made his complaints especially of the lord of Croy had reconciled them together according to whose aduice the Earle accompanied with many Noblemen Knights Gentlemen and the chiefe Deputies of the sayd States came to Bruges where the Duke was All the chiefe Noblemen of the Court and the Magistrates of the Towne went to meete him conducting him to the Duke his fathers lodging where hee lighted and went vp vnto his chamber as soone as hee saw him hee kneeled downe three times and at the third time he sayd My most honored Lord and Father I haue vnderstood that you are offended against me for three things declaring the same three points which hee had made knowne vnto the deputies of the States whereof he excused himselfe Notwithstanding said he if I haue in any other thing moued you to anger I most humbly cry you mercy As for all your excuses answered the Duke I know the trueth speake no more of them but seeing you are come to aske forgiuenesse be you a good sonne and I will bee a good father to you then hee tooke him by the hand raised him vp and pardoned him all This done the Deputies tooke their leaue of the Father and the Sonne being glad to haue performed so good a worke The same day that this reconciliation was made the Lord of Croy parted early in the morning from Bruges and retired to Tournay to the French King who was there then In the moneth of Iune 1464. the French King came to Amiens and from thence to Saint Pol where hee found the Duke of Bourgongne The Earle of S. Pol feasted them with great state then they went together to Hesdin whereas the king required him to yeeld vnto him the gouernment of Lille Douay and Orchies satisfying him the sum of two hundred thousand Liuers and paying him 10000. Liuers of yearly pension for which summes of money hee said the sayd Gouernment had beene ingaged by a King of France long since to an Earle of Flanders Wherevnto the duke answered that when his Grand-father duke Philip called the Hardie sonne to Iohn King of France tooke to wife the Lady Marguerite daughter and onely heire to Lewis of Male Earle of Flanders the said Chastelenies were giuen to him and his heires males for euer by the King and in case he had not any then to returne vnto the Crowne for the sayd summe and yearely rent The King made certaine other demands vnto the duke but he would not hearken vnto them for that they were vnreasonable The duke for his part made three requests vnto the King the first was that he would receiue the Earle of Charolois his sonne into his grace and fauour for that he heard the King had beene displeased with him The second was that he would not force the Gentlemen his subiects and resident in his countries holding any fees
passages with cartes and other impedimentes hoping that the Duke beeing defeated and flying there would some fall to his share as there did many The Germaines marched in good order hauing good store of french horse whom the King had suffered to goe to those warres many lay in Ambush neere vnto the place where the battaile should bee fought to see if the Duke were defeated or to get some good prisoners or other bootie You may see into what a wretched estate the Duke had thrust himselfe in neglecting of good counsell The two Armies comming to ioyne the Duke of Bourgongnes armie which had beene lately twise defeated beeing fewe in number and ill appointed was presently put to rout and flight many saued themselues the rest were slaine or prisoners among the which the Duke himselfe was slaine in the field being ouerthrowne by a great troupe of Lanciers and not able to bee relieued of his followers for that they were prisoners Hee had three woundes the one on the head the other in the thigh and the third in the fundement The Bourguignons would not belieue that he was slaine but that hee was fled into Germanie and that hee had vowed to doe seuen yeares penance There were some among the Bourguinons which sold Iewels horses and other things to be paid when hee should returne and at Burchselles in the Diocesse of Spierre in Germanie a poore man begging they thought him to bee the Duke who did penance euery man desired to see him and hee receiued good almes Naucler writes that he had seene the said man The French King was well aduertised of the defeate whereof they did hourely expect some newes The Lorde of Lude who lay without Plessis where the King then was heard the first newes by the Poste which the Lorde of Craon and others had sent but no man did assure the Dukes death but onely the defeate before Nancy and that he was fled The King at the first was sole transported with ioy at these newes as hee knew not how to containe himselfe yet hee did thinke that if hee were taken by the Germaines they would compound with him for some great summe of money which hee would easily pay them On the other side hee was in great care if the Duke were defeated escaped whether he should seaze on the Duchie of Bourgongne or not being so easie to take seeing that all his best men and his chiefe Commanders were almost dead in these three battailes wherevpon it was resolued that although the Duke were in health yet hee would send his Armie into Bourgongne and seaze vppon the Countrey in this amazement which beeing done hee should aduertise the duke that he did it with an intent to preserue it that the Germaines might not destroy it for that the said Dutchie did hold of the Souerainty of the crowne of France the which he would not haue falne into the hands of the Germains that what soeuer he should take he would yeeld vnto him againe which few men would beleeue Duke Charles had beene a Noble and valiant Prince well bred vp in his youth and instructed in the tongues and liberal Arts yea in Astronomy and Musick a man wel spoken and of a good grace exceeding chaste but very high minded who would not indure any iniury of his equall nor of any greater Prince then himselfe exceeding cholerike froward and willfull he left one only daughter and heyre 〈◊〉 Maria Charlesia My father beeing deceast I was young left A Pupill to the Cleuoys for a while But tho of father I was quite bereft Me Maximilian gaue the marriage stile I him my fayth and dowry In yeares fiue I became Mother of three Children faire But being twenty six I left to liue My soule vnto her Maker did repaire Bruges reseru'd my bones my corps lay there MARY DVTCHESSE OF BOVRGONgne Countesse 32. ruling in Holland and Zeeland Duchesse of Brabant Lembourg Luxembourg and Geldres Countesse of Flanders Arthois Henault Namur and of Zutphen Lady of Sallins and Macklin Marquis of the holy Empire MARY the daughter and onelie heire to Charles duke of Bourgongne called the Warlike succeeded vnto her father in all his countries lands and Seigneuries shee was eighteene yeares olde when her Father was slaine before Nancy and remained vnder the care and charge of the duke of Cleues and the Lord of Rauestein his brother After that Lewis the leauenth the French King had certaine newes of the dukes death hee sent the bastard of Bourbon Admirall of France and Philip of Comines lord of Argenton into Piccardie with commission to receiue all those that would submit themselues vnder his obedience These two Noblemen went to Abeuille which was one of the townes giuen to duke Philip called the good at the peace of Arras by King Charles the seauenth the which for want of heires Masâ—…e should returno to the crowne of France At their arriuall they found that the Inhabitants were in treaty with the lord of Torcy to whome after that they were freed of foure hundred lances that were there in garrison they opened the gates From thence the Admirall and the lord of Argenton went to Dourlans from thence they sent to sommon Arras the Metropolitaine towne of Arthois and the ancient patrimony of the Earles of Flanders in the which time out of minde the daughters did succed as well as the Sonnes The lords of Rauestein and Cordes being in Arras went to speake with them in the Abbey of Saint Eloy two leagues from thence and with them Iohn de la Vacquery first President of the Court of Parliament at Paris These Noblemen entring into conference the Frenchmen demanded to haue the cittie opened for the King and to bee receiued in his name being that the King pretended it to be his by right of confiscation with all the country of Arthois and if they did refuse it they were in danger to bee forced considering that their Prince was dead and their chiefe commanders slaine in these three battailes whereby all the countrie was vnfurnished of defence The Bourguignons answered by Vacquerie that the countrie of Arthois belonged to the Ladie Mary of Bourgongne daughter to their deceased Prince who was lawfully descended from the Ladie Marguerite of Flanders her great great Grandmother who was Countesse of Flanders and Arthois c. the which was married to Philip the Hardie duke of Bourgongne sonne to King Iohn of France and brother to King Charles the fift Beseeching the King to entertaine the truce which continued yet betwixt him and their deceased Prince The conference of these Noblemen was not long for the French expected no other answere The Low-countries were much amazed and not without cause for in eight daies they could not gather togither fiftie men at armes as for other martiall men there were but 1500 in the countries of Henault and Namur that were escaped from the defeat of Nancy The French King marched with his army towards
the factious disposition of the Ganthois who would not faile to attempt some newe thing against their Princesse and sti◅re vp some sedition in her Estate knowing how they had alwaies carryed themselues to their Princes and Lordes whilest that the King was before Arras there came certaine Ambassadors vnto him from the thre Estates of the sayd Princesses countries who were then assembled in the cittie of Gand for whome the Ganthois did not much care doing all things after their owne mindes and ouer-ruling their Princesse whome they detained among these Ambassadors there were also some deputies of the towne of Gand. The King heard them among other speeches they sayd that what they had propounded to his Maiesty touching a peace did proceed from the motion and will of their Princesse who in all things was resolued to gouerne herselfe by the aduice and councell of her States desyring his Maiestie to desist from making of warre as well in Bourgongne as in Arthois and that it would please him to choose a daie for a friendly treatie and that in the meane time there might bee assurance of armes The King tooke hold onelie of that which they had sayd That their Princesse would not doe any thing without the councell and aduise of the three Estates of there countries and answered them that they were ill informed for hee was well assured that shee would gouerne her affayres by priuate persons who desired not any peace and that they should bee disauowed Whereat the Ambassadors were much perplexed and like indiscreete men answered sodenly that they were verie well assured of what they sayd and that they could shewe their instruction if neede were Wherevnto some replied that if it pleased the King hee could shewe them letters written by such a hand as they would beleeue it the which did import that the Princesse would not gouerne her affaires but by foure speciall persons they answered that they were assured to the contrary Then the King shewed them a writing which the chanceller of Bourgongne and the Lord of Humbercourt had the time before brought vnto Peronne whereof part was written by the Princesse and part by the Duchesse Douager of Bourgongne widow to duke Charles deceased and Sister to King Edward of England then raigning and part of it by the hand of the lord of Rauestein brother to the duke of Cleues neere kinsman to the sayd Princesse So this letter was written by three sundrie handes although it went in the Princesses name onelie the which had beene done expresly to haue the more credit It was a letter of credit for the Chancellor and the lord of Humbercourt And moreouer the Princesse did declare that her intention was that all her affaires should bee gouerned by foure persons The sayd Ladie Douager her mother in lawe the Lord of Rauestein and the sayd Chancelor and lord of Humbercourt beseeching the King that whatsoeuer hee should please to haue managed with her might be by their hands and that he would be pleased to direct himselfe vnto them and not to confer with any other When the Ambassadors had seene this letter they were wonderfully troubled and perplexed being incensed more more by such as treated with them for the King In the end the same letter was giuen them and they had no other dispatch of importance Wherevpon they returned directly to Gand wheras they foūd their Princesse accompanied with the bishoppe of Liege and the duke of Cleues There was also William of la Marke a valiant goodly Knight but cruel il conditioned whom the bishop had taken into fauour although hee had alwayes beene enemie to him and to the House of Bourgongne holding the partie of the Liegeois to whom the Princesse had giuen 150000. Florins of the Rhin in fauour of the Bishop to reconcile him But soone after he banded against her and against the Bishop his prince hauing attempted by force and the fauour of the French King to make his sonne Bishop of Liege Afterwardes he defeated the said Bishop in battaile slue him with his owne hand and caused him to be cast into the Riuer where hee remained three dayes The Duke of Cleues was neerest vnto the Princesse hoping to make a marriage betwixt his sonne and her which seemed very fit and conuenient for many respects but his humors were not pleasing to her nor her seruants and muchlesse to her Ladyes for he had bin bred vp in that house and it may be the ordinary sight of him and the long knowledge they had had of him did him that harme The Ambassadors from the States of the Netherlands being returned out of France to Gaunt a Counsell was held and the Princesse set in her seat with these Noblemen about her to heare their report They began to charge her touching the letter aboue mentioned wherewith being suddenly mooued and in choller She answered That it was not so thinking assuredly the said letter had not beene seene Then presently the Pensioner or Orator of Gaunt who made the speech drew the sayd letter out of his bosome before all the world and gaue it her wherein hee played the part of a simple and vnciuill man to doe this publike disgrace vnto his Princesse in the presence of the Dutchesse Dowager the Lord of Rauesteyn the Chancellour and the Lord of Humbercourt They had before had some speech with the Duke of Cleues touching the marriage of his sonne which bred an alteration in them all and they beganne to enter into great diuision The Duke of Cleues had beene alwayes in hope vntill that time that the Lord of Humbercourt had fauoured this marriage But seeing this letter he found himselfe deceiued and became his enemie The Bishop of Liege loued him not nor William of la Marke for those things which had past in the cittie of Liege whereof the Lord of Humbercourt had beene Gouernor The Earle of S. Pol sonne to the Constable of France of whom wee haue spoken sufficiently before hated the Chancellour and Humbercourt to the death for that they deliuered his father at Peronne into the Kings seruants hands Those of Gaunt hated them not for any offence they had done them but only enuying their great authoritie and credite Finally the night following after that this letter had beene showne in the morning the Chancellor Hugonet and the lord of Humbercourt were committed to prison by the Ganthois notwithstanding that they were sufficiently aduertised thereof before yet could they not with all their wisedome auoyde their owne miseries as many others did who retyred themselues in time out of the Town They might well presume that their enemies aboue mentioned would helpe them forward There was taken with them William of Clugny bishop of Teroane who dyed afterwardes bishop of Poitiers all three were put together in prison Those of Gaunt obserued a certaine forme of proceeding against them the which they had not accustomed to doe in their reuenges and appointed some of
to the Ambassadors of Gaunt of the death of these two good men and of the disgrace she receiued when as they produced them before so great a multitude and that it had giuen the Ganthois such libertie as they had presumed to chase away her old seruants and to seperate her mother in law and the lord of Rauestein from her and had strucke such a feare into her Ladyes and Gentlewomen that neither shee nor they durst receiue nor open a letter without shewing it to them nor yet talke together in priuate See what a libertie a rascall multitude will take when as they haue vsurped any authoritie ouer their Prince Then also she began to estrange her selfe to the bishop of Liege being of the house of Bourbon who labored the marriage of the Dolphin whereof she would heare no more spoken wherefore euery man held his peace from that time and the bishop retyred himselfe into his Countrey of Liege They had before held a counsell about that matter whereas the Lady of Halwin the first lady of honor to the Princesse was present who hearing speake of the Dolphin said That they had need of a man and not of a child that her Mistresse was a woman able to beare children whereof the countrie had most need All were of this opinon Some would blame the said Lady for speaking so freely others commended her saying That she spake but of marriage and of that the Countrey had most need The question was now to find out this man If the French King would haue beene content shee should haue married with the Earle of Angoulesme it may be she would haue consented she had so great a desire to be allyed to the house of France The Duke of Cleues laboured for his sonne but she had no disposition to it The Emperor sent his Ambassadors to Gaunt to the Princesse to entreat a marriage who being first arryued at Bruxelles they were requested to stay there a while and they should be sent for the which the Duke of Cieues did hauing no delight in their comming and practising to make them returne discontented But the Ambassadors who had good intelligence in the Princesse court especially with the Dutches Dowager of Bourgongne her mother in law past on for she did aduise them to come forward notwithstanding any letter to the contrarie She did also aduertise them what they should doe at their comming to Gaunt and that the Princesse with many of her friends and Counsell were disposed to their intention The Ambassadours followed her aduice and came directly to Gaunt notwithstanding any message that was sent them whereat the Duke of Cleues was much discontented for he was not yet priuy to the Princesse will and disposition It was resolued on in Counsell that they should haue audience and the Princesse was put in mind to say after that they had deliuered their charge That they were very welcome and that she would consider of their propositions and that at that present shee would say no more vnto them but that they should haue an answere giuen them The Ambassadors being entred into the place of audience whereas the Princesse was set in the midst of her Counsell presented their letters when they were appointed and deliuered their charge which was That whereas a marriage had been concluded and agreed vpon beewixt the Emperor and the Duke of Bourgongne her father with her owne priuitie and consent as did appeare by Letters written with her owne hand which they did produce with a Diamond â—…hich they said hâ—…d beene sent and giuen in signe of marriage desiring earnestly in the behalfe of of the Emperor their Maister and the Arch-duke his sonne That it would please the Princesse to accomplish this marriage which was conformable both to her father 〈◊〉 and hâ—…r owne Sommoning her moreouer to declare openly if shee had written the sâ—…id Letter or no and if she had any desire to performe her promise Wherevnto without demanding futher counsell she answered That she had written the said Letters by the 〈◊〉 of the Duke her Lord and father and had sent the Diamond avowing all Wherevppon the Ambassadors did thanke her most humbly and returned ioyfully to their lodgings The Duke of Cleues was discontented with this answere which was contrary to that which had beene decreed in Counsell telling the Princesse that shee had spoken very ill but this Counsell knew not what this Commission was nor what the Ambassadours speech would bee wherevnto shee answered That shee could not otherwise doe that it was a thing promised and past the which shee could not recall nor gaine-say Which answere being heard and knowing well that the greatest part were of the Princesse minde the Duke of Cleues held his peace and resolued to giue ouer his pursute for his sonne and to returne into his owne Countrie and the Ambassadours well satisfied to the Emperour and the Arch duke their Maisters to make their report to hasten their yong Prince to come Who soone after their returne came to Cologne whereas some of the Noble-men and Barons seruantes to the Princesse went to meet him and was by them conducted vnto Gaunt hauing eight hundred horse in his traine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Austrius MAXIMILIAN ARCH-DVKE OF Austria sonne to the Emperour Fredericke by the Lady Marie of Bourgongne his wife the 33. Earle of Holland Zeeland and Lord of Freezland Nor am I Heire nor Earle but countable Vnto my sonne and for his good I hold it I onely twelue yeares kept the Dukedome stable To render it to him at yeares â—…'vphold it What I possesse is his for him I keepe My Empire me contents no more I thirst Two wiues I had but now with death I sleepe At Newstad with my Mother I lye Herst The Argument of the fift Booke THE good parts of the Arch-duke Maximilian the knowledge of Tongs reuiued the Arch-dukes marriage with the Princesse of Bourgongne the order of the Golden Fleece giuen to the Arch-duke The birth of Prince Philip of Austria the Geldrois reuolts from the house of Bourgongne the battell of Guinegate whereas the Arch-duke is Victor Tourney yeelded to the Arch-duke Truce betwixt the French King and the Arch-duke warre betwixt the Geldrois and Hollanders New tumults in Holland by the two Factions which the Arch-duke doth pacifie Dordrecht surpized by the yong Lord of Egmond Many townes in Gelders yeelded to the Arch-duke The factions reuiued in Freezland Warre betwixt the Hollanders and them of Vtrecht the death of the Arch-dutchesse the Flemmings take vppon them the gouernment of the Countrie and fall to their old mutinies Pettie warres in Freezland the Lady Marguerite carried into France after the peace to bee married to the Dolphin New troubles at Vtrecht and the Bishop prisoner afterwards restored by the Arch-duke Engelbert Earle of Nassau made gouernour of the Neitherlands by the Arch-duke Maximilian and Philip his sonne The Arch-duke creatâ—…d King of Romans the Factions reuiued and great troubles in
into the towne pardoned all that was past yet at night some vnquiet mutiners stirred vp some of the Bourgeses against their Prince so as the Archduke had beene in danger of his person if his men had not speedily gone to armes and chased away these rascalls whereof manie were committed to prison and executed Then had hee occasion to take from them their preuiledges and freedomes the which hee cancelled and disanuilled and tooke Prince Philip his Sonne and carried him to Macklyn to his grand-mother in lawe the Douager of Bourgongne Soone after there came to reconcile themselues vnto him Adolph of Cleues lord of Rauestein the Earle of Romont the lord of Vere and the lord of Baueren who soone after married with the daughter of the sayd lord of Vere About that time the Emperor Frederic came to Cologne where hee staied eight daies the Archduke Maximilian his Sonne went to him to Aix who had not seene him of a long time and from thence they went togither about Lent to Cologne All difficulties and quarrells pacified betwixt duke Iohn of Cleues and the Diocesse of Cologne in the which the Emperor had inuested Herman Landtgraue of Hessen togither with the Duchie of Westphalen and the countie of Arensbourg The Emperor the Archduke his Sonne and all the Princes that were with them parted on Saint Agathes day from Cologne towardes Francfort to choose a King of the Romans where the 16. of February by a common consent of all the Princes Electors Maximilian of Austria was chosen and proclaimed King of Romains And the Thursday after Easter following they returned all to Aix where he was crowned in our Ladies Church with all the accustomed Ceremonies where as the sayd King did knight many Princes and Noblemen among the which were Philippe of Bauaria Palatin of Rhine Arnold duke of Saxony both Princes Electors the duke Gaspar of Bauaria William duke of Iuliers William Lantgraue of Hessen Albert Marquis of Baden William Lord of Egmont and many others to the number of 200. The feast of his coronation beeing ended the Princes retired euery one to his home the Emperor into Austria and the King of Romains into Brabant Before that the Archduke went vnto the Emperor his Father hee made Engelbert Earle of Nassau Gouernor of all the Netherlands in his absence by vertue of a commission giuen him at Boisleduc in that yeare 1485. whome wee will place for the first Gouernor made by the Prince ENGELBERT EARLE OF NASSAV the first Gouernor Lieutenant and Captaine generall for the Prince in the Lowe Countries ENGELBERTVS COMES NASSAVIVS GVBERNAT BELGII I did first Gouerne of the Nasouien bloud True to my lord of these Low-countries good Where Maximilian of the Romans King Of Austria Duke and the Archduke his son Taking faire note of me did forthwith bring Me vnto place and Eminence but t' was done With a prouiso onely for a space Through which occasion I did tame the rage Of the tumultuous Brugeois which to my Grace Nassau our house at Court can giue good gage IN the yeare 1491. Engelbert Earle of Nassau was by Maximilian the first King of Romains going into Hungary made Gouernor of the County of Flanders and the Baylewiks of Lille Douay Orchies and Saint Omer And afterwards in the yeare 1501. the Archduke Philip going into Spaine he was appointed by him gouernor generall of the Netherlands All this while the factions of Vetcoopers and Schieringers raged in Friseland one against an other In the which the Monks and relligious men delt with their thundring excomunications among others Aggo Albert of Heenlon did excomunicat Iga Galama and his brethren which was the cause of great mischiefe and ruine For the sayd brethren of the faction of Vetcoopers drewe vnto their succors Iohn of Egmont gouernor of Holland who sent them strange soldiars with the which and some Gentlemen Frisons their Partisans they went and besieged the Abbey of Heenlon which the Monkes had fortified the which brought distruction to the sayd Abbey and to many Villages there abouts These factions brought great miseries and calamities vnto Friseland for the Vetcoopers allied themselues to the towne of Groninghen and the Schyeringers called the duke of Saxony into their country which caused the totall ruine of both parties as we will relate succinctly hereafter during the gouernment of Albert and George dukes of Saxony Soone after that Maximilian King of Romains was returned out of Germaine into the Netherlands the Ganthois and Brugeois did mutine againe And therefore the King had leauied 20000. horse and foote for his gard the which being lodged and disperced in the the countrie did much mischiefe to the poore countriemen who seemed to bee worse intreated by them then by their enemies being all high Bourguignons or Hanniuers besides the country was daily surcharged with new impositions more then they could beare al by the perswasion sayd they of Peter Lanchals knight his treasorer Baylife of Bruges whome the Ganthois and Brugeois would not obey wherevpon the King came in February withall his nobility into the towne of Bruges leauing the horsemen of his gard without reseruing some which he held by him with some Landtsknets he made certaine demands vnto the Magistrate which they would not accept Hee being displeased at this refusall by the aduice of the sayd Lanchals marched in armes withall his traine vnto the market place The sworne bands not knowing what this might pretend doubted some treasons and therefore a great number of the Bourgeses went to armes to appose themselues against the King and his followers so as they could not aduance Some Noblemen of his councell perswaded him to retire to his Pallace the which hee did and in this sort was kept vnder good gard by the inhabitans who tooke some Noblemen and gentlemen of his houshold prisoners yea they kept the King so straightly in his Pallace as he could neither write nor receiue any letters without their priuitie and consent Peter Lanchals seeing this disorder beeing well acquainted with the disposition of this people went and hid himselfe The companies which did hate him to the death sought him in all places but not finding him they promised a great summe of money to him that should discouer him In the meane time they put manie of those prisoners to death terming them Traitors and rebells to the cittie Afterwardes they made a third proclamation by the which it was sayd That if any one had concealed him till that time in bringing him forth they should bee pardoned if not all those that had so long kept and concealed him in their houses should themselues and all their family bee hanged before their dores the which did so terrefie them as hee was discouered and presently led vnto a scaffold that was made readie whereas after they had tormented them strangely in the presence of all the people they caused his head to be cut off The King of Romains beeing thus
end all will bee but words they hauing neither will nor meanes to succour vs as they promise Besides the Huguenots here are strong and looke big I will not omit any thing that is possible to be done whereof I will aduertise your highnesse vpon all occasions But aboue all I beseech you gouerne your selfe with great dexteritie in the behalfe of those three that I haue named From Paris the nine and twentieth of August 1566. These letters shew sufficiently in what sort they would entertaine these noblemen namely the prince of Orange and the earles of Egmont and Horne seeing that they held themselues assured in Spaine of the marquesse of Berghes and the baron of Montignie and that in their opinions after they had dispatched these they would easily preuaile ouer the earles of Hoochstraten Culenbourg and Berghen the lord of Brederode and other of the chiefe nobles of the confederats vsing as their instruments therein other noblemen as the earles of Megen Baâ—…lamont and his fiue or sixe sonnes Noircarmes Beaâ—…oir and others whom they had at their deuotion hating and enuying the other three noblemen and all the confederats The resolution then beeing taken in the counsell of Spaine that there was no meanes more expedient to pacifie the troubles of the Netherlands than to reduce the people and all the nobilitie to their antient yea to an entire and absolute obedience by force of armes the question was to chuse a commaunder for this action which was weightie and of so great importance Some were of opinion That if those of the countrey did see prince Charles the kings sonne and their naturall prince they would presently yeeld him all obedience But those that bare an inueterat hatred vnto the countrey as the cardinall of Granuelle and his like excused him of so heauie a burthen by reason of his youth then the duke of Medina-Celi was named but the Duke of Alua was preferred before him notwithstanding the priuiledges of the countrey which admit no strange gouernour but one that is borne in the countrey as an antient captaine of good experience and fortunat in warre to whom this charge was giuen Whereat prince Charles beeing much discontented could not containe himselfe but burst forth in some words of dislike against the duke whereby hee discouered the loue hee bare vnto these countries being his inheritance and the feare hee had that the duke would oppresse them too much saying vnto him Beware that thou doest not oppresse my people least I bee reuenged To whom the duke answered I thanke God I haue a â—…aster for the remainder of my life and am not to be commanded by you These noblemen the prince of Orange the earles of Egmont Horne Hoochstrate and Lodowike of Nassau hauing seene these letters and well considered of those which the baron of Montigny had written out of Spaine to the earle of Horne his brother containing the kings discontentment touching the troubles happened in the Netherlands aduertising them to doe their best endeuour to redresse it to the end that the king beeing in time pacified hee should haue no occasion to come into the countrey or to remedie it by armes All which aduertisements hauing put the noblemen in great perplexitie and doubt they assembled the third of October in the towne of Deuremonde to resolue what should bee most fit and conuenient for their assurance and preseruation wherein they were of diuers opinions some saying That they should not feare that the king would be so rigorous some were of opinion to retire out of the country and to giue place to the kings furie if he came into the countrey with aâ—… armie others said That if they would remaine well vnited together that there was meanes to resist his forces wherein they should neither want friends nor strength The earle of Egmont who had more credit than any with the souldiers of the countrey said That they should endeuour by all good dueties and offices to pacifie his Maiestie and not be so much amazed at Francis d'Allanas letters that they ought not to oppose themselues to any thing that it should please the king to command the which hee said he did not find tollerable in conscience but that they ought to acquaint him with all affaires that being better informed hee may prouide for them That euerie one should doe his best endeuour to appease the troubles and to pacific the people as well as the nobilitie to the end his Maiestie might know them that haue best discharged themselues in his seruice And whereas some were of opinion to retire rather out of the countrey that hee could not doe it hauing no meanes to liue in a strange countrey with his wife children and family in his estate and qualitie from his lands and liuing being needfull for him to depend wholy vpon the kings fauor without the which he could not do any thing This resolution of the earle of Egmont wherunto the earl of Horn did partly conforme himselfe did so amaze the other noblemen as after they had been fiue or six houres together in conference they retired without any other conclusion but that euerie one should stand vpon his guard holding from that time forward the earle of Egmont for suspect who went from thence to Brussels where hee complained to the duchesse of Francis d Allanas letters the which she denied constantly vntil that being vanquished by his own hand she said That they must not take it nor interpret it in that sence they did The earle of Horne soone after the conference at Deuremonde went likewise to Brusels where for that he vnderstood that all his actions were ill taken hee gaue an account of all his dealings in Tournay and Tournesis vnto the Gouernesse the which hee left in her hands in writing And for that he found that they distrusted him he retired from Brussels and went to his castle of Waert from whence he writ vnto the king dated the twentieth of Nouember all the estate of his actions iustifying himselfe of many things wherewith they charged him to his Maiestie setting downe the reason why hee had absented himselfe from court and retired to his house Hee writ also to the baron of Montigny his brother being in Spaine complaining among other things That they had called his loyaltie in question and that they did interpret all his good seruices for ill deseruings saying That he held his brother happie to be in Spaine farre from so great troubles discontentments and disgraces But soone after these two poore brethren were paid with one kind of coine as we shall see by the kings letters of the three and twentieth of August sent vnto the duchesse The confederat gentlemen might easily conceiue whereto tended the great preparation for warre in Spaine and the threats which the king vsed against them Wherefore euerie one was of opinion to prouide for his safetie and those that were of the religion and trusted least to the duchesse letters of assurance
bloudie counsell punish such breach of promise as rebellion and lay their heads at their feet with all such as vpheld and maintained the same and that generally specially to the states of Flanders great fauour had been shewed vnto all the states hauing all deserued no lesse rigour at the kings hands than the earles of Egmont and the prince of Orange had and that in recompence and redemption thereof the king was content to accept the said taxe of the tenth penie but hee might haue gotten a great deale more for the king by confiscations if hee would haue vsed that meanes as hee might well haue done than by the tenth penie caring not for the pretended priuiledges of the particular prouinces and townes specially the Ioyous entrie of Brabant which hee said they as well as those of Vtrecht had forfeited and lost Whereupon some made him answer That the declaration and sentence of depriuation or forfeiture must first bee published and that the attempting thereof would bee dangerous He made answer That hee would rather suffer himselfe to bee cut and hewed in peeces than to endure that the countrey should not hold their promise and that the Sunne and Moone should first loose their light before hee would faile of the tenth penie The states perceiuing the dukes resolution and intent at the last thought it requisit in the beginning of the yeare 1572 each prouince to send one into Spaine in their behalfes vnto the king which he neuerthelesse commanded to come backe again threatning them with death but yet they got through into Spaine but before any resolution was taken therein there happened an alteration in the Netherlands by the taking of the Bryele Flessingue and other places as hereafter shall bee shewed without the which alteration the messengers in Spaine had surely beene in great danger of their liues The duke notwithstanding in the meane time sought to raise the tenth penie in some particular townes appointing his officers to receiue the same and first in Brussels where he thought best to begin but they of Brussels shut vp all their shops and would sell nothing that they might not bee compelled to pay the tenth penie The Bakers nor Brewers woâ—… neither bake nor brew whereby there grew a great confusion and desperation amongst tâ—… people which to preuent the duke intended to deale by force resoluing in March 1572 to hang seuenteene of the chiefe townes men in Brussels that were against him whose names hee had al eadie written in a scroll in the night time before their doores or else hee would make them graunt to sell their wares and to pay him thereafter the which to effect hee had giuen charge vnto the executioners to bee readie with ladders and cords to execute them the next night after the newes came into Brussels that the earle Vander Marke had taken the towne of Bryele which losse of the said towne of Bryle made him see that hee had done better to haue put garrisons into the hauen townes and to haue dealt in milder sort with the people rather than to haue sought to haue his owne wil so much and to taxe the land at his pleasure whereas the Netherlands offered such great summes as that the state of the land could hardly raise Thus by meanes of the taking of the Bryele the raysing of the tenth and twentieth penie was stayed although it hath since beene sought and required They of Amsterdam because they would not absolutely consent to his demaund of the tenth penie were fined to pay the summe of fiue and twentie thousand gulderns towards the buylding of the castle at Flessingue but they excused themselues by their great losse endured by the great flouds and the mending and making of their ditches and aboue all that they dayly indured so great losse by the water Gueux that tooke their fleets comming from the East and West Indies As I said before a great number of banished and fugitiue persons of the Netherlands hauing prepared ships kept at sea and were conducted by certaine gentlemen and others who most by pouertie were driuen to seeke some recompence of their losses and hinderance by force and extremities After that other ioyned with them hauing a further intent to do something tending to the deliuerance and good of their natiue countrey This number daily increasing and doing great hurt vnto their enemies round about Holland as in the Vlie Texel and the Ems harbouring most commonly vnder England in the downes and at Douer and thereabouts amongst the which the prince of Orange as admirall by force of his letters of Mart had his officers that receiued the tenth penie of their prizes The duke of Alua made meanes to the queene of England to intreat her not to suffer them to harbor there alledging that she ought not according to the contracts made betweene England and the Netherlands to suffer the kings rebels to haue so open passage to and from her hauens The queene although shee had cause ynough to dislike of the duke in March 1572 made proclamation That they should all depart out of her hauens forbidding her subiects to sell them any victuals neuerthelesse with this condition That her English rebels should bee driuen out of the king of Spaines dominions Whereby they were constrained to depart and to enterprise something in the countries of the Netherlands whereunto they knew themselues not to bee strong ynough This necessitie compelled them to vse order and discipliâ—… amongst them and to that end they all put themselues vnder the commaund of William earle Vander Marke free heire to Lumey lord of Serrain Borset and Minderleyt and heire of Franchimont c. eldest sonne of Iohn lord of Lumey and of Marguerite youngest daughter of Iohn lord of Wassenare This earle Vander Marke made himselfe admirall and his lieutenant Bartel Entes van Meutheda viceadmirall hauing with him captaine William de Bloys called Threlon the lord of Sweten Lancelot van Brederode Iacob Cabilleaw one of Egmont Iaques Schooneual Antonis Wenthoue Antonis van Rhine William de Graue van Egmont Iaques Metens Nicholas Ruythauer captaine Eloy Iock and Iohn Abels Marinus Brandt Roybol Iaques Hennebert Iohn Clauson Spiegel Iohn Simonson Merten Merous Walter Franson captaine Ielande and diuers others All these together hauing about fortie ships most flie-boats in the moneth of March put out of England and tooke a great ship of Antuerpe laden with Spanish wares and another ship of Biskaie Their meaning was to saile to North-Holland although their enterprise there was as then not fully readie but determined in the meane time to spoyle certaine ships of war belonging to the duke that lay at Amsterdam and Enchuysen but the wind beeing against them they put into the Bryel the island being called Voorn and the town Bryel there to take certaine ships lying in the Meuse readie to sayle to Spaine but they perceiuing them to enter the Meuse hoysed sayle and went vp to Rotterdam whereby the earle
men whom they carried away and among others the seignior of Laten gouernour of Middlebourg was hurt vpon the dike with a falcon shot from the Zeelanders ships which lay at anker right against them whereof he died soone after They left also one of their peeces of ordnance the which was carried by the souldiers into the Zeelanders trenches The same day the seignior of Boisot arriued at Flessingue being appointed gouernor there by the prince of Orange after the death of the seignior of Berlant And the 14 day did also arriue there the lord of Lorges son to the earle of Montgomery with about 200 harguebusiers French braue souldiers and well armed who parted the next day to go vnto the prince About that time doctor Iunius gouernor of la Vere and the seignior of Boisot gouernor of Flessingue thought to execute an enterprise which had bin long secretly practised vpon Middlebourg with a master gunner of the same towne who bragged that he had two or 300 bourgers which fauoured this designe which was that the said gouernors should come and lye in ambush with their men in a garden neere vnto the towne and at the same instant an allarum should be giuen both by sea and land at Arnemuyden causing it to be giuen out that the forces which they had gathered together were to assail Arnemuyden to whose succor in such occurrents there vsually went two or three companies of the garrison of Middlebourg and then the gate next vnto the ambush which they called the port of Dam should be opened by the said gunner and his adherents hauing first made a signe to them that should bee in the garden To execut this enterprise there went out of Flessingue about 9 of the clocke at night 1000 or 1200 men gathered out of all the neighbor garrisons who went and lodged themselues in the said garden and were not discouered And to the end they might the better discouer the signe that shold be giuen them they set 14 or 15 men in centinel in a burnt house betwixt the town and the said garden the which was also done without discouery About foure of the clocke in the morning the allarum was giuen at Arnemuyden both by sea and land and presently they heard the drums sound in Middleburg to go succor them so as before 6 of the clock 2 companies were gone forth the 3 prepared to follow The centinel that was sent out of this burnt house to discouer about the port being wearie with staying so long seeing two or three men come foorth returned to the said house whereas the others that had remained there sent two of their companie to the garden to see if their troupes were yet there but beeing discouered by them of the town of Middlebourg they began to cry arme arme at which cry the companie that was readie to goe forth ran to the rampar and the others that were gone were called backe againe and so this enterprise was made frustrat If hee that commanded the centinels a member of the garrison of la Vere had well plaid his part it was likely the enterprise would haue proued very successefull The first of Iuly about eleuen of the clocke in the forenoone captaine Pellican and Cornellis Mathew with either of them a souldier went out of Harlem by the port Zyel and came into a place whereas they did white clothes to conferre with some Spanish captains and their prouost generall Who said vnto them That their colonell desired to speake with the gouernours and commanders that were in the towne as they did the same day at fiue of the clocke in the euening Then there came the earle of Ouerstein with foure of his captaines and the bourgmaster Iohn van Vlyet with the captaines Steenbach Rossigny and Pellican who conferred together about halfe an houre betwixt the little wood and the watergate but they could not resolue any thing The next day the Spaniard planted all his artillerie against the towne he shot furiously at the tower of Pin and at Rauenstein so as the tower and the wal were beaten downe they shot violently among the houses and the tower on S. Katherines bridge was beaten downe then they brought into the ditch two floating bridges to goe vnto the assault but they that brought them were so roughly entertained as twentie of them were left vpon the place That day the besieged hung a blacke cloth out at their steeple to let the prince of Oranges ships vnderstand in what miserie the towne was the which they did againe two dayes after The fourth day there returned a pigeon with a letter from the prince who promised to come and succor them the night following Whereupon the souldiers of the towne attending howerly his succors gaue a camisado but nothing appeared The fifth day the besieged entred againe into conference with the Spaniard whereas there were six of either side For Dom Frederic came the earle of Bossu the earle of Ouerstein and foure others for the towne the bourgmaster Iohn van Vlyet the captaines Steenbach Rossigny Sohay Pellican and Cornellis Mathew but they could not agree the souldiers refusing to depart without their armes The same day the princes ships shewed themselues to them of the towne whereof the besieged being verie ioyfull went out in great numbers to second them The Spaniards seeing this gaue the allarum at the bulwarkes which made the souldiers returne againe to defend their rampars from whence they chased the Spaniards and that day were made the eight last shot of ten thousand two hundred which had beene discharged against the town during the siege The eight day there returned a pigeon with a letter from the prince promising to come the night following to succour them that his ships should giue a false allarum at Fuyck but his whole armie should come on the side of the wood Hereupon the besieged made a sally with about two thousand men meaning to fall vpon some of the enemies quarters but this designe was broken which made the besieged to faint and to bee out of hope The ninth day there came another pigeon aduertising them that the princes armie had bin defeated at Mannepat comming to succour them vnder the command of the baron of Battembourg lieutenant to the prince in which defeat the said baron and the seigniour of Clotingen and Carloo were slaine These newes being heard in the towne some captaines commanded their souldiers to be readie to depart the towne wherein they would leaue onely the women and children But this being vnderstood by the women they assembled all together making the most pitifull cries and lamentations that could bee heard the which would haue moued a heart of flint so as it was not possible to abandon them The tenth day the besieged prepared to forsake the towne so as it was ordained that seuen companies should make the foreward and nine the rereward that in the battaile the bourgesses and sworne companies should
in loue with the eldest called Mary being about sixteene yeares old al the whole household sought to serue and intreat him well to auoide the insolencies which such people doe vsually shew vnto poore pesants This captaine being one daie at dinner with the father mother and daughters hee demanded of the father his daughter Marie in marriage The good man hauing answered that it was not a marriage equall nor sutable for him fearing that after hee had abused her hee would chase her awaie or keepe her as his strumpet refused him flatly The captaine incensed at this refusall swearing and cursing chased the father the mother and the whole familie out of the house keeping onelie this poore Virgin whome hee rauished and caused three or foure of his souldiars to doe the like Which done hee went to the table and set this poore maiden by him mocking still at her with verie filthie and dissolute speeches Shee who spake nothing studying how shee might bee reuenged with her owne hand whatsoeuer should become of her desiring rather to die then to liue anie longer with such reproch and infamie obserued a Corporall that came to speake to the captaine in his eare who turning his head backe to heare him she tooke a knife and stabbed him therewith vnto the heart so as he fell downe presently dead and she thinking to saue her selfe by flight was ouertaken by his souldiars who bound her to a tree and shot her to death The father hearing these pittifull newes of his daughter bruted it abroade and went to make his complaints to all the neighbour villages so as the alarum bells ringing of all sides the pesants went to armes and fell vpon the souldiers of Becourt and vpon all others that laie nere vnto them whom they slue yea their pages laquais strumpets and dogges leauing nothing aliue of foure companies that were in that quarter but their horses so greedie all these pesants were to reuenge the death and iniurie done this Virgin Doubtlesse if Lucrece deserued great commendations for killing of her selfe after that shee had beene forced by Tarquin this maide deserues much more who before her death could take reuenge of her more then barbarous rauisher Almightie GOD meaning thereby to punish the excesse of these French souldiars to make others learne more wisdome and temperatenesse The Archduke Mathias Gouernor and the generall Estates hauing raysed a great and mightie armie vnder the conduct and command of the Earle of Bossu a braue valiant and hardie Knight and the signior of La Noue a valiant and worthie French Gentleman they planted their campenere vnto Remenant in Brabant a league from Macklin Whereas Don Iohn resolued to charge them before they were all come togither hee beeing verie stronge and hauing new men come out of Italie could make about thirty thousand souldiers amongst the which were fiue or sixe thousand horse-men all or the most part old expert souldiers and choise men his Lieutenant Generall was the Prince of Parma Octauio Gonzaga was generall of the horse men Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfield Lord Marshall the Earle of Barlamont Maister of the ordinance with his Sonne and many other Lords and Gentlemen as the Earles of Reâ—…lx and Falckenburg Robles Lord of Billy the Lord of Ruyrooke the Lord of Lyques the Lord of Faulx the Lord of Marle the Lord of Rosingnol the Lord of Gomicourt the Lord of Warlonzel the Lord de Monteragon and other strange Lords Don Alonso Martines de Lieua Sonne to Don Sanchio Vice-roye of Naples who in times past had beene generall of the Gallies of Spaine this Don Alonso had a company of two hundred stronge wherein there was ten braue captaines as Don Diego and Don Pedro de Mendoza Don Sanchto de Lieua his brother and others his Ensigne being blacke with a crucifix therin which was holloed and consecrated at Naples by the Cardinall Gesnada and that daie hee had desired Don Iohn to haue the vantgard of the armie hoping that it should fall out as well with him that daie as it did at Gemblours Don Iohn himselfe in his Ensigne had a crosse with this poesie By this signe I ouercame the Turkes and by the same signe also I will ouercome the Heretikes and being thus prepared vpon the last day of Iuly he came with al his armie to Arschot with full intent to set vpon the states campe or with aduantage to procure them to a battaile But the Earle of Bossu beeing aduertised by his sentinels of horse that there were about some a leauen or twelue cornets of horse comming against them with a great squadron of footemen which were about 90. or a hundred men they all gaue charge that the States gards should retire to a place where hee had set fiue or sixe hundred Harguebuziers which at last by reason of the multitude of their enemies were forced to giue back by the aide and releefe of certaine Ruiters and light horsemen and yet without any great hurt whereby Don Iohns men beeing imboldened gaue a stronge and mightie charge vpon the States Ruyters and other horsemen which valiantly withstood them and yet in such sort as the enemie had some aduantage but after that beeing seconded they turned so brauely backe againe as they forced Don Iohns men to leaue the heath and to retire themselues to certaine hedges but for that the Earle of Bossu to keepe those hedges had placed certaine Englishmen vnder the regiment of Collonel Norris that was come thether but an houre before and certaine Scots hard by the Riuer all alonge to his campe Don Iohn could not breake thorough notwithstanding that hee still sent more men thether to winne the place by force the great shot likewise that plaied out of the States trenches doing him much harme as his men came any thing neere which at that time discharged a hundred and twentie times vpon the enemy the Lord of Crequis being generall of the ordinance in steed of Treslon This skirmish beginning at seauen of the clocke in the morning continewed vntill euening about fiue or sixe of the clocke beeing a wonderfull hot daie so as the English Scots and other souldiars were forced to put of their cloathes and to fight in their shirtes where they behaued them-selues as brauely as possible they might considering the great number of the enemy and that they were all old experienced Soldiers that they had to doe withall Colonell Norris sonne to the Lord Norris with the English-men behaued himselfe very valiantly and had certaine horses killed vnder him The like did Captaine Bingham a man of great experience and policie although hee was but hardly and badly vsed by his men beeing then Lieutenant to Captaine Candish and there lost two bretheren The like did the Scottes vnder Collonell Stuart the French and Netherland foote-men shewing also great courage and valour for that the ground was not very fitte to vse many of the horse-men If at that time the Earle
earle of Hoochstraten who of the lady N. of Egmont widow to the earle of Hennin lord of Capres left one son after his death This earle of Renenbergh was a courteous nobleman well red in Greeke and Latin a great louer of histories and of musicke wherein he spent most of his time He was an enemie to all tyrannie although he committed that vild act in Groning the which he afterwards repented 1000 times and a great obseruer of militarie discipline he was withall very carefull to haue his souldiers duly paied As for his religion I will not meddle with it but we may coniecture what the heart was hauing red so many bookes of the learnedest Protestants and had conuersed so long with them but the feare of his mother of the chanon his vncle who had made him his heire of the earle of Lalain his cousin and of the persuasions of his sister had made him to change his party the which he often repented Colonel Gaspar Verdugo succeeded him in the gouernment of Friseland and Groning The Estates of Flanders sent a little armie into the quarter of Ypre and Dixmuyden vnder the commaund of the prince of Espinoy whom they made generall whereof the Seignior of Villers before gouernour of Bouchain was marshall of the campe to make worke on that side for the prince of Parma during the victualling of Cambray But the Parmo is beeing stronger in horse than the Estates he defeated some neere vnto Dixmuyden In the mean time the prince of Espinoys mē that remained in garrison at Tournay in his gouernmēt of Tournesis gaue many affronts vnto their enemies in Henault whom they annoyed all they could as in like manner the malecontents did beeing lodged in the fort of Hauteriue betwixt Tournay and Audenarde from whence they did runne dayly to the ports of either towne who at the same time defeated a rich conuoy of ninetie wagons with all sorts of marchandise going to Antuerpe and from thence to the fayre of Francfort beeing guarded but by some few foot and fifteene horse onely Of all these wagons there were about seuentie taken the rest escaped This vnfortunate incounter made many poore men who went themselues to Gant and Antuerpe to sell their marchandise of the which there were some taken prisoners who besides all their losses were hardly ransomed Such encounters were made dayly on eyther side whereby all traffique both in fayres and markets decayed At that time the Estates had their armie encamped neere vnto the village of Loos in the Chasteleine of Furnes in West-Flanders in a commodious place hauing but three thousand foot and eight hundred horse The male contents thinking to rayse them from thence went and encamped at Pont Rouard called in Dutch Rousbrugghe where they skirmished daily one with another but seeing that they preuailed little and got nothing but blowes they retired from thence with the losse of three hundred men to go and ioine with the prince of Parma before Cambray where they expected the French The Seignior of Iuchy gouernour of Cambray had beene forced but with the consent of the Estates to treat with the duke of Aniou brother to the French king who had sent him certaine French companies led by the Seignior of Balaigni bastard to Iohn of Monluc bishop of Valence On the other side the prince of Parma and the Wallon neighbour prouinces fearing least the French should settle themselues and lodge there sought all meanes possible to dislodge them by faire meanes money secret practises and intelligences with their partisans within the towne the which not succeeding the prince thought to force them by necessitie and famine and therefore built forts and made trenches at all the approches vnto the towne as at Marquion Creuecaeur Vauchelle and other places by means whereof he would besiege them farre off by whole yeares cutting off the victuals and munition which before the French brought vnto them So as in the end beeing annoyed with the said forts and trenches and by the horsemen which scoured the plaines those of the towne grew to want all things but bread and salt especially for as much as would be contained in a womans thymble would cost aboue a penny For whose succours the duke of Aniou according to his promise made all the hast he could to leuie men ouer all Fraunce But before he could effect it he was constrained first to seeke to pacifie the quarrell that was in Fraunce touching the entertaining of the fifth Edict of peace which some of the Spanish faction did kindle all they could to crosse his designe The which being done and the peace proclaymed in Fraunce he assembled his armie about Chasteaudun consisting of goodly troupes both of horse and foot hauing the greatest part of the French nobilitie voluntaries whom he had inuited to doe him this great and notable seruice with the which were the old companies of men at armes vnder the commaund of the lord of Bellegarde all amounting to foure thousand horse and tenne thousand foot the said duke marching with his artillerie in the head of his armie towards Cambray being resolued to giue battaile to the prince of Parma if hee would attend him Among the chiefe of his armie there were the marquesse de Elbeuf the earles of la Val S. Aignan and his sonne Rochpot Montgomery and Vantadour the Viconts of Tureine and la Guerche the Vidame of Amiens the lords of Feruaques la Chastre S. Luc Dieu la Mauvissiere and many others with foure marshals of the campe whereof Feruaques was the chiefe The Queene mother sought by entreaties and all other meanes to call backe her sonne the duke of Aniou from this expedition and to hinder him from relieuing of Cambray but he reiected all entreaties as inhumane hauing promised the Estates not to fayle them in this extremitie which made him to persist in his pretended enterprise Some gaue it out that the Spaniards sought to corrupt him with great gifts that he might desist from his intended enterprise and that many of the French nobilitie through the presents which they had receiued and large promises grew into suspition to haue secret intelligence with the Spaniard King Philip hearing of the duke of Aniou his great preparations supposing that such great troupes beeing like vnto a royall armie could not bee raysed without the kings consent hee complained by his embassadour of his brothers great preparation to aid and protect his rebellious subiects of the Netherlands who were enemies of the true Religion and of the faith of Christ against their naturall prince against the Catholicke faith and against a king which was his kinsman and good f◅iend hauing neuer giuen him any cause of so great a wrong and therefore he could not beleeue that so great forces could be gathered together without the kings aid and consent entreating him therefore that seeing he had receiued no wrong from him he would also forbeare to iniure a king that was his friend and
their horsemen did not second them fainted and fled to saue their liues of the which there were about two hundred slaine and taken prisoners The second of May there was a generall fast commanded by the duke and the generall Estates throughout all the vnited prouinces to giue God thankes for the prince of Orange his health and that they had obtained a good prince in making choice of the duke who did defend and maintaine them against the Spanish tyrannie The lady Charlotte of Bourbon wife to the prince of Orange hauing first conceiued an exceeding griefe for her husbands hurt and afterwards by his recouerie an incredible ioy being deliuered of child she fell into a continuall burning feauer whereof she dyed the fifth of May leauing vnto the prince six daughters who had all great marriages Shee was buried in our ladies church in Antuerpe with a stately funerall pompe The eight of Iune following there also dyed in the same towne the lady Mary of Lalain wife to Peter of Melun prince of Espinoy Seneschall of Henault c. and was buried in the Quier of the Church of S. Michaels abbey in the same towne without the Romish ceremonies About that time the Seignior of Hautepenne sonne to the earle of Barlamont made a rode with six hundred horse about Antuerpe from whence he carried a great bootie in prisoners cattell and other goods Captaine Alonzo a Spaniard who serued the duke a braue souldier being in garrison in Liere wâ—…â—…forth with his troupe of horse and charged them but he was hurt and taken yet he wâ—… pâ—…ntly rescued and carried backe into Liere where he remained sicke in his bed of this wound vntill that hee was traiterously sold to the prince of Parma by a Scottish captaine as you shall presently see At this time the duke of Aniou his men made another enterprise vpon the towne of Arschot with some troupes of horse and foot but being entred a good way into the towne they were repulsed with the losse of thirtie men All this Summer was spent in enterprises on eyther side but few succeeded yet the garrisons of Dyest and Herental surprised Tillemont in Brabant for the Estates in the which there were three companies for the prince of Parma lodged in a cloyster which they defeated in their retrenchment then they sacked the towne and abandoned it The prince of Parma keeping then his court at Tournay went to Namur to receiue the troupes which the earle of Martinengues and Dom Iohn of Manriques de Lara brought vnto him The duke of Aniou and Brabant about that time made certaine proclamations for his greater assurance and brake quarter with the men of warre commaunding them not to take any enemie to ransome He also brake the licences which are certaine customes and tols imposed vpon all marchandise passing from one countrey to another not suffering that any thing should be transported either by water or land vnto the enemie and generally not to traffique nor to haue any correspondencie with them by exchange or otherwise in what sort soeuer The foureteenth of Iuly the duke being accompanied by the princes of Orange and Espinoy and all their traine departed from Antuerpe to go into Zeeland from whence on the sixteenth day he went to Scluse to make his entry the next day into Bruges The bourgers went forth of the towne well appointed in armes to meet him along the riuer which goeth from Bruges to Dam hauing some number of the sworn companies of crosse-bows harguebusiers and archers in very good equipage appointed for his guard They of the towne of Antuerpe of the same qualitie did attend him thither and then returned home The duke entring into the towne was receiued with great humilitie by the foure members of Flanders and was conducted through the streets with all the honour they could deuise hauing triumphant arches liuely representations made vpon scaffolds artificiall figures painted statues pyramides porches with such like and diuers kinds of flames and artificiall fires flying in the aire whereby they made shew how pleasing and acceptable his comming and entry was vnto them receiuing him for their prince and lord as earle of Flanders The duke being in this towne of Bruges there was a great treason discouered inuented by a Spaniard or a Spaniards sonne called Nicholas Salcedo of one Francisco Baza an Italian of a horseman of Fernando of Gonzagues companie and of one Nicholas Hugot called La Borde a Frenchman who were corrupted and set on by the prince of Parma or his counsell in the name of the king of Spaine to murther the said duke and the prince of Orange both together or apart in what sort soeuer as it appeared by the confession and processe of the said Salcedo and by that which happened to Francisco Baza This Salcedo had beene at the dukes request saued from the gallowes at Rouan being accused of coyning being after that retyred for a time into Spaine he returned into Lorraine where he came into the dukes seruice at the victualling of Cambray and so followed him continually vnto Antuerpe thinking to be there employed and to haue some charge but he was alwayes held in iealousie by the prince of Orange And as the said Salcedo was very familiar with the Seignior Amoral afterwards earle of Egmont whom the prince loued not onely for the good remembrance of his father but for that the Countesse his mother had recommended him and all her other children vnto him at the houre of her death in Antuerpe and also for that the said Seignior Amoral made profession of the Protestants Religion and receiued the Communion these reasons made the prince to aske him once in secret what great acquaintance and familiaritie he had with the said Salcedo Hee answered him That hee had none but for the loue of Alchimie whereupon the prince replyed That hee feared some worse matter aduising him to beware of him and not to conuerse any more with him wishing him withall not to discouer any thing of this aduertisement to Salcedo Yet notwithstanding this young nobleman whether it were of lightnesse or for that it is the nature of man to affect that most which is most forbiddeâ—…â—…im at his first encounter with Salcedo he discouered all vnto him Vpon certaine aduertisements and strong presumptions Salcedo was apprehended Francisco Baza was without the court attending for him and seeing that he came not in the end he asked for him and so was in like manner laid hold on La Borde fearing or discouering something saued himselfe Salcedo and Baza being examined vpon the aduertisements and circumstances which they had to confirme the presumptions of their fact they did confesse and signe it that their designe was to haue murthered or poysoned the duke and prince in what sort soeuer The young lord Amoral was in like sort examined who confessed presently that he had bewrayed vnto Salcedo all that the prince had said vnto him touching the conuersation and familiaritie he
forbidding them from thence-forth and at all times to take knowledge of any sutes or matters of controuersie vntill it should bee otherwise determined and decreed by the Estates hauing treated with the duke Whereunto they of the counsell opposed and continued their course in matters of iustice as before maintayning that they had beene established by commission not from the Estates onely but by the duke the which must continue and hold good vntill that he had beene declared an enemie and fallen and that the said Estates had no authoritie to forbid them as the duke did afterwards write vnto them at large yet the sayd Counsell did not long after disperse of it selfe At the yeelding vp of the French prisoners which should be made vnto the duke of Aniou there fell a controuersie in Antuerpe betwixt the bourgers and the Seignior of la Pierre a French colonel and marshall to the duke of Aniou for the baron of Balanson who had been found in the towne being taken at an encounter betwixt Dunkerke Winocx-bergh the bourgers maintained that by the fact of the seuenteenth of Ianuarie hee should bee their prisoner and la Pierre held the contrary seeing that all the prisoners on that day their goods being in esse should be restored by the prouisionall accord made with the duke By vertue whereof the bourgers were debarred of their pretension and hee was afterwards sent away hauing payed his ransome It was he who beeing called earle of Warax was afterwards in the yeare 1597 defeated with his troupes and slaine at the encounter of Turnhout The earle of Mansfeldt hauing taken Eindouen and some castles and forts of that quarter of Campaigne hee went to besiege the towne of Diest belonging to the prince of Orange where colonel Paule Sohey commaunded with foure companies of Netherlanders and two of English the which could not in all make aboue three hundred men True it is there were about fiue hundred bourgers carrying armes but very vnwilling remembring that since the beginning of the troubles they had beene six times taken and retaken besides the towne was very weake ouer which certaine small hils commaunded so as it might be woon without artillerie the which did much discourage the bourgers and made them to feare that if they held out the towne would be sacked whereupon they forced the colonel to treat the which he did yeelding the place vpon condition that the souldiers should leaue their colours and depart with their armes and baggage as much as certaine wagons graunted to the captaines could carry By which agreement such bourgers as pleased might depart and retyre themselues and so the eight and twentieth of May the souldiers retyred to Bourgerhout in the suburbes of Antuerpe Colonel Sohey was committed to prison and the souldiers cast except the English But afterwards colonel Sohey iustified himselfe imputing it to the small number of men and want of horsemen to the weakenesse of the towne and the vnwillingnesse of the bourgers who were stronger than the souldiors and for other reasons which he alledged whereof he caused an apologie to be printed and presented it vnto the Estates whereupon he was set at libertie From thence Mansfeldt went to besiege Westerloo in the same countrey of Campaigne vpon the riuer of Nethe in a good situation Some pesants ill affected to the besieged and to the Estates shewed the earle of Mansfeldt the meanes how to cut off the water that ran to the castle halfe a league off the which was done so as the ditch became dry Captaine Vlyet who commaunded within the place seeing this and that they battered it furiously he was aduised to yeeld the place the fifth of Iune retyring towards Antuerpe where he was wonderfully blamed by the bourgers and put in prison but he iustified himselfe so well as hee was cleared and inlarged The prince of Parma being at Liere and meaning to pursue his conquests hearing that there was diuision in the Estates campe for that the English and Scottish could not agree with the French the marshall of Biron generall of the armie beeing lodged at Roosendael and the English and Scottish about a league off the said English and Scottish being not fully intrenched the Spaniard came and charged them with such furie as a great part of them were defeated and the rest put to rout neere vnto Seuenbergh And although the generall Biron were at Roosendael in a strong lodging and well fortified whereas the prince of Parma durst not assaile him yet rising from thence he set fire on his lodging and went and encamped vnder Berghen vpon Soom whereas the prince of Parma went to affront him but it succeeded not so happily as against the English being forced to retire his men in the retreat leauing part of their bootie to the Suitsers the marshall was shot in the foot in a skirmish but not greatly hurt The prince of Parma knowing that he had to doe with an old politicke captaine caused his armie to march presently away before the towne of Herental hauing taken the towne and castle of Zichem in his passage the which were yeelded vnto him by composition vpon the first summons Hauing planted his siege before Herental he sent some of his troupes to the fort and abbey of Tongerloo not faire from thence the which was also yeelded vnto him and hauing continued his siege before Herental vntill Iuly without any profit or any great hope of preuayling for that they of Antuerpe fearing least after the taking of all these forts and castles the prince of Parma would come and besiege them had sent sixteene hundred men thither in garrison hee was enforced to rise with shame and losse in his retreat There was about that time some tumult in the towne of Lille for the establishing of a new gouernour after the death of Maximilian Vilain lord of Rassenghem newly created earle of Yseghem by the king of Spaine dying in his castle of Lemme for that they would haue giuen them a Spaniard to be their gouernour and not one that was borne in the country the which was contrary to their treatie of reconciliation but in the end the lord of Liques a Frenchman borne was made their gouernour In the meane time the Estates affaires impaired daily they hauing taken vpon them againe since the duke of Aniou his folly the gouernment of the vnited prouinces yet could they not agree together some enclining to the Spaniard others to call in the duke of Aniou again and some were of another opinion so as for want of a good and speedie resolution there was a great confusion in their affaires The deputies of the Estates were gone to Dunkerke as it was decreed by the prouisionall accord made the eight and twentieth of March to see if they could reconcile all discontents but the duke seeing that nothing was done and that by their irresolutions or rather diuisions matters were protracted growing wearie and seeing his reputation blemished
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
and assistance of the Emperors Maiestie Princes Estates and commonalties of Germanie for the maintenance and support of their resolued vndertaken and now for many yeares continued gouernment might obtaine the meanes to chase away from their frontiers all such as seeke the subuersion of the Netherlands they would acknowledge it for a great grace and fauour whereof if they might bee assured they would vppon their request make a more plaine and ample declaration and let them know by the effects how much they did grieue at these bloudie warres But if the sayd Treatie tended to no other end they then intreated the Emperor Princes and Townes in regarde of the good of the Netherlands and the reputation of the whole Empire to take their refusall of a pasport with the time and place of meeting in good part Touching any wrongs done or insolencies committed by their souldiers vpon the frontiers of the Empire as also concerning the raising of new licences tolles and other Imposts they sayd that they did hope to take such a course as they should haue no iust cause of complaint But in the troublesome time to giue ouer any townes and Fortes which they for the good and seruice of the Empire and ◅o withstand the enemies inuasion had beene forced to take to their great charge and till then held they did presume that the Emperor Princes and Townes would hold it to bee contrarie to all pollicie and lawes of Estate and so much the rather for that the Marquis Spinolas desseigne was to passe his armie ouer the Rhine from whom the frontiers of the Empire were to expect no better then they had found at the hands of the Admirall of Arragon in the yeare 1598. This was the Estates answer vnto the proposition made by the Emperor Princes and Townes desiring Maximilian de Co◅hi to make a fauourable report of their sayd answer their letter bearing date the last of May 1605. In March this yeare Cont Frederic Vanden Berghe Brother to Cont Herman had a certaine enterprise vpon Rhinberk the which beeing discouered fayled so as hee was forced to retire yet without any losse of his men This yeare in Aprill the King of England sent his Ambassador into Spaine to see the King sweare the peace and at the same time hee sent Edward Lord Seymor Earle of Hertford sonne to the Duke of Somerset vnto the Archdukes to the same effect who arriuing at Dunkirke with a gallant traine of Noblemen and Gentlemen were honourably receiued there by Diego Ortes Gouernor of the Towne The Baron of barbanson brother to the Earle of Arenbergh Captaine of their Highnesse Archers attended him there All the Ordinance of the Towne was shotte off in a manner against the Estates shippes of warre which laye before it who in like manner to doe the Earle honor discharged all their Ordinance Hee had the like reception giuen him at Nieuport by Dom Pedro d'Alega the Gouernor and at Bruges by Monsieur de Croselles of the house of Montmorencie Gouernor of the Towne and great Bayliffe of Franke. Thether the Earle of Busquoy Maister of the Ordinance was sent to entertaine him The Earle comming to Alost hee was mette by the Earle of Ligny the Baron of La Bastie a French-man with diuerse other Gentlemen whether the Duke of Aumale sent a Gentleman with letters of congratulation vnto the Earle The Earle approching neere vnto Brussells within a mile of the towne hee was first mette by the Duke of Aumaule then by the Duke of Arschot the Marquis Spinola two Poland Dukes the Marquis of Hauerec the Earle of Aremberg the Prince of Palestrina the Prince of Caserte Dom Louis de Velasco Cont Theodore Trivulce Cont Frederick Vanden Berghe and many other Noblemen and Gentlemen The next day after his arriuall at Brussells hee was visited by the Marquis of Laguna sonne to the Duke of Medina Caeli Ambassador for the King of Spaine with the Archdukes At the Earle of Hertfords comming to Brussells the Archdukes were attended on with great estate wherof I will make some particular relation and first of the Inf◅ntaes ladies without any distinctiō of precedence First there was the Lady Iohanna of Chassincourt her Chamberlaine the chiefe of her Ladies of honor were the Countesses of Vsedale Busquoy and La Fere her Maides of honor were the Lady Claudia Catherina Liuia her Sewer and cousin to her Chamberlaine the Lady of Croy her Caruer the Lady of Selles the Lady of Montmorencie the Lady Maria Manuel a Spanish Ladie the Lady Magdeline de Bye the Lady of Marle the Lady Vincentia of Ferrara the Ladyes Ermesyna and Clara daughters to the Earle of Aremberghe the Lady of Balanson Cousin to Varambon the Lady Marguerite of Bourgondie Cousin to the Earle of Busquoy with twelue other waighting women most of them Spaniards There were then also present to honor the Infanta the Countesse of Mansfeldt daughter to the Earle of Egmond the Countesse of Aremberghe the Marquesse of Berghen the Countesse of Egmont the Countesses of Barlaimont Lalaine Solue Bossu Fontenay Berghe Bye Essingen Fressin and Bruay the Countesse of Saint Aldegonde the Countesse of Bassigny and the Countesse of Malespina The Lady of Brabanson the ◅ady of Liekerke the Lady of Terrayse the Lady of Blancheual the Lady of Liques the Lady of Chassey the Lady of Liliers and diuers others Vpon the Archduke their attended the Earle of Essengen the Earle of Saint Aldegond the Marquis of Monte-negro his Mayordomo Don Pedro de Ponce the Vicont Octauio his chiefe chamberlaine DonGaston Spinola vice chamberlaine Don Innigo de Mendosa Don Diego de Mexia Don Diego d' Acuna Don Alonzo d' Aualos Don Inigo de Borgia Brother to the Duke of Gandia and Captaine of the Castle of Antwerp the Earle Enenbergh Cont Frederic vander Berghe captaine of the garde the Lord of Brabanson brother to the Earle of Arembergh captaine of the Archers with many others Besides al these attendants there were diuers knights of the order of the golden fleece as the Duke of Arschot the Marquis of Haurec the Earle of Aremberg the Marquis Spinola There were also the Earle of Egmont the Earle of Solme the Marquis of Robaix sonne to the Earle of Ligny the Marquis of Renty sonne to the Earle of Solme the Earle of Busquoy Henin Hochstrate Rassingen Isenburgh Bee Euerbergh Bossu and Fresin most of them young Earles The Lord of Seuenbergen Sonne to the Earle of Arembergh the Lord of Chalon Nephew to the Earle or Mansfeldt the Lord of Wesemael the Lord of Vendesy of the house of Montmorency Of strange noblemen there were the Duke d' Aumale the Duke of Ossuna Don Iohn de Medicis base brother to the Duke of Florence the Prince of Caserta a Neopolitaine the Prince of Palsterino a Columnese the Marquis of Malespina of the house of Paluoisin Cont Thedore Triuultio Don Louis de velasco generall of the light horsemen with many
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
1374. They of Vtrecht 〈◊〉 Woerden â—…n vâ—…e Cont Albert 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ghyldenburch Ghyldâ—…burch yeelded by composition The forâ—… taken againe by them of Vtrecht Cont Albert makes sharpe warres against the Traiectins An accord betwixt the Hollanders and Vtrecht 1377. The death of Cont Williâ—… the madde Cont Albert receiued for Earle of Holland 1386. 1389. Iohn of Bauaria sonne to Cont Albert made bishop of Liege 1392. The murther of Cont Alberts concubine and of his Steward Noblemen 〈◊〉 for thâ—…â—…ther Thâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…men 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 The muâ—…her reuenged 〈◊〉 Coâ—…â—…bert 〈◊〉 Alteâ—… Thâ—… Earle his sonne 〈◊〉 The bishop of Lâ—…ge 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tâ—…e faâ—…her and the sonne The Earle of 〈◊〉 reâ—…s into 〈◊〉 An affront done to the 〈◊〉 of Osteâ—…t the Kings 〈◊〉 The sonne all the noblemen reconciled to Cont Albert. 1396. The chiefe of the Earles arâ—…e Cont Albert enters into Friseland with a mightie armie A crueâ—… baâ—…taile The Frisons defeated A second battaile and the Frisons defeated A braue skirmish betwixt the â—…nglish the Frisons The English besieged by the Frisons A braue answer of the Delphâ—… to Cont Albert The English degaged by the Delphois The Frisons subdâ—…ed The body of cont William fetchâ—… out of Friseland and buried at Valenciennes 1398. 〈◊〉 Frisons rebell againe The Earle sends his sonne against the Frisons Staueren besieged and yeelded to the Earle of Osteruant The Frisons subdued Seuen pence faâ—…thing oâ—… thereaboâ—…s English money A new reuolt of the Frisons The Frisons submit themselues againe A priuate quarrell betwixt two Knights of Holland A battaile wherein the Frisons were defeated The Earle of Esteruant proceeds against the Frisons many sâ—… for mercy The Groeningeois acknowledge him for prince The Frisons thinke to surprise the earle but in vaine 1400. The Frisons rebell againe They besiege the towne of Staueren They flie at the comming of the Earles armie The Lord of Brederode hurt and prisoâ—…r 1401. A great contention betwixt Cont Aloâ—… the lord of Arckel He defies Cont Albert. He desies the Earle of Osteruant The Lord of Arckel braues the Hollanders The Hollanders take â—…r reuenge The Lord of Arckel burns Nyeuport in Holland The Earle of Osteruent besiegeth Gorrichom Cont Albert comes in person to the siege of Gorrichom A braue sally of the besieged vpon the Zelanders Frisons An accorde made betwixt the Earle of Holland and the Lord of Arckel A seawoman found in Holland 1404. Duke Albert of Bauaria Earle of Holland dyes Cont Williams wiues children 1404. The towne of Liege â—…ned for their Bishops pleasure 1405. The Lord of Arckel breaks the peâ—…ce His meÌ„ spoile Wandrichom The Earle makeâ—…â—…rre â—…nst the lord of Arckel The Earle â—…esiegeth Hagenstein The Bishop ioynes with the Earle and besiegeth Euerstein An assault giuen to Hagenstein The towne yeelded and burnt to ashes Euerstein ruinated A truce betwixt the lord of Arckels sonne and the Earle of Holland The yong lord of Arckel will make his peace with the Earle The yong lord of Arckel makes himselfe master of Gorrichom The Lord of Arckel shut out of the towne and â—…stell of Gorrichom and Lederdam The sonne reconciled to the father The yong Lord of Arckel excluded ouâ—… of Gorrichom The Lord of Aspren acknowledgeth the Earle of Holland The yong Lord of Arckel tâ—…s Gorâ—…hom by scaladoe He â—…geth the â—…ell of Arckell The Earle of Holland besiegeth Gorrichom The duke of Gelders desies the Earle The duke reâ—… into his country The father and sonne of Arckel transport their siegnorie to the duke of Gelders 〈◊〉 strange â—…oute An Act worthy of laughter 1408 Truce betwixt the Earle of Holland and the duke of Gelders Great warre of the Liegeois against their bishop A battell betwixt the Liegeois and the princes allyed to the bishop A great defeat of the Liegeois A reuenge vpon the motâ—…s of this warre 1409. The Earle of Holland reconciles the Duke of Bourgondie with the French king 1410. The duke of Geldres and the Earle of Holland returnâ—… to war 1412. A peace betwixt these two Princes The Articles of peace Gorrichom anexed to Holland The duke of Gelders and the Earle of Holland meet An aduertisement giuen vnto the Earle The Dukes speeches confirme the former aduertisment The Earle grovves iealous of them of Egmond 1414. The Frisons reuoult 1415. The old lord of Arkel taken prisoner The Lord of Arckel discouers who they were that practised against the Earle of Holland The kinssolke of the Lord of Egmond offer to iustifie themselues The Lord of Egmond adiourned to appeare in person For not appearing he is banished and his goods forfeited Iselsteyn sommoned and Yeelded by them of Egmond Iselsteyn restored since to them of Egmond To whom it doth novv belong The Earle causeth the Lady Iaqueline to be acknovvledâ—…ed for hiâ—… onely heire in his life time 1417 The Dolphin of France husband to the Lady Iaqueline poâ—…soned and dies Death of William the 6. Earle of Holland The first particular Lord of Schagen Cont Williams bastards 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nâ—… 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…nd 〈◊〉 â—…n 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The factions reuiue againe in Holland Those of Egmond returne into Holâ—…nd The Lord of 〈◊〉 recouers his towne And the Castlâ—… into wâ—…ch the breâ—…hren put themselues The towne and câ—…tle of 〈◊〉 yeelded to tâ—…e Countesse Those of Vtrecht 〈◊〉 Iselstein The Contesse Iaqueline receâ—…ed in Holland c. Anthonie father to Iohn duke of Brabant was brother to Marguerite who was mother to Iaqueline A marriage concluded betwixt the Contesse of Holland and the duke of Brabant the 1. of August 1417. The bishop desirous to spoile his Neece Iohn of Bauaria seekes to make himselfe Barle of Holland Egmond surpriseth Gorrichom Contesse Iaqueline besiegeth Gorrichom Gorrichom taken againe The lord of Arckle with many others â—…ne The Lord of Brederode slaine The Pope dispenceth with the marriage of the Duke of Brabâ—…nt with the lady Iaqueline The Pope reuoketh his dispensation 1418. The marriage consumated beâ—…wixt the duke of Brabant and the Contesse of Holland The Pope confirmes his dispensation againe Iohn of Bauaria gets a dispensation frâ—… the Pope to marry He obtaines the 〈◊〉 of Holland c of the Emperor The answer of the Prouinces to Iohn of Bauaria Iohn of Bauaria takes vpon him the title of Earle of Holland c. He makes war in Holland The Duke of Brabant defâ—… Iohn of Bavaria A treatie â—…etwixt the duke of Brabant Iohn of Bauaria The articles of the treatie 1419. New waâ—…re beâ—…wixt them oâ—… Vtrecht and Holland The Cabillâ—… and Hoâ—…ckins â—…ke â—…rmes againe 1420. Sundâ—…y ex ploits oâ—… war The â—…king of â—…s castels by â—…n of Bauaâ—…a Leyden besieged and yeelded vpon composition The accord 〈◊〉 by the â—…d of â—…gmond The vicont forced to resigne his vicoâ—…ty of Leyden to oâ—… of Bauaria 1420. The Duke of Brabâ—…nt comes into zeeland without the priuitie of the Contesse Iaqueline Contesse Iaqueline goes from the duke of Brabant her
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
it with our roiall seale Giuen in the yeare of our Lord at Engelshem 868 the 13 of Aprill Gezo vicechancellor in the absence of the archbishop Othelrie high chancellor hath seene allowed and subsigned it Hereby we may vnderstand that from Tournay and higher vnto Vtrecht all that did lie betwixt the two branches of the riuer of Rhine which Ptolomie calles Naualia for that the ships must of necessitie passe there and pay tribute the which since hath bene called Traiectum that is to say a Trauers of traijciendo was nothing but a thicke and fearefull forrest which they called The forrest without mercie By these Letters we may also see that Holland and Zeeland were the furthest limits and frontiers of Germanie the which did extend vnto the British sea towards Brabant and Flanders the one beeing held of the Empire and the other of the crowne of Fraunce and that of forrests woods and desarts they are by succession of time become good and fertile countries and both erected into Earledomes by the donators themselues Thierry of Aquitaine being then by the bountie of the kings of France and Germanie become earle of Holland and Zeeland and lord of Friseland although the Friselanders will not absolutly confesse it by reason whereof they had great wars against the earles of Holland of whom they â—…ue three or foure in battaile was issued from a most noble and antient race that is from the old kings of France descended from the Troians that is to say from the first race of the kings of Franconia issued from Marcomir Pharamond and others their successors kings of France whose discent may thus bee reckoned for this Priam come from Troy being so called by the name of his great grandfather king of Phrygia and of Troy was the first king of Franconia who had to sonne Marcomir that first came into France he had Pharamond Pharamond had Clodion Clodion had Merouë Merouë had Childeric Childeric had Clouis the first Cristian king Clouis had Childebert Childebert had Clotaire the first Clotaire had Cherebert Cherebert had Chilperic Chilperic had Clotaire the second Clotaire had Dagobert the first Dagobert had Clouis the second Clouis had Clotaire the third Clotaire had Childeric the third Childeric had Theodoric or Thierry Theodoric had besides Clouis the third king of France another sonne called Chilperic or Childebert this Childebert had Diedericke duke of Aquitaine Diedericke had Lothaire Lothaire had Didier Didier had Engelrim who died a martyr Engelrim had Sigisbert Sigisbert had of his wife Mathild sister to Cont Haghen of Zanthen and lady Emme queene of Germanie two sonnes that is to say Walger earle of Teisterbaudt and Thierry of Aquitaine earle of Holland and Zeeland lord of Friseland This Cont Thierry carried the armes of his ancestors and for that king Pepin would not haue any but himselfe and those of his blood carrie the armes of France hee therefore gaue vnto Diederic or Thierry duke of Aquitaine other different armes which some say were those of Hector of Troy that is A Lion rampant Gueules in a field Or armed and lampassed Azure And for that the sayd Cont Thierry drew his originall in the right masculine line from the said Diederic duke of Aquitaine he might by right carrie the same armes Hee was also honourably married to Genna or Ienna daughter to Pepin the Bald king of Italie sonne to the emperour Charlemagne who died before his father to whom king Charles the Bald was vncle by the fathers side and she his neece daughter to his brother a very wise and vertuous princesse This Thierry did valiantly suppresse and vanquish the Danes who at that time did possesse the towne of Vtrecht the Wiltes and the Slaues who seeing they could no more set footing in Holland through the valiant resistance which they found in Cont Thierry they made an incursion into Zeeland vpon the coast of Arnmuyden Lewis king of Germanie hauing intelligence of the great spoile which the Danes made in Zeeland sent Lupold thither a braue Franconian knight the sonne of Vrancke duke of Suawbe grandchild to that Lupold which was driuen out of his countrie by Nicephorus emperour of Greece to succour Cont Thierry his nephew who iointly together made good proofe of their valour and forces against the Danes in many a gallant incounter Of this first Lupold are descended those of the last house of Borssele in Zeland for he had to wife Elizabeth daughter to the great Maroth king of Hungarie by whome he had three sonnes that is to say Lupold who was earle of high Hungarie and Frederike duke of Austria from whome are descended those of Walchi which is the noblest house in Austria the third was Vrancke father to the second Lupold whome king Lewis made Lieutenant generall of his armie in Zeeland from whence hauing expelled the Danes he married an heire of the first house of Borssele and was the founder of the town of Borssele at this time drowned After this victorie Cont Thierry liued in peace and rest studieng to beautifie his countries and to furnish them with good lawes so as hauing reigned fortie yeares he died very old to whome his sonne succeeded THIERRY THE SECOND OF THAT name peaceable Earle of Holland and Zeeland and Lord of Friseland Theodoricus Secundus THIERRY the second Earle of Holland by degree I was and twice in two yeares space obtained victorie Gainst Frisons that my fathers bones did take out of his graue And all the sillie virgine Nuns out of their cloisters draue The which my father first for maids did make and frame Of Wood and I of Lime and Stone for men new built the same King Loys daughter Hille nam'd I had to wife And at full foureskore yeares and eight did end my mortall life THierry the second of that name by the decease of Cont Thierry of Aquitaine his father was Earle of Holland and Zeeland and lord of Friseland But the Friselanders at the first would not acknowledge him for their lord but rebelled against him and would liue free vnder the liberties which the Emperour Charlemagne had graunted them This Cont Thierry had to wife Hildegard daughter to Lewis the stuttering king of France and sister to king Charles the Simple by whome hee had Egbert his eldest sonne a deuout man who was Archbishop of Treues and Arnulph or Arnoult who succeeded him in the said Counties and one daughter called Alix or Erlinde Cont Thierry seeing the wilfulnesse and obstinacie of his subiects of Friseland leuyed a strong and mightie armie of the best souldiors he could recouer as well in his own territories as of his friends and allies with the which he entered into the countrie of Friseland and began to forrage spoile burne and destroy it The Frisons knowing themselues vnable at this time to resist so mightie an armie making of necessitie vertue and yeelding to the time and force they submitted themselues to the Earles mercie who
receiued them into grace And then without any losse of his men being laden with spoile he returned into Holland But the yeare following they reuolted againe and came with great troups into West-Friseland the which obeied the Earle and therefore it was called North-Holland besieging the towne of Alcmar the which they did with such speed as the Earle could not haue his armie readie in time to hinder them before they had forced the towne and slaine all that they found within it burning it and rasing it to the ground carrieng away with them the best of their wealth many prisoners and all their cattell Then marching on they came into the countrie of Kennemers spoyling burning and killing all that made any resistance From thence they marched as farre as Egmont where they burnt the Abbie and descending lower committing dayly a thousand insolencies they came to besiege the towne and castle of Leiden thinking to carrie it at their first approch as they had done Alcmar but the vicount of Leiden a valiant knight with the helpe of the inhabitants made head against them sending to Cont Thierry that hee should come speedily to succour them else they should not possibly hold out long The Earle who had no need of any persuasions to hasten his resolution hearing in what danger those of Leiden were flies thither with his armie being assisted by the lord of Borssell and other great personages appointing the Frisons a day and place for battaile to attend him in open field But the Frisons refusing a limitted day desired to fight presently assuring themselues of the victorie relying vpon their multitudes of men The Earle hauing vnited all his forces together although the Frisons had double his number yet hee issued out of Leiden and went to charge them At the first incounter the battaile was very furious and doubtfull the Hollanders fighting for their liues wiues children houses and goods and the Frisons for honor and victorie In the end the Frisons not able any longer to endure the furious charges of the Hollanders seeing so many of their men slain and their brethren kinsfolks and friends lieng dead before them they began to faint and to flie away for their owne safeties in the which slight there was so great a slaughter made of the Frisons as very few returned to their owne houses for they were slaine euery where as they fled and there was no pittie had of them by reason of the great spoiles which they had committed in all the countrey where they had past This battaile was fought vpon the same place where as since the abbie of Rhinsburg neere vnto Leiden was built Thus the Earle subdued the Frisons with great effusion of blood forcing them to yeeld vnto the yoke and to submit themselues vnder his obedience in such sort as he constrained them to make their doores and the entries into their houses so low as they must bend their backs and stoupe very much in signe of humilitie before they could enter Then they tooke a new oath of fealtie as to their liege lord and Soueraigne with all such honor and respect as the case required The yeare following the Earle caused a Temple to be built in the place where the defeat had bene giuen the which he dedicated vnto S. Laurence where since the ladie Petronelle Countesse of Holland did erect a conuent of religious virgins of the order of S. Benet Cont Thierry hauing bene thus reuenged of the Frisons he caused the Abbie of Egmont to be reedified at leisure his father did at the first build it of wood but hee caused it all to bee made of masons worke and in steed of Religious women he placed monks of the same Order translating the nuns vnto a place called Bennenbroeck in the village of Hemsteed neere vnto the towne of Harlem commaunding they should not receiue any nâ—…w into their societie to the end that when they were all dead the goods possessions and renenues of their foundation should returne vnto the monkes of the abbie of Egmont whereof Monebaldus was the first abbot This earle Thierry the second hauing raigned a long time peaceably after his subduing of the Frisons left the counties of Holland and Zeeland more flourishing than euer so as being fourskore and eight yeres old after that he had raigned about fiftie years he gaue vp his soule to God leauing two sonnes Egbert the eldest and Arnold who succeeded his father for some reasons that I will presently specifie 3 Arnoldus Hollandiae I was as you me see when I espous'd my wife The Gâ—…ecian Emperour Thophans child the sâ—…lace of my liâ—… The lands of Brederode to hir I did assure And 〈◊〉 one of my youngest 〈◊〉 fâ—…r â—…uer to indurâ—… Thâ—… 〈◊〉 salsâ—… proâ—…d 〈◊〉 come And though ly valour I had put them to extremitie Yet â—…dst of 〈◊〉 it was my cruell chaâ—…ce to die And in the Abbie of Egmont my corpt â—…e câ—…d doth lie ARNVLPH OR ARNOLD THIRD Earle of Holland and Zeeland and Lord of Friseland ARNOLD after the death of Cont Thierry his father the second of that name succeeded in the countries of Holland and Zeeland as also in the siegneorie of Friseland He had to wife the ladie Lutgard daughter to Theophanes emperour of Greece of whom he had one sonne called as his grandfather Thierry the third of that name who succeeded him This Cont Arnold had an elder brother called Egbert who hauing ben sent in ambassage by his father to the archbishop of Treues toucht with zeale to religion and mooued with deuotion hee professed himselfe a monke of the order of S. Benet and sending backe vnto his father the dispatches of his embassage by the noblemen that did accompanie him he remained in the cloister Afterwards by the decease of the said archbishop of Treues he was chosen archbishop where he gouerned some yeares and hauing repaired the churches which the Danes had ruined and prophaned he died and was interred in the church which he had built and dedicated to S. Andrew Cont Arnold obtained of the emperour Otho the third to hold the earledomes of Holland and Zeeland with the siegneorie of Friseland in fee of the Empire and no more of the crown of France In his time there appeared a very fearefull comet there were great eclipses both of sunne and moone red as blood with horrible earthquakes there fell a fire from heauen as big as a great tower the which burnt long then followed so great and violent a plague as the liuing died in burying of the dead This earle had all the time of his reigne continuall warre with the Frisons refusing to submit themselues vnder his obedience the fift yere of his reign he leuied a great armie of his subiects in Holland to subdue the Frisons and force them to obedience as he had done the first yeare of his reigne The two armies approching one vnto the other in open field neere vnto
Winckell a furious battaile was fought wherein the Hollanders hauing the worst cont Arnold with a great number of the chiefe of his nobilitie were slaine in the yeare 993 the day after S. Lambert which was the eighteenth of October hauing gouerned Holland and Zeeland fiue yeares after the decease of his father he is interred in the abbie of Egmont by his father and grandfather leauing his eldest sonne Thierry the third for his successor in the said earledomes Hee had also another sonne called Ziffrid the Frisons call him Sicco who being fallen in disgrace with his father to auoid his displeasure went voluntarily into exile into the countrie of Friseland where he was courteously receiued by Gosso Ludingama then Potestat or gouernour of the Frisons with whose daughter he fell in loue and married hir without the priuitie of the earle his brother of whome hee had two sonnes the eldest he called Thierry by his grandfathers name and Simon Afterward Ziffrid being reconciled to his father was made his lieutenant in the quarter of Kennemerland and had for his part a portion of land measured with the great yard the word of Breede-roede signifieng a Great Yard so as euer since the siegneorie of the said Ziffrid hath retained the name of Brederode vnto this day His father did also giue him the castell of Theylingen the which Ziffrid did giue and bequeath vnto Simon his yoongest sonne from whome discended the familie of Theylingen at this present quite extinct by the death of two brethren which remained the which were both slaine in battaile by the Frisons with Cont William of Hainalt the fourth of that name their prince as wee shall hereafter see and how that also by the like accident of war we haue seene die without leauing any issue foure braue knights of the house of Brederode being yet in the flower of their youth not any one remaining of that house at this day but three bretheren the eldst Walrauen lord of BREDERODE baron of Vianen and of Ameyden Florent the second brother lately deceased left one sonne lord of Cloetinghen heire apparent of the whole house and Maximilian the youngest who liues in Brabant There are many of the same house bearing the same surname and armes but broken gentlemen come of bastards The Epitaph of this earle Arnold preserued with many others in the ruines of the said abbie of Egmont whereas most of the earles of Holland haue bene interred hauing bene recouered by me although it be but grossely composed as also the rest that follow yet could I not omit them for that they shewed their antiquitie the which is not wholy to be reiected Such was the Epitaph of the said earle and the ladie Lutgard his wife Gloria carnalis pernicibus euolat alis Et quasi non fuerit cum moriente perit Hic Comes Arnulphus patrioe tutela sepultus Expectat requiem Iudicijque diem Iste venustauit hac sancta locumque beauit Terris mancipijs oedibus Ecclesijs Qui bis septenas Octobre rotante Calendas Hostili gladio transijté medio Laudibus meritò similis Lutgarda marito Complexu fedei consepelitur ei Per tauri sydus ternas Maius regit Idus Dum Comitissa pijs fungitur exequijs This Countesse Lutgarda wife to Cont Arnold and daughter to Theophanes Emperour of Constantinople and of Greece died in the month of May but I find not in what yeare She lies by hir husband in the abbie that was of Egmont THIERRY THE THIRD OF THAT name sonne to Cont ARNOLD was fourth Earle of Holland Zeeland and Lord of Friseland 4 Theodoricus Tertius This THIERRY to reuenge his fathers death in hast With forces great to Freeseland marcht and laid the countrie wast Saâ—…ked the townes and slue the towns-men cruelly And made the bishop of Vtrecht his prisoner valiantly On pilgrimage he went vnto the Holy land And there the Turkes in Palestine did mightily withstand And being home return'd vnto his spouse most true At six and fortie yeares of age did yeeld to death his due THIERRY the third of that name after the death of Cont Arnold his father was in number the fourth Earle of Holland and Zeeland and lord of Friseland Being come vnto the Principalitie he demaunded homage of the Frisons the which being denied him dissembling the discontent and the desire of reuenge he had for his fathers death he then surceased to make any further question attending some fitter opportunitie He tooke to wife in his fathers life time Withild daughter to the emperour Otho the second duke of Saxe whome he had of his second wife daughter to the Marquis of Austria Of which Withild Cont Thierry had two sonnes the eldest was called as his father and the fourth of that name earle of Holland the second was Floris earle of East-Friseland who after the death of his brother without children succeeded in the said counties of Holland Zeeland and siegneorie of Friseland After the death of Anfrid the 18 bishop of Vtrecht issued from the race of Charlemagne Adelbold descended from Manson a nobleman of the countrie of Friseland was chosen Bishop for his great knowledge as well in Diuinitie as in other liberall arts hee had bene Councellor to the emperour Henry the second he was the first bishop that began to aduance himselfe and to make war against the Hollanders For when as Thierry the third earle of Holland had liued some time in rest and peace and that Walbold deane of the Cathedrall church of Vtrecht was made bishop of Liege who before had bene chiefe chancellor to Adelbold dissuading him stil from all attempts of warre this Walbold being thus retired to his bishoprike Adelbold desirous of alterations would needs without any colour make warre against the Earle and the Hollanders The causes and motiues of this war were That Adelbold had animated the Frisons and fortified them to rise rebell against Cont Thierry their naturall lord moreouer this bishop had aduaunced a gentleman called Didier Bruno to bee earle of Bodegrauen and of Suvamerdam who did greatly wrong and oppresse the Hollanders his neighbours wherupon Cont Thierry went with his troups to assaile him and hauing defeated him in battaile hee expelled him by force out of his siegneorie The bishop bearing it impatiently to see his vassall thus expelled leuied an armie with an intent to restore him by force so the 9 of Iune in the yeare 1018 the bishop hauing brought his men to field betwixt Bodegraue Suvamerdam the earle Thierry went to charge them being accompanied by his brother Ziffrid lieutenant of Kennemerland by Iohn lord of Arkel the siegneor Iohn of Persin the vicount of Leyden and many other braue knights and gentlemen But this incounter proued vnfortunat for the bishop wherin he was defeated and put to rout There died on his side among the most remarkable Wyger Aduoe that is to say Aduocat generall of the diocesse of Vtrecht
first are found in the Church of the Abbey of Egmont as followeth Ecce iacent fratres Regni spes gloria Patres Regum stirpe sati vermibus aesca dati Bello magnificus prior horum Theodoricus Hostibus in Patriam iure negando viam Per Caprae sydus dum Ianus volueret Idus Caesar erat fomes quo cadit iste Comes Florens flos florum Florentius alter eorum Splendidus eloquio viribus ingenio Cui Troiae rector bellanti cederet Hector Dum nimis emicuit hoste latente ruit Morte viri flendas quarto decimoque Calendas Iunius axe gerit cum Comes iste perit Destructor mortis vitae reparatio fortis Raptos valle soli collocet arce Poli. GERTRVDE WIDOW TO CONT FLORIS Mother and Guardian to young Cont Thierry sonne to Floris 7 Gertrudis Saxoniae I was by blood and line of Prince HEMMES house And to the first Earle FLORIS was his first and onely spouse In widow-hood I rul'd the Countrey full a yeare With care for my young infants weale as plainely did appeare The Frison sought of me a second mariage state Which I accepted but such was my hard and cruell fate That death restored me vnto my former loue To lie with him in earthly tombe my soule in Heauen aboue ROBERT CALLED THE FRISON Aduocat Generall to young Cont THIERRY second husband to the Countesse Gertrude Robertus Cognomento Frisius Like Hector valiantly my Countries defence I sought resisting th'emperour and draue the Germane thence Becomming amorous I married FLORIS wife And did defend her sonne and her in bloodie warre and strife Protecting them eight yeares by my victorious hand Cypres Salamine Amathont I wan in Heathen Land But shunning of my foe within my natiue soyle At Cassel death encountred me and put me to the soyle AFter the death of Cont Floris the first of that name and the sixt Earle of Holland and Zeeland and Lord of Friseland successiuely being slaine in battaile neere vnto Heusden as we haue formerly related the lady Gertrude his widow daughter to Heyman duke of Saxonie gouerned these foure Countries in the name of Thierry her eldest sonne being in his nonage Afterwards in the yeare 1063. with the consent of all the Nobilitie and the Estates of the Countrey shee married againe with Robert the Frison a wise and valiant knight sonne to Baldwin of Lisle de Bucke earle of Flanders who by the valour of this Robert his sonne ouerthrew the Emperour Henry the fourth in battaile and for his vertues was by the Estates of Holland and Zeeland made guardian of yong Cont Thierry sonne of the Earle Floris and of the said Lady Gertrude who in this second marriage had three sons by Robert that is Robert the yong who went with Godefroy of Bouillon to the conquest of the holy Land and after the decease of his father was Earle of Flanders then Philip who was father to William of Ixre and the third was Baldwin bishop of Teroanne She had also three daughters by him the eldest was called Alix or Alice married to Canutus king of Denmarke and of Norwey by whom she had Charles which was Earle of Flanders the second Gertrude who was Countesse of Louaine and afterwards married to a Landtgraue of Elsatia mother to Thierry of Elsatia who was also in his time Earle of Flanders This Robert the Frison was not so called as if he had beene borne in Friseland but as the Chronicle of Holland sayes for that he was strong big and couragious as a Frison borne in such esteeme and reputation of valour those of Friseland haue alwaies beene as when they would speake of a strong man or commend him for his force they said Strong as a Frison the Chronicles of Flanders say that hee was so called for that hee subdued the Frisons imitating the ancient Romanes who called Scipio the Africane and others by the names of the Provinces which they had conquered and subdued This Robert was a valiant and a vertuous Prince and who had liberalitie in singular recommendation the which mooued the Nobles of Holl◅nd Zeeland to chuse him for their gouernor during the minoritie of their prince Thierry wherein he carried himselfe both wisely and valiantly for the space of eight yeares Hauing at his cōming to the gouernment subdued them of Friseland hearing of the death of Baldwin de Mons his brother Earle of Flanders he demanded to be admitted to the Earledome grounding his pretencions vpon a certaine diuision the which he said Baldwin de Lisle his father had made among his children at Audenarde by the which he had decreed that the said Robert the Frison should succeed in the said County to Robert de Mons notwithstanding any lawful heires that he should leaue But he found so great opposition made by the Countesse Richild widow to Baldwin de Mons and by her two sonnes being fauored by the Nobles and Commons of the Countrey as for a time hee did forbeare to attempt any thing Afterwards the said Richild behaued her selfe so insupportably in her gouernment as shee became odious to all the Flemings so as they sent secretly to call in Robert the Frison who came and ouerthrew the king of France in a great battaile so as there was an accord made betwixt the said Robert and the Countesse Richild and her sonne Baldwin who remained satisfied with the Countie of Henault so as Robert remained peaceable Earle of Holland where hauing setled a good order for his affaires he was desirous to go in pilgrimage to the holy Sepulchre and to Mount Synai from whence being returned into Flanders he died in the yeare 1077. at Wyendael and was interred in the Cannons Church of Cassell the which he had founded GODFREY THE CROOKED DVKE of Lorraine the ninth in number of the Earles of Holland the which he vsurped for a time 9 Gothiphredus Lotharīgae Gibbus I am if you will know that crooke-backt GODFERY That by the fauour of Vtrecht wan Holland valiantly Whereas in foure yeares space to shew my great renowne I built the goodly Towne of Delft in the Septentrion The Frisons I subdu'd that could me not withstand And manfully maintained warre both on the sea and land Till I in Antwerpe traitrously my death did get And left no issue but now serue to crawling wormes for meat THe quarrell of them of Vtrecht against Holland as Bishop Adelbold prisoner to Cont Thierry the third had prophecied vnto him not able to be reconciled William sonne to Widikind prince of Gelderland the 21. bishop of Vtrecht mindfull of the taking of his father in a battaile which the bishops of Cologne and Leege together with other Germane princes had against Cont Floris father to the Infant Thierry Earle of Holland thrust on by ambition and an insatiable desire to augment his estate although it were but too great for the maintenance of a Church-man and one that made profession of sanctitie went to
his wife In his time there were many braue knights in Holland besides his brethren and among others William Lord of Brederode Gerard Lord of Theilinghen Baldwin Lord of Heusden Fox Lord of Arckell Dodo Lord of Leederdam the Seigneurs of Lerke of Putten of Poleuanen of Streuen of Altena Vernard of Buchorst Iohn of Persin Aleuvin of Wassenare the Vicont of Leyden Schaâ—…aloth and Trusing his brethren Dodo of Riswicke the Seignior Ysbrant Gruytwater with many other Gentlemen of marke The Epitaph of this Cont Thierry the fifth was found in the Abbey of Egmont after this manner Viribus haud modicus situs est hic Theodoricus Qui pulsus Patria viredit in propria Nam Dux gibbosus puerâ—… fuit insidiosus Sed Ducis interitus fit Iuueni reditus Vibs Traiectensis fulmen tremit ipsius ensis Mortes multorum dum genâ—…it omne forum Capto Pontifice Comes inclitus egit anicè Non quod vi poterat sed quod honoris erat Hostibus iste grauis patriae tutissima clauis Quem decuere benè verba statura genae Iuli quindenas â—…eproducente Calendas Qua Comitem rapuit mors lachrimosa fuit FLORIS SVRNAMED THE FAT THE second of that name and eleuenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland 11 Florentius Cognom Pinguis Inbountie and in pietie 't was I that did surpasse As likewise in great store of wealth the Princes of my race My wife was daughter to the Emperour LOTHARIE And in Rhynsburg a cloyster new for Nâ—…nes did edifie Full thirty six yeares time my Earledomes I possest And forc't the Frisons vnto peace that seem'd it to detest At last as God ordained hath that man shall die To death I yeelded and my bones in Egmont Church doe lie FLORIS the second of that name and eleuenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland sonne to Cont Thierry the fifth was commonly called the Fat or the Grosse an actiue man well membred and of a tall stature a politicke Prince enclining to peace and liberall in giuing readie to pleasure euery man and to hurt no man He had to wife Petronelle or Parnel daughter to Didier Duke of Saxonie sister to the Emperour Lothaire of whom he had three sonnes Thierry the sixt his successour the twelfth Earle of Holland Floris the Blacke Prince of Kenemerlandt and Symon with one daughter named Hadewicke which was Countesse of Geldre a very beautifull Lady Hee was much giuen to fauour Church-men by reason whereof he gaue great reuenues to the Abbey of Egmont In the yeare 1119. Cont Floris had a quarrell with a knight of Friseland called Galonges of Galama by reason of hunting in the forest of Creyl whether the Earle lying at Tenâ—…kelhuysen now called Tuchuysen or at Medernblyck went vsually for his recreation On a certaine time among the rest hee tooke from Galamas seruants three of his Grey-hounds and two Hares which they had taken whereof the said Galama according to the threats of the countrey sware to take a bloudie reuenge The Earle making no account of his threats comming after his accustomed manner to hunt in this Wood Galama met him beeing accompanied with a good troupe of his friends and partisans At their first encounter hee audaciously demaunded of the Earle reparation of the wrong hee had done him in taking away his dogges and venison or els he would take it with his owne hands vsing withall many proud and hautie speeches The Earle meaning to blame him for his presumptious rashnesse Galama passing from wordes to blowes thrust at the Earle with his rapier thinking to haue passed it through his bodie but he slipping a little on the one side the Earle was hurt in the arme and was rescued by his Gentlemen of whom Galama ouerthrew two before they parted The Earle thirsted after reuenge but to auoid effusion of bloud and the ruine of their subiects this quarrell was compromitted to Godfrey Duke of Brabant who dying soone after it was left in suspence vntill the yeare 1165. that the Emperour Fredericke Barbarousse reconciled these two houses of Holland and Galama by the which accord it was said that Ioub Galama and his heires should hunt freely in the Forrest of Creyl and enioy a moytie therof for them and their heires for euer At the same time Staueren the chiefe towne of all Friseland rich and abounding in all wealth the which had beene the onely Staple for all Marchandise whether ships came from all parts whose inhabitants through ease knew not what to doe nor desire shewing themselues in all things excessiue and licentious not onely in their apparell but also in the furniture of their houses gilding the seats before their lodgings so as they were commonly called The debauched children of Staueren As it is in the common course of this world when as things are at the highest or that men are at the height of their prosperitie to decline and fall againe euen so it happened to this towne of Staueren by a wonderfull or rather miraculous accident proceeding from the prouidence of God enemie to all pride and contempt which was in this manner There was in the said towne a widow who knew no end of her wealth the which made her proud and insolent Shee did fraight out a shippe for Danswicke giuing the Master charge to returne her in exchange of her marchandise the rarest stuffe hee could find The Master of the shippe finding no better commoditie than good Wheat fraighted his shippe therewith with the which he returned to Staueren the which did so discontent this foolish and glorious widow as shee said vnto the Master That if he had laden the said Corne on the starre-boord side he should cast it into the Sea on the larâ—…boord the which was done and all the Wheat powred into the Sea But note the wonders of Gods iust iudgement the whole towne yea all the Prouince did smart for one womans errour for presently in the same place where as the mariners had cast the Corne into the Sea there grew a great barre of sand wherewith the Hauen was so stopped as no great shippe could enter and at this day the smallest vessels that will anker there must bee very carefull least they strike against this flat or sand the which since hath beene called Vrawe-landt that is to say the Womans Sand Whereby the Towne loosing their Staple and traffique of marchandise by little and little came to decline and by the intestine warres which haue since happened in Friseland the inhabitants by reason of their wealth and pride being growne intollerable to the Nobilitie who in sumptuousnesse could not endure to be braued by them the said town is now become one of the poorest of the Prouince although it be at this day one that hath the greatest priuiledges among all the Hans townes Cont Floris hauing liued long in peace as he was a man of a quiet spirit the Frisons began to rebell againe and
inhabitants of the towne of Harlem with the countrey-men of Exdorp fell vpon them and slew 900 vpon the place recouering their booties and taking many prisoners with the which they returned victors to the towne of Harlem Cont Thierry after that he had gouerned his countries of Holland Zeeland and Friseland 40 yeares died in the yeare 1163. He had much warre against the Frisons the Vltraiectins or them of Vtrecht and his other neighbours The principall and most memorable noblemen of his time being his vassals were Floris the Blacke who was slaine as we haue said and Simon his two brethren sonnes to Cont Floris the Fat then his eldest sonne Floris 3 who succeeded him after him Otto Earle of Benthem Baldwin bishop of Vtrecht Thierry and Peregrin lieutenant of Holland all foure his sonnes and Robert his bastard then William lord of Brederode and Floris his son Gerard lord of Telnigen Hugh lord of Leck William seignior of Heusden Iohn lord of Arckell Folpert seignior of Lederdam Didier lord of Altena of Putten and of Strenen Hugh seignior of Bottersloot brother to the lord of Arckel Gerard seignior of Aspren sonne to the lord of Lederdam Floris seignior of Voerne Thierry his sonne Adelwyn Vicont of Leyden Didier of Persin Baldwin of Harlem these were held in the ranke of barons Then Ieams Vanden Vuode Gerard of Poelgeest Albert Bauiard Ghisbrecht Porckyn Iohn of Croonenburch Floris of Woert Ogier of Reyswick all Knights After those Berthoul Spysdrager Berthould aduocat of Egmont who was the first of the house of Egmont the which was since erected to an earledome with Dodo Allard Didier Berthoult and Wermbold his sonnes Godefrey of Harnesbergh Herbert of Liethen Thierry of Schoten Ludolph of Adrichone Vastardt of Reynigem by Leyden Ysbrandt the Frison and Berthould his brother Hugh of Arckersloot Bruyn of Castrichom Hugh of Monster Didier of Ween Iohn Heereman Hellnick van Doornick Philip of Bloot William of Voorhout Henry of Heylygerlee Gerebrandt of Alcmar al squiers and many other braue gentlemen And this was the Epitaph of the said Cont Thierry as wee found it in the Abbey of Egmont Collige vide Ciuis quam sit caro plena ruinis Quid sit ad quid eat quam cito dispereat Pandit honorifici Comitis caro Theodorici Quis tibi sit finis incinerande Ciuis Hic Comitumnonus Patriae Pater atque Patronus Ingenio viguiâ—… victor vbique fuit Augustinonis signo currente Leonis Deposuit quod erat esse quod est videras There was also the Epitaph of his sonne Peregrin who was his Lieutenant in the gouernement of Holland written in this manner Pompas mundanas animaduertens homo vanas Quaere quod est erit nam status iste perit En caro glorifici duodenis Theodorici Instar abit fumi tabida puiet humi Hunc Comitum nonus nostrorum Theodoricus Spem patriae genuit speâ—… sâ—…ulisque ruit Iste Calendarâ—… Iaâ—… lachrimarâ—… Extractus puâ—…eo 〈◊〉 in aethre Deâ—… FLORIS THE THIRD OF THAT name the thirteenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland 13 Florentius â—…ius In youthfull yeares I set my loâ—… vpon a danie Of Scotland and did her espouse that ADA had to name The proud rebellious Frisons that did scorâ—… 〈◊〉 yeeld Subiection vnto me by force I conquered in the field And valiantly won townes and forts in Syriae And in the land of Palestine did passe my dayes away For ere I could returne out of that countery I died and in S. Peters church in Antioche do lie FLORIS the 3 of that name eldest sonne to Cont Thierry the 6 after the death of his father was the 12 Earle of Holland and Zeeland and Lord of Friseland He had to wife the lady Ada daughter to the king of Scotland by whom he had many children first Thierry who succeeded him in the said Earledomes William Earle of Friseland Floris Cathedral Prouost of Vtrecht Robert President of Kenemerlandt foure daughters Marguerite Contesse of Cleues Beatrix Elizabeth and Alix This Floris had great troubles in his time whereof we wil discourse succinctly In the yeare 1163 Cont Floris hauing succoured Godefrey of Rhemen bishop of Vtrecht against the Earle of Cleues and the Baron of Batenbourgh being besieged in the towne of Gronninghen whereunto he pretended an interest the which the Emperor Frederic did pacifie for a requitall of all his courtesie the said bishop reuiued the question for the Earledoms of Oostergoe and Westergoe in Friseland whereof we haue formerly made mention grown betwixt the bishops of Vtrecht and the Earls of Holland this Godefrey like vnto the rest of his predecessors building vpon the graunts vnduly purchased and obtained from Emperors But as the Earles of Holland had the more antient grants and had beene longest seised therof Cont Floris was then fully resolued to dispossesse the bishop thereof once for all seeing that hauing so lately and so willingly succoured him and freed him from his enemies he now prouoked him to armes by his vnkind vsage The bishop intreated the Emperour Frederic to succour him and to maintaine him in the rights which his predecessors had graunted to the bishops of Vtrecht the emperour went himselfe in person and reconciled them so as they should iointly by a common consent appoint one Lieutenant or Iudge of the countrey who should take an othe to maintaine the rights of these two lords equally either of them for his moitie for the receiuing of which portions they should go once a yeare either of them beeing accompanied with thirtie knights or gentlemen and no more and that the said Earle should vse his best meanes to recouer the castle of Benthem the which done he should hold in fee of the said bishop who should haue a chamber a kitchin and a chappel reserued for him therein with free egresse and regresse when it pleased him Which accord was put in writing by the Emperours command But these treaties and accords were of small continuance the Frisons standing alwayes vpon their freedoms and imperiall liberties In the yeare 1166 the West Frisons knowing that Cont Floris had other lets came with great numbers of men and past the riuer of Ockeuoort neere vnto Alcmar meaning to spoyle that quarter of Kennemerlandt they tooke Alcmar by force where they slew foure bourgesses and burnt the whole towne except the church which they laboured to preserue from fire Cont Floris forbare to take reuenge vntill the yeare 1168 in the dead of Winter at what time he led his armie into Scoerle where being camped some of his knights and gentlemen notwithstanding the defence of their Prince would go to the warre and being come as farre as Schagen they spoiled and burnt it carrying away a great spoile The Frisons lying in ambush and expecting their returne charge them and spoile them in a manner all rescuing the bootie Among the which there was slaine Simon of Antuerpe William of Voorhout Baldwin 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
contempt of Ghysbrecht of Amstel and Herman of Woerden hauing not satisfied and performed the reparation agreed vpon for the murther of Cont Floris In the yeare 1323 Charles the Faire king of France maried the daughter of the emperor Henry the seuenth inuiting many princes both in France and other neighbour countries to the solemnitie of his mariage whither also Cont William of Holland went with the lady Ioane of Valois his wife and many barons knights gentlemen ladies and gentlewomen of Henault Holland Zeeland and West-Friseland The feast was stately and honoured with many plaies tilts tourneyes and all kind of sports but in all that there was nothing found more admirable nor more pleasing to the sight than a giantesse which the contesse of Holland had brought with her borne in Zeeland the which was so great and mightie as the tallest men seemed but children in respect of her and so strong of her bodie and members as shee did lift vp in either hand a barrell full of Hamboro beere as lightly as if they had beene emptie casks She herself would carrie a burthen whither you would haue her which eight men could not carrie and that which was most admirable in her was that her father and mother were of a small stature and but slender in respect of her exceeding greatnesse In the yeare 1327 the emperour Lewis of Bauiere being at Rome to be crowned he sent for the good Cont William of Holland as vicar of the empire to bee there and to assist at his coronation whereupon the Earle presented himselfe with the earls of Gueldres Cleues Iuilliers and Monts and eight hundred choice knights making hast to passe the alpes into Lombardy to aid the emperour against the Guelphes who opposed themselues against him These noble men being vpon the way the good Earle resolued to go himselfe in person to pope Iohn who lay then at Auignon and to labour if it were possible to reconcile the emperour vnto him but the pope hearing of his comming caused all the bridges vpon the riuer of Rhosne to bee broken to hinder his passage commanding him vpon paine of an eternall curse to returne into his countrey and not to go with Lewis to Rome nor into Italie So the Earle diuerted of his way and of the good will he bare vnto the emperour returned through France where he staied sometime with the king and made a strict league with him against the Flemings who stirred vp new troubles against the king In the yeare 1328 Charles the Faire king of France entred into Flanders with an armie the good Cont William was there also with his troups and did lodge ioyning vnto the king neere vnto the mount of Cassell the said Earle hoping well as it was his vsuall custome to mediat a good peace betwixt the king and the earle of Flanders But the Flemings being within the towne and vpon the said mount came downe thinking to surprise the king sodainly The Earl William perceiuing it went to incounter them charging them with such furie that falling from a skirmish to a battaile both armies ioyning the Earle was ouerthrowne from his horse and in danger of his life or to be taken prisoner had he not beene succoured by the earle of Ostreuant his sonne by Didier of Brederode Iohn of Arckel the vicont of Leyden the lord of Wassenare Iohn of Beaumont Walter his sonne Arnould of Cruyninghen Iohn of Polanen Iohn of Hamstede and Iohn of Duyuenworde all braue knights by whose valour and prowesse Cont William was remounted againe and the Flemings quite defeated There died in this battaile about eight thousand men the which happened the 14 of August 1328. Before this battaile the earle of Ostreuant receiued the order of knighthood whereof he afterwards made a good and glorious proofe Cont William his father knowing him to be a wise and valiant knight the better to make triall of his armes sent him with an honourable companie of knights of Holland Henault Zeeland and Friseland into the countrey of Prussia to make warres against the Russians and other Infidels with the Teuton knights where hee carried himselfe so valiantly that he was feared as the lightning In the yeare 1332 Henry chastelaine or gouernor of Hagensteyn did often passe the riuer of Lecke taking all he could find and robbing and spoiling the countrey of Vtrecht Iohn of Diest bishop of Vtrecht intreated the good Cont William to assist him to take reuenge of him for that of himselfe he had not forces sufficient to constrain him to make reparation of the wrongs which his men had done in his countries The Earle sent Kusen bailife of Rhinlandt thither who with a troupe of Waterlanders and of Amsterdam ioyned with the bishops men and hauing past the riuer of Leck together they fell vpon the lands of the said Hagensteyn spoyling and burning the houses of his subiects and of his other companions of his thefts and robberies of whom being reuenged they returned home laden with spoile In the yeare 1336 there was a countrey man in South-Holland who had an exceeding faire and good cow with the which he maintained his wife and children as there are some found in that countrey which giue twentie pottles of milke and more in one day the bailife of that quarter desiring this cow would gladly haue bought it of the good man but as it was all his substance and meanes to liue by he would neuer be drawne to sell it The bailife seeing himselfe refused caused the cow to be taken out of the pasture and another to be put in the place the which was nothing comparable vnto it Wherewith the countrey man beeing discontented and seeing that hee could not haue his owne by the aduice of his friends hee went to complaine to the good Cont William of this violence being then at Valenciennes grieuously sicke The Earle hauing heard him tooke pity of him and presently caused letters to bee written to the escoutette of Dordrecht That all other affaires set aside hee should come presently vnto him and bring with him his cosin the bailife of South-Holland This escoutette hauing viewed the letters demanded of the bailife if he had offended the Earle in any thing the other answered no and that he knew not any thing if it were not for a cow which hee had exchanged with a countrey man But making no account thereof they went together to Valenciennes The escoutette presented himselfe first before the Earle to know the cause of his sending for him The Earle hauing receiued him courteously asked where the bailife his cosin was who answered That he was also come whereupon the Earle commaunded him to enter being entred the Earle asked him If he were bailife of South-Holland Hee answered with great humilitie So long as it shal please you my lord The Earle asked him how al things did in Holland and if iustice were duly administred Very well said the bailife and all things are in
quiet If all things go well and are in quiet said the Earl how comes it that thou bailife and judge of thy quarter hast vsed force and violence against a poore countrey man that is my subiect taking away his cow out of his pasture in despight of him then calling for the poore man he asked him if he knew him and what he could say for his cow The bailife answered That he had giuen him another Yea said the Earle but if it were not so good as his doest thou thinke to haue satisfied him therewith no no not so I will take the cause in hand and be the judge The bailife and the countrey man referred themselues willingly to what it should please the Earle to decree Wherupon the Earl appointed the escoutette of Dordrecht that as soone as he should returne to his house hee should presently without delay pay vnto the countrey man a hundred crownes of good gold to be leuied vpon the bailifes goods and that he should neuer after molest the countrey man neither in word nor deed This sentence thus pronounced both parties were satisfied which done the Earl said vnto the bailife Thou hast now agreed with the poore man but not yet with me then he commanded the escoutette to retire himselfe and to fulfill what he had inioyned him but the bailife should remain by him to make reparation of his fault and hauing sent for a ghostly father and the executioner he condemned the bailife to loose his head to serue for an example to others then being confest the Earle caused him to come before his bed and he himselfe drawing out the sword gaue it to the executioner who cut off the bailifes head in the Earles presence beeing thus sicke in bed who hauing called the escoutette said vnto him Take your cosin with you and beware of such facts least the like happen vnto you The escoutette returning to Dordrecht carried backe the bailife in two parts and paid the countrey man his hundred crownes Soone after this good Earle William worne with yeres and with sicknesse called for the earl of Ostreuant his eldest sonne to whom he gaue many godly and fatherly admonitions first of the loue and feare of God then of the administring iustice equally to all men to entertaine his subiects in peace and rest not to surcharge his people with extraordinarie impositions and taxes to reuerence church men and not to be offenciue vnto them with many other goodly exhortations to liue well Hauing ended his speech he gaue vp the ghost the 9 of Iune 1337 after that he had gouerned the prouinces of Henault Holland Zeeland and Friseland 32 yeares He was a very vertuous prince victorious in war a good man at armes well spoken iudicious a great louer of peace gratious to all men and well beloued in all courts of princes He was interred with great pompe in his towne of Valenciennes After his death the contesse his widow went and liued among the religious women at Fontenelles where she died fiue yeares after her husband We haue before made mention how that the Frisons slew the gouernor whom the king of Denmarke had giuen them whose wife was deliuered six monethes after of a sonne the which was bred vp in the court of the king his vncle This sonne being growne great and desirous to be reuenged of the Frisons hauing no meanes nor power of himselfe he intreated the king to giue him only one ship well appointed to see if by policie he could exploit any thing against the Frisons with this ship he entred into the riuer of Ems where he vnderstood that the judges and officers of the countrey of Friseland were assembled about Groningue he resolued therefore to cast anker there thinking that if hee stayed any time they would come and demaund what hee was and what hee did the which fell out accordingly for the officers seeing this goodly ship in the road went to see it and to heare somenewes comming neere they demanded according to their custom of whence the ship was what commodities he carried whither he was bound This yong man shewing himselfe vpon the hatches saluted them honourably and answered them modestly That hee had no great marchandise in his ship that hee was a rich marchants sonne and that hee was desirous to see hauens and port townes and especially the countrey of Friseland requesting them to come aboord and tast his wine and he would do the like on land with them They doubting nothing went aboord the yong man receiued them courteously presenting them a banquet whereas they dranke so well as most of them were drunke and fell asleepe He finding so fit an oportunitie weighed anker sayled directly towards Denmarke with these drunkards who hauing disgested their wine found that they were cousened This young gentleman comming into Denmarke presented them vnto the king who blamed their disloyaltie much hauing murthered his lieutenant they excusing themselues that it was not done by them nor in their time besought the king to saue their liues The king answered although I haue good reason to put you all to death yet I will giue you all your liues if you can settle me in Friseland as I was before The which they promised In the end the Frisons by the persuasion of one of these Iudges that was sent vnto them were content to acknowledge the king of Denmarke for their lord and to receiue a lieutenant in his name with whom the Iudges and Officers were sent home The gouernor hauing receiued the homages of fealtie of the Frisons caried himselfe modestly ynough for a good time but in the end seeking to bring in the Danish lawes and to entreat them extraordinarily beyond their priuiledges they reuolted againe as the Dutch Chronicle sayth Vel odio seruitutis vel amore libertatis and expelled their gouernor out of their countrey In the life of good Cont William the chief noblemen in Holland and Zeeland were William earle of Ostreuant eldest sonne to good Cont William Iohn of Beaumont earle of Blois his brother Henry and Didier of Brederode brethren Symon and Didier of They lingen brethren also Iohn lord of Heusden Iohn lord of Drongelen his vncle Iohn lord of Arckel Didier Seignior of Valkenburch Monioye brother to the wife of the lord of Brederode lady of Voorne Nicholas lord of Putten and Streyen Philip vicont of Leyden lord of Wassenare Iohn Seignior of Leck and Polanen Iohn Seignior of Henckelom Otto Seignior of Aspren Iohn Seignior of Egmont Walter his son Ghisbrecht Seignior of Iselstein Henry Seignior of Vianen Iohn of Persin Seignior of Waterlandt Guy of Holland Seignior of Hamstede Arnold Seignior of Cruyningen William Seignior of Naeldwick Floris of Spyck Ieams vanden Voude Floris Merwen Didier and Herman Zwieten brethren Gerard of Hemskerke Gerard of Raphorst Gerard of Polgeest Floris vanden Tol Ogier van Spanghen VVilliam Kuser baylife of Rhinlandt Didier of Sassenhem Daniel of Matenesse and Didier
them of Vtrecht to his seruice they should bee bound to send him fiue hundred souldiers at their owne charge That there should bee a breach made in the wall of twentie foot by the which he should enter into the towne as a Conquerour and that he should haue one street in the said towne at his commaundement the which is at this day called the Hollanders street first a truce was concluded vntill Saint Martins during which time the aboue recited conditions of peace were set downe but they were not effected for that Cont William during the said truce went to make warre in East-Friseland where being entred without order and not knowing the passages of the countrey Iohn of Henault sonne to the Earle of Blois came to the Cloyster of Saint Odolphe where hee planted his campe in a faire plaine called Zuytbeuer on the sea side a part of his Hollanders not staying vntill the rest of the armie were landed went to skirmish with the Frisons chasing part of them into Staueren and the rest into Saint Odolphes where going to set vpon them in their trenches the Frisons defended themselues so couragiously that many of the Hollanders lost their liues there Cont William knowing nothing of this skirmish landed on the North side of the Cloyster and aduauncing with fiue hundred men burnt the first village he found and at the first charge he gaue against the Frisons with his owne hand hee slew a gentleman that was a captaine who had valiantly defended himselfe vnto the death and would neuer yeeld to bee a prisoner The other bands of Frisons seeing this captaine dead and the villages burne fell like mad men with great furie vpon this small troupe of Hollanders whom they defeated and there Cont VVilliam was slame vnknowne before the rest of the armie could aduaunce who marching in disorder were likewise charged The Frisons encouraged the more by the defeat of the first fiue hundred Hollanders and of the Earle their Generall did fight with such great furie and courage as they did put the Armie to rout with such confusion that many were slaine before they could recouer their shippes and there were as many drowned through hast as that saued themselues This vnfortunate encounter happened in the yeare 1346 vpon the foure and twentieth of September in the same place whereas the Earles of Holland were vsually accustomed to hold their seat of Iustice when they came into East-Friseland It was the eight yeare of the raigne of the said Earle Renauld the blacke earle of Gueldres had foretold his death as hee held him at the Font to bee christened by vttering these words This child shall bee one day slaine by the Frisons There were slaine in this defeat of the Hollanders about eighteene thousand men and almost as many drowned with some fiue hundred knights the most apparent whereof were these The Lords of Horne Lygny Walcourt Manin Antoin the Seignior of la Vere Floris of Borssele the Seigniors of Cruningen Romerswael Hamstede Merwede all Barons Gerard with the great beard VVilliam of Naeldwyck Symon and Didier of Meylingen Guido of Aspren Iohn Regnier William of Montfort Didier of Sandtfort Herman of Zwieten Floris of Merwe Oger of Spangen Gerard Euer Alfert of Bergerhorst Nicholas Oom William of Drongen Didier of Valewort and Gerard Florinuille all choice knights with a great number of other Nobles Knights and Gentlemen Tenne daies after this defeat Martin Commaunder of the knights of Saint Iohn in Harlem went into Friseland and sought for the Earles bodie the which beeing knowne by some markes hee caused it with eight other dead bodies of Noblemen to be brought to the cloyster of Fleurchamp neere vnto Boswaert The Contesse Ioan of Brabant his widow went to her father and was maried to Wenselin duke of Luxembourg second sonne to Iohn king of Bohemia of whom we haue formerly spoken Cont William the fourth left one bastard called Daniel vanden Poel the which hee had of a Gentlewoman called Alix vander Merwe of Ghertruydenbergh leauing no other lawfull child that might succeed him the Empresse his sister remaining his sole heire MARGVERITE EMPRESSE THE 24. commaunding in Holland Zeeland and Friseland Contesse of Henault 24 Margarita Imperatrix Earle WILLIAMS sister MARGVERITâ—… the Emperors wife In Holland caus'd contencion and much debate and strife For though vnto her sonne her right she had assign'd With him she still contended for 't nothing could please her mind Her state was great her honour much nâ—… need her draue With him in Holland such continuall strife to haue Which in fiue yeares she was constrained for to leaue To him for that death end of all did her of life bereaue MARGVERITE EMPRESSE THE 24. commanding in Holland Zeeland and Friseland Countesse of Henault LEVVIS of Bauaria Emperor of Romains hearing of the death of Cont William of Holland slaine in warre by the Frisons whose eldest sister he had marryed and had left no children caused the Princes of the Empire to assemble to whom he declared that the Earledomes of Holland and Zeeland and the siegneorie of Friseland for want of heires lawfully begotten of the said William were falne vnto the Empire Wherevpon the Emperor interposing his authoritie for that the Empresse his wife pretended an interest as sole heire to her Brother saying that those fees were as well Feminine as Masculine as it did appeare by the succession which Iohn Earle of Henault had after the death 〈◊〉 Iohn Earle of Holland sonne to Cont Floris the 5. adiudged the said Earledomes anâ—… siegneories to the Lady Marguerite his wife This being done the same yeare 1346. the said Empresse being well accompanied with Princes Earles Barons Knights Ladies and Gentlewomen went downe by the Rhine into Holland where she was honourably receiued in all places with great pompe and acknowledged Lady and Princesse of the said Countries of Holland Zeeland and Friseland Hauing receiued their homages and fealties she did greatlie increase their liberties and freedomes and made a truce for two yeares with the Bishop of Vtrecht She did make forfeit all the goods which the Frisons might haue in her Countries of Holland Zeeland and West-Friseland whereof the Earles had beene long in quiet possession aswell Ecclesiasticall as Temporall the which she sould to diuers persons without any future hope of recouerie or restitution by reason of the death of Cont William her Brother Among other Cleargie goods there was solde the Village and siegneorie of Marcke belonging to the Abbay of Marien-garde of the order of Premonstrez scituated in Friseland which the Abbot and Couent had bought of Nicholas of Persâ—… Lord of Waterlandt This Empresse Marguerite had by the Emperor Lewis of Bauraia her husband one sonne called William which was the eldest Albert the second and Lewis the yongest called the Romaine for that he was borne at Rome during the time of her husbands coronation which three sonnes were all intituled Dukes of Bauaria not that
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
was also inuited both by the King and the Queene his Ante of whom he was honourably receiued with great shewes of loue At his returne from this voyage into Holland this poore Prince I know not by what vnknowne accident was distempered of his sences and vnderstanding so as being very big and strong of all his members he slue Gerard of Wateringhen a Knight with one blow with his fist so as they were forced to shut him vp and to set good garde vpon him where he was keâ—…t for the space of nineteene yeares vntill he dyed Hauing before his distemperature gouerned his countries of Holland Zeeland and Friseland seauen yeares and Henault two Foure yeares after him dyed also the Lady Mathilda his wife who lyes interred in the Abbay of Rhynsbourg by Leyden ALBERT OF BAVARIA 26. EARLE of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland and Palatin of Henault Adelbertus Bauariae I had two wiues both which one name did beare The one a Polonois the other was Marguerite of Cleues the Frisons stood in feare Of my strong hand that did their strength surpasse And oft subdu'd their proud rebellions Delfe taken by me I demantled it At t'Hage iâ—… Holland I appointed Chanons Good men I choosd and for their places sit Hage Castle in the Chappell now containes My body freed from all his eâ—…thly paines DVke William of Bauaria Earle of Holland Zeeland and Henault Lord of Friseland being as we haue said distracted of his sences put into safe keeping the faction of the Hoecks Cabillaux reuiued for the Cabillautins would haue the lady Mathilda wife to the said Cont William to be gouernesse of the said Countries but for that the said lady had no children the Hoeketins did choose Albert of Bauaria Palatin of Rhine siegneor of Nubingen brother to the said Cont William The Nobles of the Contie of Henault consented for their parts to this election and sent a notable Ambassage vnto him into Bauaria beseeching him that hee would take vpon him in his brothers place who was distempered in his braine the gouernment of the said countries Albert vnderstanding the iust request of the Estates by their Ambassador went well accompanied with many Barons Knights and Gentlemen going downe by the riuer of Rhine into Holland where he was honorably receiued of both parties as well Cabellaux as Hoekes and acknowledged as Tutor to the Earle his brother and gouernor of his countries and siegneories Then it was agreed that he should pay yeerely vnto the Countesse Mathilda his sister in lawe the summe of twelue thousand French crownes and no more by meanes of which accord both parties were content and continued good friends but not long This Prince Albert of Bauaria had receiued the order of Knight-hood before making warre in the country of Granado against the Moores and Sarazens At the first hee was married vnto Marguerit daughter to the Duke of Briga in Polonia by whom hee had three sonnes and foure daughters the eldest was called William Earle of Osteruant who was borne in the yeare 1365. the second named Albert siegnior of Nubingen who dyed yong the third was Iohn chosen bishop of Liege borne in the yeare 1374. The eldest daughter Katherine was first married to Edward Duke of Gelders and Earle of Zutphen after whose decease being yet a virgin she married with Duke William of Iuilliers and of Geldres but she had not any children The other daughter named Ioane had to husband Venceslaus King of Romaines and of Bohemia sonne to the Emperor Charles the 4. who also had not any children Marguerite the 3. daughter married with Iohn Duke of Bourgongne Earle of Flanders and Arthois sonne to Duke Phillip the hardie by whom shee had Phillip Duke of Bourgongne called the good and afterwards Duke of Brabant Lembourg and Luxembourg Earle of Flanders Arthois Henault Bourgongne Holland Zeeland and Namur Lord of Friseland and foure daughters the first Iolente Countesse of Poitiers the second Anne Countesse of Bedford the third Agnes Duchesse of Bourbon and the fourth Ioane wife to Duke Albert of Austria by whom shee had one sonne called Albert who married the daughter of Sigismond King of Hongarie who afterwards was Emperor of the Romaines after whose decease this Duke Albert did inherit all these realmes in the right of his wife and was afterwards chosen Emperor but he raigned not long for hee died in the flower of his age his wife was brought in bed soone after his death of a sonne named Lancelot who dyed at two and twenty yeares of age leauing no children This Albert had one cousin germaine sonne to his fathers brother named Frederick who afterwards was also Emperor the third of that name and had to wife the daughter of the King of Portugall by whom hee had Maximilian Archduke of Austria who was also Emperor the first of that name who had to wife Mary the daughter and sole heire of Charles the Warlick Duke of Bourgongne who was slaine before Nancie by whom he had one sonne named Philip and a daughter named Marguerite Philip married with Ioane daughter to Ferdinand King of Arragon and to Elizabeth Queene of Castille Marguerite was married to Iohn Prince of Castille and of Arragon who dyed yong and after married againe to the Duke of Sauoy Philip had by the said Lady Ioane his wife two sonnes Charles the â—…ift and Ferdinand both Emperors and foure daughters Elenor Ioane Mary and Elizabeth The Emperor Charles the sift had one onely sonne Philip king of Spaine Lord of the Low-countries father to King Phillip the third now raigning Behold in briefe the genealogie of the Kings of Spaine and of foure or fiue Emperors issued from the houses of Holland Bourgongne and Austria As for the second wife of Duke Albert of Bauaria Earle of Holland of whom wee now intreate wee will speake of her hereafter The said Cont Albert displaced Iohn of Blauwestein from the Baylewike of Kermerlandt inuesting Renald the eldest sonne to the Lord of Brederode in his place the which those of the faction of the Cabillautins tooke in very ill part and laide ambushes neere vnto the village of Castrichom to kill him when hee should passe that way One day this yong Nobleman doubting no harme riding towards Castrichom he incountred them that lay in ambush for him but hauing discouered them a good way of he saued himselfe by flight they pursued him and slew three of his seruants Those of the village of Castrichom seeing it went to armes to defend their new Bayliffe so as they were forced to retire Some of them saued themselues in the Castell of Walter of Hemskerke the rest fled to Delf where they were receiued for that the said towne was of the Cabillautins faction Cont Albert hearing of these newes did presently leuie some troupes and marched towards Kermerlandt where he besieged the Castell of Hemskerke for that Walter who was Lord thereof had receiued
seeing that succors came vnto them issued out of their fort and came to charge them on the one side and those of Delfe on the other with such furie as in a short time there were 400. Frisons slaine vpon the place the rest flying away fearing least the whole armie should come vpon them After this route the Delfois and English entered farther into the countrie spoiling and burning all they incountred and killing all that came against them The Earle seeing these fiers was assured of the victory for the which he greatly commended them of Delfe Then he caused a mightie Block-house in forme of a citadell to be built in the towne of Staueren the which he did furnish with all kinde of munition and instruments for warre and hauing manned it with a good garrison and prouision of victuals he diuided his armie into diuers parts to set vpon the remainder of the Frisons in diuers places and by that meanes to subdue them â—…s he did soone after forcing them to sue for mercy to submit themselues vnder his obedience and to acknowledge him for their soueraigne Lord. After that the Frisons had promised and sworne to entertaine the articles and conditions that the Earle should impose vpon them and that they had made him authenticall letters thereof The Earle sent one of his chiefe Knights with many Nobles and Gentlemen to the abbay of Fleurchamps since called Oudeclooster to bring away the body of Cont William some-times Earle of Holland Zeeland and Henault Lord of Friseland the which they brought with his armes and blason This done hee retired into Holland from whence hee sent the said body to Valenciennes in Henault where it lyes with his ancestors Soone after in the yeare 1398. the Frisons hauing broken the peace and accord made betwixt them and the Earle of Holland hauing rebelled againe and chased the garrison of Hollanders out of Staueren and out of all places thereabouts Cont Albert leuied an armie with the which he went to Horne and to Enchuysen being resolued to returne into Friseland and there to stay vntill he had wholy subdued them But hee was aduised not to goe himselfe in person but rather to giue the charge of his armie to Cont William of Osteruant his sonne making him his Lieutenant and General with Iohn of Arckel Iohn of Brederode Arnold of Egmond with many other Barons for his Captaines followed by many Knights and Gentlemen of Holland Cont William being entered into Friseland past by Geesterland with his troopes and as they approached to Hindeloopen the Frisons aduanced to charge them and the Hollanders receiued them so valiantly as at the first incounter they slue 300. vpon the place the rest seeing their companions so ill intreated turned their backes and fled After this happy incounter the Hollanders ouer-running the country spoiled and burnt many villages and gentlemens houses then they went and camped before Staueren the which they besieged so by land and by water as nothing could goe in nor passe out and they did batter it in such sort as in the end they were forced to yeeld to the Earles mercie deliuering vnto him the chiefe men of the towne for Hostages and assurance of their treatie This towne being thus yeelded all the Frisons both in townes and country fearing their ruine came to Staueren to the Earle to sue for mercy offring to make reparations for what was past The Earle asking the opinion of his Noblemen made a peace with them vpon condition to acknowledge the Earle of Holland for their Prince and naturall Lord and that euery house of the country of Friseland should pay yeerely vnto the Earle of Holland for euer six solz Tournois nor to bee redeemed for euer for reparation of their rebellion The which was sworne and confirmed by letters This done he appointed Bayliffes and other officers in his fathers name and his successors Earles of Holland to administer iustice vnto them for euer Then hee returned a conqueror into Holland But it was meere folly to thinke that this treatie could continue long so impatient are the Frisons of all seruitude or to be commanded by any other then their owne nation it was therefore soone broken for the yeare following 1399. they returned to their accustomed rebellion refusing to entertaine the said accord for they still found some pretended cause of exception chasing away the officers which had beene established by the Earle of Osteruant fortified the village of Molâ—…kenhuyse now called Molckweer where they made some barricadoes and block-houses against them of Staueren who for their parts would entertaine their accord Some other Frisons besieged the towne of Dockum to chase away the Hollanders Cont Albert of Holland hearing of this reiterated rebellion leuied men from all parts both out of his owne countries and from his neighbours and strangers to make an army of the which he made the Earle of Osteruant his sonne generall being accompanied with these lords Iohn of Bauaria bishop of Liege his second sonne Iohn lord of Arckel Arnold of Egmond lord of Yselstein Philip vicont of Leyden Walrauen lord of Brederode and many other Noblemen Barons and Knights with the which and his whole armie hee arriued at Amsterdam the first day of May the same yeare where they did imbarke and went to land at the towne of Staueren in the which towne and there-abouts he lay camped sixe weekes together The Frisons knowing that this mighty armie was so neere them were much troubled and sent to the Earle of Osteruant to sue for mercy promising vnto him in his fathers name all obedience fealtie and homage The Earle with his Noblemen past a water which they called Opt-wat and from thence with the shippes and barkes which they had at Staueren they came the same night to Sesbyrum and to Bolswaert where they lodged that night and refresht themselues There fell out a quarrell betwixt Floris of Alcmade and Gerard Boel of Heemskerke both Knights Floris hurt Gerard in the fore-head with his dagger in the presence of all the Princes and Noblemen yet to auoyde a greater inconuenience by the commandement of the two Princes brethren they were forced to agree and to drinke one vnto another the same night for that at the same instant there came a knight of Friseland called Gerard of Cammega who did secretly aduertise the Earle of Osteruant that the Frisons were resolued to come the same night and charge the Hollanders sodenly in their quarter as it happened about an houre before the breake of day The Frisons comming with fearefull and terrible cryes to charge them Cont William and Iohn of Bauaria had before put their men in good order of battaile and marched brauely to incounter them Day being come both armies charge and in the beginning the combate was very fierce but in the end the Frisons were quite defeated with great losse of their men the rest saued themselues as well as
interest which they had to the towne of Gorrichom vpon condition that it should neuer be dismembred from the Dutchie of Geldres for that the yong Lord of Arckel was by his mother the onely and sole heire apparent of the Dukedomes of Iuilliers and Geldres and of the county of Zutphen for that Duke Renold brother to his Mother had not any children and so the siegniorie of Gorrichom was vnited to the Duchie of Geldres which was the cause of great and continuall wars betwixt the Hollanders and the Geldrois forraging spoiling and burning one another During the which the Hollanders did ore runne at one time as farre as Brakel Beets Thieler-waert Bomunelerwaert and other places there-abouts The Geldrois to haue their reuenge came vnto Heckhuysen Iohn of Croenenburch gouernor of Heusden knowing them to be there went with such men as he could get together to incounter them and did charge the Geldrois although they were three for one and at the first with great shouting and fearefull cries the fogge and mist being so thick as they could not possibly discerne them hee strooke such a feare and amazement into them as they fled and with such speed as they thought all the Hollanders had beene at their heeles The Gouernor pursued them farre and brought home more prisoners Geldrois then himselfe had lead soldiers to the field This route of the Geldrois was strange and accidentall for many that thought to saue themselues through the riuer were drownd there Among the rest there was one thing worthy of laughter which was that seauen Geldrois transported with feare knowing not which way to flie in this thick fogge came in the end to the same village of Heeckhuysen which before they had burnt where they did hide themselues in a Hogstie at night the Sowe which had beene wandring abroad all day returning to her lodging thrust and gronted at the doore to enter These hardie soldiars thinking it had beene their enemies that pursued them began to crie out wee yeeld we yeeld kill vs not but take vs prisoners some countrymen lamenting their precedent losses hearing the cries ranne thether and tooke them prisoners The yeare following in Lent the Earle of Holland caused a Forte to bee made at Dalhem beyond Louestein on the other bancke of the riuer of Wahal the which he manned witha good garrison yet before it was fully finished the Duke of Geldres came with an Armie meaning to build one in the same place but seeing that that of the Hollanders was in defence he battered it and sought to sorce it The Hollanders defended it valiantly and notwithstanding all his attempts finished their Fort during this time Iohn of Bauaria Bishop of Liege came into Hollande and did mediate a Truce betwixt the Earle of Hollande his brother and the Duke of Gelders for three yeeres the which conâ—…inued vnto the yeere 1411. The Liegeois as we haue begun to shewe before hauing chased away Iohn of Bauaria their Bishop did choose Henry of Parwis for Gouernour of their Countrey and for their Prince and Bishop Henry of Parwis his sonne expelling al the Chanoins Curates and Priests that would not acknowledge this newe Prelate Iohn of Bauaria was then in Maestricht whereas the Liegeois with their Gouernor and new elected Bishop went to besiege him meaning to take him if they could The Earle of Holland hearing of these newes went speedily to seeke succors of the Duke of Bourgongne his father in law against the Liegeois These two mightie Princes made an Armie out of their Countreys of Flaunders Arthois Henault Holland Zeland Friseland and Vtrecht with many strangers that came for pay with the which they marched directly towards the country of Leige to vngage the said bishop Iohn out of Maestricht The Earle of Holland the Duke of Bourgongne the Duke of Brabant his Brother the Earle of Namur and some other Noble-men and Barrons sent to desie the Lord of Parwis and the elect Bishop his sonne which done they entred into the Countrie of Liege There was a generall Proclamation made that all men that were able to beare Armes were they Noble or ignoble Clergie or Lay-men Maisters or seruants should vpon paine of death arme to giue battaile to these Princes vppon a Sonday the 23 of September With this multitude not to be numbred the Lorde of Parwis went to field to goe and encounter his enemies Comming neere vnto the Village of Othey they discouered the Coulors and Standards of the Princes who had the night before camped along the riuer Iecoure to march towardes Maestricht not thinking that the Liegeois had raysed their Campe. The Princes seeing their enemies in front disposed all their armie in three Battalions In the foreward marched the Earle of Holland The battaile was led by the Duke of Burgongne and the Earle of Namures commanded the Reereward The Liegeois made but one body of their whole armie The two armies being thus in front one of another ready to ioyne the lord of Parwis marking the earle of Holland by his armes in the head of the foreward said vnto his men Doe you see the mount of Gold if we can ouerthrow it the poorest amongst vs shall be clad in cloth of gold but I feare we shall not The Liegeois hearing this speech asked him If he who had brought them thether were afraid No answered he I will march first he that loues me let him follow me For this day we must either vanquish or dye When thy approached the arrowes and stones flue thicker in the ayre then haile but it continued not long before they came to handy blowes and to ioyne with their pikes halberts axes masses swords and courtelasses the battaile was exceeding furious The Liegeois mayntained it valliantly at the first charge making a great slaâ—…ghter of the Hollanders The Earle of Namur aduancing with his reerward charged the enemie in flancke and opened them and yet they held together so close as many were smothered The Liegeois being thus opened vpon the flanckes and charged in front and of euery side were pittifully intreated and a great butcherie made of them There Henry of Parwis and the new elected Bishop his sonne were slaine with aboue 40000. men and a great number of prisoners Among the which those lay-men which had beene the motiues to expell their Bishop Iohn of Bauaria were executed by the sword and the Clergie men were put in sacks and cast into the riuer of Meuse On the Earle of Hollands side their dyed a very ancient Knight called William Vander Poel Bastard to Cont William brother to the Empresse Marguerit who was slain by the Frisons The Bishop Iohn of Bauaria was then at Maestricht and had the same night news of this victorie whereof being exceeding ioyfull he came the next day to his brother and the other Princes and thanked them Those of Tongres were also in armes but they came to too late and were defeated and a great number
her selfe vnder his charge else he would denounce warre against her He had drawen vnto his faction William of Arckell Iohn of Egmond William of Yselstein by whose fauour and assistance he thought to doe wonders promising them also to restore them to their lands that were forfeited to Cont William father to the Contesse Afterwards Iohn of Egmond found means to surprize the Towne of Gorrichom in the name of Iohn of Arckel his cousin The Lorde of Brederode and other Barons which held the Contesses partie seeing the towne thus surprized retyred themselues presently into the castle which Cont William had caused to be built William of Arckell ariued soone after being accompanied with many Knights and Gentlemen where he was restored to his siegniorie but the castle held good againg him Iohn of Bauaria went secretly to Gorrichom conferred with the said noblemen then returned to Dordrecht The Contesse being aduertised hereof drew what forces she could together out of all her countreys and with the assistance of them of Vtrecht and of Amersfort accompanied by her mother sayled vp the riuer of Merwe and went before Gorrichom The chief of her armie were Walrauen of Brederode then Lieutenant to the said Ladie in Holland Zeeland and Friseland Where the said Princesses being arriued they were welcommed into the castle and their armie camped round about The night following their men went to the Sapp and made a breach betwixt the castle and the towne the which was so great as they might enter with their armie in battell The Lord of Arckel seeing this breach put his men suddenly in order beeing about 4000. The Lord of Brederode hauing disposed of his troupes aduanced to enter but the Lord of Arckel had suddenly cast vp a trench betwixt the Towne and the Castle so as they could not passe nor easily approach Notwithstanding they of Vtrecht and Amersfort hauing lept ouer the ditch marched brauely in battell into the towne The Lord of Arckel hauing his troupes very resolute went boldly to incounter them the charge was furious and very bloody the one striuing to conquer the other to defende But in the end the Lord of Arckels men beginning to faint hauing no hope of any supplies and seeing the Contesses forces to increase hourely they turned their backes and fled there was the lord of Arckel slaine and with him the Earle of Osburch the siegnior of Pettersen Henry bastard of Arckell Allard of Buren Splinter the bastard of Nyenrood Otto of Gelechom Otto of Ghemmen William of Appeldorn about a 1000. other gentlemen Bourgeses and souldiers Amongst the prisoners were William Earle of Vernenburch the Earle of Hulberch Henry of Hoemoet the baron of Batenburch Didier of Lyenden Arnold of Ordange and Raes his brother Didier of Heumen The siegnior of Orflot Arnold of Egmond sieignior of Marestein Otto of Buren Iohn of Heteren Iohn of Oyen Arnold of Craenhem and Arnold of Haerlaer all Knights Those of Vtrecht had the Lord Iohn of Egmond and aboue a 1000. prisoners of all sorts Of the Contesse Iaquelines side their died Walrauen Lord of Brederode her lieutenant through the negligence of his seruants the which was a great losse for that Princesse which caused her to mourne This battell was giuen in the towne of Gorrichom the first of December The lord of Brederode left two sonnes Renold lord of Brederode and Ghysbrecht cathedrall Deane and afterwards elect bishop of Vtrecht of whom wee shall speake heareafter Pope Martin by his bulles of the 22. of Nouember of his owne authoritie notwithstanding the refusall of the councell of Constance dispenced with the marriage of Iohn Duke of Brabant with the Lady Iaqueline Contesse of Holland without ◅ny respect to the proximitie of blood sending the Bull secretly to the Duke by his Ambassadors The which being come to the knowledge of Iohn of Bauaria her vncle he made his complaint to the Emperor Sigismonde who taking it ill sent to the Pope letting him vnderstand what quarrels and Factions might growe thereby among Christian Princes the which did mooue the Pope to reuooke this dispensation of which reuocation Iohn of Bauaria sent an authenticall Coppie to the Duke of Brabant thinking to terrifie him therewith that hee should not proceed any further in this marriage But the Duke seeming not to know anything the 13. of Ianuarie 1418. sent cont Engelbert of Nassau Lord of Leck and Breda with Henry lord of Berghe vpon Soome to the Lady Iaqueline being then at the Hage in Holland with his Bull. The 8. of March following the Duke accompained with many Earles barons knights and Nobles his friends and vassals came to the saide lady Countesse at the Hage to aduise of their marriage The bishop of Tournay with other Noble men Ambassadors to Duke Iohn of Bourgongne were there present with the chiefe of the councell to the Countesse the Duke of Brabant and the Deputies of the Townes of Holland Zeeland Henault and Frezeland where they did view and examine the Bull of dispensation and the coppy of the reuocation the which not being found authenticall all well considered they concluded to proceed in the consumation of the marriage according to the ordinances of the church and so were accordingly married the fourth of Aprill by the Deane of the chappell at the Hage in the presence of the old Lady her mother of Philip vicont of Leyden lord of Waesenare Henry of Leck and many ladies and gentlewomen among others the lady of Saint Martins Dyke the lady of Ameyden the lady of Steenbergen and others The Duke of Brabant was 16. yeeres old and the contesse Iaqueline about 18. when as they were married by the which their patrimoniall inheritances were greatly fortified one by another A while after Pope Martin did write vnto the duke giuing him to vnderstand that the reuocation which he had made of the dispensation came through feare of the Emperor and the importunitie of Iohn of Bauaria and for no other cause that without any scruple of conscience they might liue freely in that state of mariage The which the Patriarke of Constantinople and the Cardinall of Ostia confirmed by their Bulles And so Iohn Duke of Brabant was receyued and acknowledged in the countries of Holland Zeeland Henault Friseland c. for their prince as husband to the said lady their princesse except in the Towne of Dordretcht and the Iland of Bryele As also the said Contesse Iaqueline was receiued with great honor in the Townes of the Dutchie of Brabant And for that Iohn of Bauaria through the trecherie of them of Dordrecht would not onely attribute vnto himselfe the gouernment of Holland but did also take vpon him the title of Earl and procured great troubles to the Contesse his Neece the Histories of Holland haue put him in the number but without rancke of their Earles the which we follow and will describe his gouernment as succin̄tly as wee can and the
B◅urgongne among the rest there was a condition that she might not marry againe without his liking and consent if she would remaine Ladie of all her countries of the which notwithstanding the duke should be Gouernor It happened in the yeare 1432. that the Lady Marguerite of Bourgongne her mother sent her by some Gentlemen goodly and riche Iewels and some horses The Contesse Iaqueline finding her selfe bare of money hauing no meanes to honour her Mothers seruants with presents or any gra◅uitie being destitute of money through the last warre to preserue her honour she sent secretly to the Vicont of Montfort hauing beene made Lieutenant of Holland by her before intreating him to assist her with a certaine summe of money to preserue her reputation with those gentlemen whom her mother had sent vnto her and to make them some honest presents according to their quallities The Vicont excused him selfe saying that he had spent all his meanes in her seruice during the warres The said Lady being much perplext and troubled sent vnto an other by whom she was denyed in like sort for the which shee was so greeued as weeping she retired her selfe into her chamber complaining of the ingratitude of her frie◅ds and seruants and of the dishonor which shee feared to purchase if she suffered her mothers seruants to returne emptie handed Where-vpon one of her houshould seruants called William of Bye seeing his Mistresse so desolate being carefull of her honour and pittying her said vnto her to◅ranc ◅ranc of Borsselle Lieutenant of Zeeland and acquaint him with your present necessitie I hope he will doe you some good The said Lady being full of teares answered him How he is one of our enemies and neuer receiued any good nor fauour from vs I feare he will refuse vs and then my disgrace will bee greater then before Notwithstanding if it please you Madam said William I will trie him by some meanes I feare said the Contesse wee shall not preuaile yet goe and let him vnderstand how the case stands and tell him that I will acknowledge it in time and place and will satisfie him soone William went into Zeeland and performed that which he had in charge Where-vpon the Lord of Brossele answered him Tell my Lady that not at this time onely but during my life she may dispose of me and all my meanes at her pleasure and hauing deliuered him the money which he demanded William re◅urned to his Mistresse who was wonderfully glad From that day after she euer held the Lord of Borsselle in great esteeme yea she did so affect him as shee desired to haue him to her husband the which was afterwards secretly performed in her chamber in the presence of her seruants The yeare following this secret marriage was diuulged and spred ouer all Holland and the newes came vnto duke Philip of Bourgongne being then at the warres in France with the King of England who left that businesse and recommended his armie to his Captaines and went into Holland seeming not to know any thing and yet much discontented in minde fearing that by this marriage he should be excluded from the Prouinces of Holland Henault Zeeland and Friseland and came to the Hage in Iuly where af◅er many conferences and treaties of diuers things he caused the Lord of Borsselle to bee apprehended in the presence of the Contesse Iaqueline his wife and to be presently imbarked and conuayed to Ruppelmonde in Flanders The Contesse following the Duke where-so-euer he went did presse him to haue her hu◅band againe the which hee refused vnlesse shee would resigne all her countries Some say that during the imprisonment of the lord of Borsselle they gaue him a refrigeratiue drinke others haue spoken of a more violent course to hinder the acte of generation In the end by the meanes of Frederic Earle of Maeurs hee was set at libertie vpon condition that the Contesse should resigne and transport vnto the sayd Duke her cousin all her countries of Henault Holland Zeeland and Friseland and so she should marry the said lord of Borsselle sollemnly and enioy him quietly for her husband prouided alwaies that if they had any children all the said Prouinces should returne vnto them Moreouer that the Duke should giue vnto the lord of Borsselle for him and his for euer the Earledom of Osteruant and to the said lady the siegneorie of Voorne with the Bryel the Iland of Zuy◅beuelant and the country of Tertolen with all the customes of Holland and Zeeland By this accord this marriage was confirmed and the siegnior of Borsselle made Earle of Osteruant Soone after the Duke with the Contesse and her husband went into the countreys of Holland Henault Zeeland and Friseland whereof shee gaue him reall possession in the chiefe townes thereof then the Duke held his Order of the golden Fleece whereof hee was founder at the Hage and among others hee made the Earle of Osteruant one of his Knights In the yeare 1436. on S. Denis Eue dyed this Princesse the Lady Iaqueline in the castle of Theilinghen for griefe to see herselfe thus spoiled of her estate through the ambition of the Duke of Burgongne and it may be for that she found not her husband as he had been before his imprisonment after that she had beene Lady and true heire of the Earldomes of Holland Zeeland Henault and Friseland in great troubles and continuall vexations for the space of 19. yeare She dyed at the age of 36. yeares and lyes at the Hage in the Chappell of the Court of Holland The most renowned in Holland Zeeland in the time of the Contesse Iaqueline were these noblemen that follow Franc of Borsselle Earle of Osteruant husband to the Contesse Hugh of Lanoy lord of Xaintes Lieutenant of Holland Zeeland and Freezland both Knights of the golden Fleece Reynold lord of Brederode of Vianen and Ameyden Baronies Ghysbrecht of Brederode Prouost Cathedrall and afterwardes elect bishop of Vtrect William of Brederode their vncle who was lieutenant to the Contesse Iaqueline in Holland Iames of Gaesbeeke lord of Abcoud Wyk Putten and Streyen Iohn lord of Egmond William of Egmond his Brother lord of Iselstein Who were restored by Iohn of Bauaria and afterwardes confirmed by Philip duke of Bourgongne Henry lord of Wassenare who without the resignation which he made vnto Iohn of Bauaria was vicont of Leyden Iohn of Wassenare siegneor of Woorburch his brother Henry of Borsselle lord of la Vere Arnold lord of Seuenberghe of Hemsted in Zeelād Iohn lord of Cruyninghen Henry vicont of Montfort Adrian of Borsselle lord of Brigdam Iames of Borsselle his brother William lord of Naeldwyk of Wateringhen Albert of Naeldwick his brother Phillip of Cortgeen Rutger lord of Boeaslaer of Aspren Didier lord of Henckelom Lewis of Treslon William of Holland bastard son to duke Albert to whom duke Philip gaue in Friseland the villages Schagen Baninghen Harinchuysen and
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
Noblemen to court among others the Earle of Saint Pol Anthonie and Baldwine his bastard brethren braue Kinghts and the most of the Duke his fathers counsell to whom hee sayde My maisters and friends I cannot nor will not conceale from you any longer my heartes discontent but will presently deliuer vnto you that which I haue kept long secret I would haue you know that the Lord of Croy with his kinsmen and Allyes are and so I repute them for my greatest and most mortall enemies Then he made knowne the causes vnto them the which hee sent in writing to all the good Townes of his fathers countries Hauing spoken thus vnto his friendes hee gaue notice vnto the Siegneor of Quivarin who was chiefe Chamberlayne to the Duke his father by two or three Knights that hee should retier himselfe from the Duke his fathers seruice and that he should be packing with as little brute as he could without aduertising of his Father least he should be disquieted The signior of Quieurain was much perplexed at these newes beeing loath to leaue so good a house whereas all his kindred had growne great and rich but hee feared to offend the Earle Hee therefore without taking aduice of any one went the next daie in the morning to the Duke and falling downe vpon his knees before him thanked him most humbly for the good and honour hee had receiued from his greatnesse beseeching him to take his poore seruice in good part crauing leaue to depart seeing that the Earle his Sonne had sent him worde that hee would kill him if he retyred not The Duke hearing him speake in this sorte was exceeding wroth and hauing commanded him to stay he tooke a boarspeere in his hand and went out of his chamber full of rage saying to them that were about him that he would goe see if his Sonne would kill his seruants Those that were present seeing him in that estate caused the gates to bee shut and the Porter to bee hidden so as the Duke could not get forth whilest they sought for the keies the duchesse of Bourbon his Sister and many ladies of his house came with Anthonie of Bourgongne his bastard who vsed such milde perswasions as they did some what pacifie his rage and he returned into his chamber During this trouble the Signior of Quieurain got out of the Court and departed with one with him as secretly as he could The Earle knowing that his Father was much displeased with him was euery day in counsell as well with his owne as with the Dukes cheife Councellors seeking all meanes to pacifie him euery man imploying himselfe all he could in that good seruice In the ende it was thought good that the Earle should write vnto all the good townes of his Fathers Countries what his heart thought and the reasons which mooued him to discharge them of Croy from the seruice of his house which letter should be red publikely in all places that euerie man might be aduertised thereof The like letters were sent vnto all the cheife of the Nobilitie the tenor whereof is to bee red at large in my great chronicle the which I omit here for breuities sake they were dated the two and twenty of March 1464. The same month of March the Signior of Roubais with good troupes went by the Earles commande to seaze vpon the towne and castell of Lanoy thinking to finde the lord of the place there beeing Nephew to the lord of Croy who was then Gouernor of Lille and baylife of Amiens but they neyther found him nor his wife nor children there for beeing aduertised of Roubais comming hee had retyred himselfe with all his gold siluer and richest mouables into the towne of Tournay two leagues from thence then held by the French The Earle gaue the sayd towne and castell of Lanoy to Iames of Luxembourg brother to the Earle of Saint Pol withall the prouision that was found within it the which was verie great both in poudred flesh meale and other prouisions and munition of warre At that time Charles duke of Berry brother to Lewis the leauenth the French King being about eighteene yeares olde whome the King kept in his Court simplier and in meaner estate then hee had beene in the time of their Father Charles the seauenth one day he made shew to goe a hunting with ten men onelie and fled for refuge to the Duke of Brittaine the discours of all the troubles which followed after in France being called the warre of the common-weale is written at large in the Inuentorie of the Historie of France to the which I will referre the Reader for that it doth not properly belong vnto our subiect The Earle of Charolois writ letters to them of Arras sending them word that he was aduertised that the lord of Croy and his friends did leauy men to lead them out of the duke his Fathers countries that the Earle of Neuers was gone with the lord of Croy to molest the sayd countries the which he ment to preuent and therefore hee commanded them to make publicke proclamations in all their iurisdictions that none should presume to serue his couzin of Neuers nor them of Croy without the duke his Fathers leaue vpon paine of confiscation of bodie and goods The twelfth day of Aprill 1465. which was the day of our Redeemers passion a great diuine preached at Busselles in the chappell of the Court in the presence of the duke and of a great and noble assembly In his sermon hee discoursed at large what clemency and mercy was that he might mooue the duke to remit the discontent hee had against his Sonne by reason of the lord of Chimay the which vntill that daie hee would not do The sermon being ended many knights of the golden Fleece went vnto the Duke and beseeched him humblie that according to the Preachers exhortation he would pardon his sonne the offence which hee had committed The next day about noone the Earle went to present himselfe before his Father vpon his knee saying My most redoubted lord and father I beseech you for the honour of the passion of our Lord Iesus Christ that it would please you to pardon mee that which I haue misdone for what I haue done hath beene to preserue you and my selfe also from death and for the preseruation of all your Countries and subiects as I will giue you to vnderstand at large hereafter And hauing spoken other wordes wisely and humbly to the great satisfaction of all the hearers The duke holding him by the elbow and looking still in his face sayd vnto him Charles my Sonne all that euer you haue misdone vnto this day I pardon bee a good Sonne vnto mee and I wil be a good father vnto thee In speaking of which words the teares stood in the dukes eyes the which mooued the hearts of all the company so as some could not forbeare weeping This reconciliation made betwixt the Father and
this assault for the great multitude of people that was within the oittie and for their great courage All which difficulties they reported to the Duke from the Kings mouth The which hee tooke in ill part saying that the King did it to saue them but he would not faile to giue an assault in the morning as he had resolued foding the King word That if it pleased him to goe to Namur vntill the Towne were taken he was contented but for his part he would not goe from thence vntil hee had seene the and of it The King answered That hee would not goe to Namur but would be present the next day with the rest for without doubt where there was honour to be gotten hee would not 〈◊〉 taxed of Cowardice Euery man rested himselfe a little being armed day being come and drawing neere to eight of the clocke the Duke caused a Canon and 2. Serpentins to be discharged to aduertise them of the Vantgard who were quartered on the other side farre from him they heard the warning and prepared themselues for the assault The Dukes trumpets began to sound and the Coullors approched the wall The King was in the street well accompanied When they came to ioyne they found no resistance and there were but 2. or 3. men in gard euery man being gone to his home not thinking they would giue an Assault on the Sunday they found in euery house the cloath layed and the table couered There was as little resistance whereas the Fore-warde charged who entred first All the people being retyred beyond the bridge of the Riuer of Meuse towards the Forrest of Ardenne and other places where they thought to be safe In all there dyed not aboue 2. hundred men euery man hiding himselfe in Churches or houses The King marched softly for he saw well there was no resistance the whole armie entred into the towne on 2. sides being in all 40000. men The Duke being farre aduanced into the Cittie turned sodainly to meete the King whom hee conducted to the Pallace then presently retyred and went to the great Cathedrall Church of saint Lambert where his souldiers would haue entred by force to spoile it vnder a colour to take prisoners And although he had set some Gentlemen of his houshold to gard it yet could they not be maisters but they offered to force the 2. doores The Duke seeing this out-rage slew one of his houshold seruantes with his owne hands the which kept the sayd Church from spoile yet they drew foorth certaine Burgesses that were fled into it with their goods The most part of the other Churches were spoiled in seeking for the Townes men that were fled into them The towne being thus taken about Noone the Duke went to the Pallace to the King who had dyned shewing great signes of ioy for this prize and commending highly the dukes great courage and resolution thinking that those words would bee reported vnto him After dyner the King and Duke were seen very ioyfully together and if the King commended his valour behinde his backe hee extolled him more to his face wherewith the Duke was much pleased The King being very desirous to retyer himselfe spake vnto the Duke saying that there was no more to be done and if he had any vse of him that he should not spare him but he had a desire to goe to Paris to cause the accord betwixt them to bee published in the Court of Parliament The duke consented but somewhat vnwillingly vpon condition that the treatiâ—… of peace betwixt them should be read and ratified againe by the King the which he did wherevppon the King tooke his leaue of the Duke and he conducted him halfe a League The King being gone the Duke commanded the towne to be burnt reseruing only the Churches and the Chanoins houses in the which there were 4000. of the Countrie of Luxembourg imployed He caused a great number of poore prisoners to be cast into the Riuer of Meuse this done they went to ruine the Countrey of Franchimont whence are drawne the brauest souldiers of all the Countrie of Liege and was no sooner out of the Cittie but it was fired all along the Riuer Hee lodged that day 4. Leagues from thence where they might heare the cryes and lamentations of poore people as if they had beene within the Cittie The desolation contynued the next day vntill it was quite burnt except the Churches and some 300. houses of Chanoins and Priests which was the cause it was so soone re-edified for the people returned with the Priestes and other Church-men The country of Franchimont being spoyled and burnt hunger forced the Dukes troupes to retier who went to Namur and from thence into Brabant where he was receiued as a victorious Prince Those of the towne of Aix la Chapelle within eight leagues of the cittie of Liege had during these warres giuen some aide and assistance vnto the Liegeois the duke meaning to bee reuenged threatned them But the Regents of the towne went to him to Maestricht to aske him forgiuenesse offring him all seruice in time to come and promising to pay him 80000. florins of the Rhine in three years and so the duke was pacified In the yeare 1469. at the sute of the bishoppe and Chanoins the duke consented to the restauration of the towne of Liege whereas hee placed for Gouernor Guy of Brymeux lord of Humbercourt kinsman to him whome the Liegeois had slaine at Tongres and the signior of Wit-hem for his Lieutenant The duke hauing stayed some time in Brabant came into Zeeland and from thence he went to the Hage in Holland whether many great Princes and Ambassadors came to visit him Among others Sygismonde duke of Austria Brother to the Emperour Frederic The Prince of Trebisonde in Greece the Palatin of Rhine the Marquis of Ferrara The duke of Cleues and the lord of Rauestein his brother the duke of Somerset an Englishman and many other great Noblemen Barons and Knights The bishoppe of Liege Vtrecht Tournay Pouille and Salerne the dukes confessor The Popes Ambassador which was his Nephew his Sisters Sonne accompanied with the duke of Mantoua one from the Venetians and an other from the Archbishoppe of Cologne Duke Charles accompanied with all these Princes writ vnto Adolph Prince of Geldres who kept his owne father in pryson intreating him that all excuses set aside hee would come and honour that Noble company with his presence hoping to perswade him to deliuer his father out of pryson But this Prince doubting the worst excused himselfe vpon his Nobility and townes intreating the duke not to take it in ill part if hee came not for certaine speciall causes At that time there fell great contention betwixt the duke of Bourgongne and them of Vtrecht the duke demanding of them the country of Goyland and all the goods lands and signeuries belonging vnto the deceased Iames of Gaesbeke the which quarrell was
not of a long time ended Hee had also some controuersie with the Ilandes of Amelande in Frise-land refusing to pay the tribute which they did owe vnto the Earles of Holland vnto whome the duke did send Gerard Ensem a famous man borne at Enchuysen who was well receiued by the States of the countrie sending vnto the duke the Abbots of Lidlum Stauerea and Florencampe with some of their Nobles and deputies of townes to the Hage and there accorded with him The which was done and the troubles ended by the wisedome of these deputies who were mediators betwixt the duke and the commons of Friseland In those times the lord of Brederode and Ghysbrecht his brother Prouost Cathedrall of Vtrecht were in great credit with the bishoppe and gouerned the whole citty so as by their meanes the bishoppe did what hee would with them of Vtrecht renewing the Magistrate of the towne contrarie to their preuiledges the which hauing renewed hee sent for them all into his chamber in the presence of the two brethren of Brederode and of Reynier his councellors and sayd vnto them that his intent was that if happely in the administration of their charges vnder his obedience there happened any difficulties they should haue recourse vnto those two lords of Brederode and that without any opposition they should do what they commanded which they promised to do In the yeare 1470. those whome the two brethren of Brederode and their Allies had of a long time banished out of Vtrecht seeking to be reuenged and to bee restored to the towne made manie false reportes vnto the duke of Bourgongne and the Bishop of Vtrecht against them the which were lightly beleeued especially in that which concerned the person of the sayd Bishoppe whom they had giuen to vnderstand that the sayd lord of Brederode and his partisans had conspired to expell him and to restore the Prouost Cathedrall his brother who had beene formerly chosen But although these two bretheren were exceedingly well beloued in the towne of Vtrecht and throughout the whole countrie yet this practise was mannaged so secretly as they could not discouer any thing vntill the mischiefe fell vpon them In the meanetime the Lord of Brederode beeing sent by the superintendentes of the towne and countrie of Vtrecht to treate of some businesse with their Bishoppe beeing come to the towne of Wyke to the Bishoppes Pallace not doubting anie thing hee was apprehended as a prisoner with fiue of his base Sonnes that is Walrad Drossort of Hagenstein Renold Baylife of Vosholl Henry Hans and Iohn the younger This done the Bishoppe went to Vtrecht and seized the same day of Ghysbercht his brother whome hee carried likewise to Wyke releasing foure of his bastards and retayning onely Walrad The enemies of these Lordes of Brederode gaue it out generally that they were Traitors and that if the Bishop had not committed them to prison within three daies they had expelled him his Bishopricke the which they spake the more to incense the Bishoppe and the duke of Bourgongne against them But they were held to bee their owne practises to haue some collour to ruine this house of Brederode by these slanderous and false reportes For what collour or likelehood was there that these two brethren who knewe they had priuate enemies within the countrie would haue attemped any thing against the duke of Bourgongne for what toucht the Bishoppe toucht him whome they knewe to bee mightie who had euen newly forced the French King and ruined the Liegeois who were ten times as powerfull as all those of the house of Brederode and their Allies without doubt there was no reason to beleeue it They must then picke some quarrell against them to ruine them Informations were sought for in all places at the Bishoppes charge to ruine them The Bishoppe did also cast into prison Iohn of Amerongen Baylife of Vtrecht Hee would also willingly haue layed hold of the Vicont of Montfort but hee retired himselfe Walrad bastard to the Lord of Brederode was tortured hauing it giuen him foure times most cruelly but hee would neuer confesse any thing of that which they demaunded persisting still in the negatiue They did also put Iohn of Amerongen to the racke vpon the like interrogatories who confessed some-thing with the torments whose confession was sent to the duke of Bourgongne who grewe into such great anger and choller as hee would not any more heare nor see the Ladie Yolante wife to the lord of Brederode who by the intercession of the Ladie Isabella of Portugall the dukes mother and some Noblemen was a sutor vnto him that it would please him to take some knowledge of her husbands cause and that beeing a Noble knight of the Golden fleece his processe might bee adiudged and ended by other knights and his Noble Peeres and according to the Articles of the sayd order the which was denied her whereby it appeeres that they beganne betimes to infringe them and made waie for the Spaniards who haue broken them since Walrad bastard of Brederode hauing beene so cruelly tortured yet confessed nothing nine weekes after his imprisonment hee found meanes to escape The which did so vexe the Bishop and his councell as without any respect to the ranke or age of the sayd lord of Brederode they condemned him to haue the extraordinarie Racke to force that from his owne mouth which his bastard would not confesse and which the Baylife of Vtrecht through the violence of the torture had but partly confest Foure men of account went vnto the prison to the affore sayd Lord of Brederode whereof the one was Marshall to the Duke who had certaine Articles written the which he read vnto him saying That Walrad his Bastard and Iohn of Amerongen had confessed them and vpon this confession suffred death by the sworde and that hee must confesse them in like sort and in so doing hee should haue grace The Lord of Brederode answered resolutlie That hee could not saie any thing to those Articles and that if Walrad and Amerongen had confessed them they should haue beene confronted with him before their death These foure Commissionars Iudges pickt out to seeke the ruine of this poore Noble Gentleman not content with this answere caused him to be layed vpon the Rack stretching him in such sort thrise togither as at euerie time they were forced to take him of thinking hee had beene dead beeing some-what reuiued hee sayd vnto them You may cause mee to die in this marterdome but you can neuer force mee to say any thing but the truth The duke of Bourgongne hearing what had beene done vnto him for the knights of the order made great complaintes vnto him hauing seene his confessions and denialls hee appointed that his processe should bee vewed and examined by the knights of the order and hee himselfe heard verbally in his defences there were therefore sent Iohn of Berghes knight and Iohn Halewyn conseller
Picardy ioyful by the death of the duke of Bourgongne to see himselfe victorious ouer all his enemies wherof the duke was the mightiest who with his father duke Philippe had beene in warre with him and King Charles the seauenth his Father for the space of 32. yeares hauing all his landes and Seigneuries ioyning vpon France and his subiects disposed and accustomed to warre and therefore the dukes death was a greater content vnto him then the death of the duke of Guienne his Brother the Constable of Saint Poll of Rene King of Sicile of duke Iohn and Nicholas of Calabria of the Earles of Prouence and Mary their Cousins and of the Earle of Armaignac who had beene slaine at Estore of all which the King had inioyed their goods and possessions both moouables and immoouables presupposing now that during his life he should neuer finde any opposition in his kingdome And although hee were thus freed from all feare yet God would not suffer him to take the right course to vnite these great seigneuries to his crowne the which hee should haue done by some treatie of marriage or drawne them vnto him by loue and friendship which he might haue easily done seeing the great desolation into the which those Prouinces were brought whereby he should haue freed them from great warres miseries and calamities where into they haue since fallen and should haue fortified his Realâ—…e and inriched both countries by the means of so long and durable a peace The chiefe meanes to attaine vnto it was to marrie his Sonne who was afterwardes King of France called Charles the eight to the Ladie Marie Princesse of Bourgongne daughter and onelie heire to the deceased duke although he were then but fifteene yeares olde and shee eighteene But when hee did see the father dead all his thoughts and cogitations were only to spoile this Orphan Princesse of her fathers inheritance wherin God did not blesse his actions nor his designes the which were for the most part ouerthrowne by the marriage which the sayd Princesse made with Maximilian Archduke of Austria Sonne to the Emperor Frederic as you shall presently heare The King beeing entred in Piccardie with his army the townes of Peronne Ham and Bohain were yeelded vnto him Hee sent his Barber called Oliuer le Dain vnto Gand and Robinet of Audensort vnto Saint Oâ—…er where they had friends to put men into them The good successe which hee had in the beginning in Piccardie made him to hope that all would yeeld vnto him and he was aduised by some wherevnto he was of his owne disposition inclined to ruine the house of Bourgongne and to diuide the Prouinces to many euen naming those to whome he ment to giue the Earldomes of Henault and Namur and the Dutchies of Lembourg and Luxembourg lying vpon the frontiers As for the other great Prouinces of Brabant Holland Zeeland and Friseland he would make vse of them to winne some Princes of Germanie which should be his friends and helpe him to execute his desseignes Oliuer the Kings Barbar who termed himselfe Earle of Meulan a little towne nere vnto Paris whereof hee was captaine carried letters of credit to the Princesse of Bourgongne and had commission to conferre with her secretly and to perswade her to put her selfe into the Kings hands but this was not his chiefe charge but to mutine the people whome hee knewe to bee sufficiently inclyned therevnto by reason of their Preuiledges which duke Philippe and Charles had taken from them Hauing remayned at Gand some time hee was sent for to deliuer his charge hee went and deliuered his letters of credit to the Princesse beeing set betwixt the duke of Cleues and the Bishoppe of Liege and accompanied by a great number of Noblemen Shee read his letter and Maister Oliuer was commaunded to deliuer his charge openly who answered that hee had no commission but to speake priuatly vnto the Princesse They sayd vnto him that it was not the custome especially to so young a Princesse yet hee persisted in his first speech and they answered him that hee should bee forced â—…o deliuer wherevpon hee grewe fearefull making some excuse and so departed without deliuering of his charge Some of this councell skorned him by reason of his olde age and for the speeches hee vsed especially the Bourgesses of Gand who knew him to well beeing borne in a nere Village and did him some affronts and disgraces threatning to cast him into the Riuer the which they would haue done if hee had not speedily fled At his departure from Gand hee went to Tournay beeing then a Neuter towne but much affected to the French Hee knewe the sayd towne to bee neere to both countries and fit to annoy either partie so as they might drawe in any souldiars the which the 〈◊〉 would not haue yeelded vnto hauing neuer shewed themselues Partisans but Neuters to both the Noble Princes but Maister Oliuer sent secretly for the Lord of Mour whose Sonne was Baylife of the afforesayd Towne but was not resident there 〈◊〉 he should come at a certaine time appointed and bring with him his company of men at armes which were at Saint Quintins and some other souldiers out of those parts who failed not to come at the prefixed houre to the towne gate where he found maister Oliuer with fortie men who partly by loue and partly by force caused the Barre to be opened and so gaue entrance to the men at armes wherewith the people were some-what content but the Magistrate nothing at all of the which hee sent seauen or eight prisoners to Paris where they remained during the Kings life Thus was Tournay put into the Kings hands by the dexteritie of his Barber wherein a wiser or a greater personage then himselfe might haue failed The King being at Peronne there came vnto him from the Princesse certaine Ambassadors which were of the principall men about her wherof the chiefe were William Hugonet her Chancellor the Lord of Humbercourt the Lord of Gruythuyse Gouernor of Holland and the Lord of Vere of Zeland and many Prelates and Deputies of Townes The King before their audience laboured all he could to winne them as well in generall as in particular from whom hee receiued nothing but humble and reuerend words as from men that were in feare yet such as had their lands lying whereas they thought the King could not annoy them would in no sort binde themselues vnto him but in making the marriage of the Doulphin his sonne with their Princesse The Chancellor and the Lord of Humbercourt who had beene bred and brought vp in great authoritie with the deceased Duke desiring to continue so still hauing their lands lying in the Kings dominions that is to say the Chancellor in Bourgongne and the Lord of Humbercourt in Picardie and Arthois gaue eare vnto the King and his offers and did in a manner consent to serue him in making of this marriage and to retire themselues
losses by his imprisonment in France the which hee sold afterwardes to the Lord of Egmont During the time that the yong Prince of Gelders sonne to Adolph was brought vp in the house of Bourgongne as much to say as a prisoner the Duke of Cleues seazed vppon many townes in Gelders for which cause the Geldrois made sharpe warre against the Cleuois and Brabansons growing dayly more obstinate they did â—…strange and with-draw themselues wholy from the house of Bourgongne whervpon the Archduke resouled to make warre against them Those of Numeghen Thyel and Bomel hauing some intelligence thereof went to him to Boisleduâ—… where they submitted themselues vnto him and acknowledged him for their Prince Wherevpon he went to Numeghen whither many Deputies of other townes came vnto him to doe the like This done he went to Ruremont to bridle Venlo but the Inhabitants did little regard it being resolued to defend themselues Whilest that the Archduke carryed himselfe in this sort in the Countrie of Gelders Dauid of Bourgongne bishop of Vtrecht being expelled the towne by the vicont of Montfort made an enterprise with his Partisans vpon the said towne the which succeeding not happily the Archduke hauing disposed of his affaires in Gelders came to Wyck-ter-duyrsted to him where they had much conference from thence the Archduke returned into Brabant the Dutchesse his wife being ready to be brought in bed was deliuered of a sonne whom the Duke of Brittanie christened and named him Francis by his owne name but he liued not long If in Holland the factions of the Cabillaux and the Hoecks tormented one another in Friseland the partialities of Vetcoopers and Scyringers did no lesse the Countrey being so diuided there as not onely the Nobilitie and townes made warre one against another with all violence but also the villages pesants other priuate persons which had any power or meanes yea the Abbeis Cloisters and Monestaries as well with their Prouost Monkes as with their lay Fryers whereof there followed great ruines desolations and burning of villages castels and other possessions as well Ecclesiasticall as Secular All this time there was sharpe warre betwixt the Hollanders that succored the Bishop of Vtrecht and them of the towne of Vtrecht and Amersfort of whom Iohn vicont of Montfort and Reyer van Brouckheuysen were the chiefe and the Lorde of Lalaine for the Hollanders who once among the rest were well beaten by them of Vtrecht neere vnto the fort of Waert which the Hollanders did besiege lost their artillerie and left the banners of their chiefe townes behinde them the Lord of Lalain saued himselfe being much amazed in Schoonhouen and those of Vtrecht returned victors with many prisoners into their Towne who hauing afterwardes surprized the Towne of Naerden in Holland but seeing they could not keepe it they spoyled it and so left it The Lord of Lalain sent the Markgraue of Antwerp thither and little Salezard a Knight of Gasconie whom the French King had dispoyled of his meanes which made him to come and serue the Archduke with a good troupe of braue souldiers Gascons to lie in Garrison there with a good number of horse and foote who continually made roades euen to the euery gates of Vtrecht and one day among the rest went and charged the great Bourg of Emenesse which is a french league long wher there were some of Vtrecht Amersfort in Garrison the which notwithstanding any resistance they forced slue all that could not flie and saue themselues through the Marishes and Quagmires and after they had spoiled it and laden themselues with the bootie they set fire of it and burnt it to the ground This warre betwixt the Diocesse of Vtrecht and the Hollanders increasing and growing more violent by sundry wrongs they did one vnto another the Traiectins hauing no Protector sent their Ambassadors to Iohn Duke of Cleues beseeching him that he would bee their Protector and to send them his brother Englebert of Cleues to be his Lieutenant and Generall there The which the Duke accepted and sent his brother where hee was well receiued and lodged in the Bishoppes Pallace whom the Taiectins did acknowledge for their Protector making an oath of fealtie vnto him as is accustomed in the like cases Afterwards the Hollanders defeated the Traiectins and slue 1000. vpon the place pursuing them euen into their Ports and if they had followed them close and had not beene too busie in spoyling of the dead they might haue entred pel mel with them and wonne the Cittie In the yeare 1482. in Lent the Lady Mary of Bourgongne Archdutchesse of Austria Countesse of Holland and Zeeland Lady of Frisland c. wife to the Archduke Maximilian being a hunting mounted vpon an ambling Gelding fell some write for the feare which her horse had of a wilde Boare which ranne betwixt his legges wherwith she was so bruzed in her body as the 27. of Marche she dyed to the great griefe of her husband who loued her entirely she was buried with a funerall pompe worthy of her greatnesse in the Quier of Saint Donas Church at Bruges after that shee had beene married foure yeares and a halfe leauing one Sonne named Philip about three yeares old and one Daughter but two yeares old who by the treatie of peace was made sure to King Charles the eight sonne to Lewis the 11. the French King But this marriage being broken she was married to the onely sonne of Dom Fernando of Arragon and of Isabella King and Queene of Castille called also Dom Fernando by whom she had one sonne who dyed within the yeare with the father afterwards shee married with Philebert the 8. Duke of Sauoy who died after he had been seauen yeares married The said Lady Mary of Bourgongne being dead the Archduke her husband tooke vpon him the title of Tutor to her children that with this quallitie he might preserue maintaine and defend them against the French King Lewis the eleuenth who had done so much harme and wrong vnto their Mother after the death of Duke Charles her father This qualitie of Tutor did not greatly please many of the Netherlanders especially the Flemings Those of Gaunt Bruges Franâ—… and Ypre which make the foure members of Flanders appointed by their priuate authoritie certaine commissioners to gouerne the countrie of Flanders ioyntly with the Archduke vntill it were otherwise ordered By reason whereof the States were assembled in the cittie of Gaunt where it was concluded that they should not receiue the said Gouernor but for a certaine time limitted vpon certaine conditions and with an othe to keepe them refusing to admit any particular Gouernours or Captaines if they were not chosen and placed by the Archduke and their commissioners ioyntly for that said they the Archduke was yet young and that such as were about him did gouerne him at their pleasures and did with him what they pleased also the money that was
little regard the good of their Countrie nor the preseruation of their Priuiledges Freedoms but rather through ambition their owne priuate profits to the suppression of their rights and ancient Statutes Which words drew them on to proude bitter termes The common people of the partie of Iongama and Walta being stronger then the rest would haue taken Armes against the Nobles of the other partie wherevppon some great inconuenience would haue growne if the Commissioner had not cunningly pacified themâ—… intreating them to retyre for that time euery man to his lodging to consider better thereof at leisure sommoning them to come thither the next day at two of the clocke in the afternoone and whosoeuer did faile to forfeit a quart of wine the which pleased all the company and so by that meanes they departed The which the Commissioner did very discretly to draw himselfe and the Nobles that were come with him out of danger into the which they were fallen by this confused multitude of base people That night he went with Peter Camstra and the Hottingas to lodge in the castle of Iongama and the next day early in the morning they returned to Snecke being assured that he should doe no good at Bolswaert and that it was dangerous to stay there it might bee with effusion of blood the which he sought to auoyd for he see in the rest nothing but hatred and spleen The next day Iuw Iongama Tyarck-walta the Galamas and their Partisans came at the appointed hower to the Fryers where finding neither the Commissioner nor the other Nobles they were almost mad with spight not knowing how to take it exclaming against the Hottingas and their Allyes And so this Convocation proued â—…lesse The reason why Iongama the Galamas and their Partisans had shewed themselues so obstinate was for that they relyed much vppon the Groningeois who through their too great pride and presumption made no accompt neither of the Commissioner nor of any commandement from the Imperiall chamber no not of the Emperour himselfe Otto of Langen the Emperors Commissioner seeing that by their factions and bitter partialities and by the instigation of the Groningeois hee should profit nothing departed from Sneck and went to Deuenter whither hee sent againe for the parties and them of Groninghen to come vnto him the 4. of February but beeing there they were so incensed one against another with such bitternesse as they departed without doing any thing and the said Commissioner tooke his way towardes the Emperour Afterwards that which he had fore-told them came to passe That if they would not consent to the election of a Potestate within a short time other strangers would come and force them vnto obedience The which happened for they themselues digged a piâ—… into the which they fell There were yet other Commissioners sent by the Emperour to them of Groningen with Letters of Inhibition not to attempt any more but to restore Friseland to her first rights and Priuiledges but nothing auayled for the partialities and Factions as well of them that were allyed to the Groningeois as of the Schyeringers and Vetcoopers continued as violently as before so as there followed at diâ—…ers times yea in one Family of the Iongamas diuers factions and great effusion of blood Those of Harinxima and Galama did no lesse one vnto another The Townes Abbaies and Monasteries did the like calling in forces and in so great numbers to their succours as they could not be freed of them vntill they had payed them the last farthing to the great oppression of the people The which was no sooner dismist and gone out of the Countrey but Duke Albert of Saxony entertained them and came into Friseland to make them to lay aside their factions being forced therevnto by pouertie And these were the fruits of their wilfull obstinacie PHILIP OF AVSTRIA THE 2. OF that name the 34. Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland Duke of Bourgongne c Earle of Flanders c. Marquis of the holy Empire Philippus 2. Austrius My fatâ—…er with my goods gaue me a wife A peâ—…rlesse Princesse of the Arragoâ—… blood From her sixe children Kings and Queenes tooke life By 〈◊〉 twâ—…e years Helland from danger stood And by my wife I did inherite Spaine But my death prou'd my wiues who with griefe werryed Waâ—…ng â—…y corpes in tears that stream'd amaine My â—…s at Burgos in a Tombe interred PHILIP the second of that name Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland the onely sonne of the Archduke Maximilian of Austria afterwards Emperour and of Mary Dutchesse of Bourgongne daughter to Duke Charles the warlike was borne in Bruges the 20. day of Iune in the yeare 1470. hee was foure yeere old when his mother dyed Sence whose death the Archduke king of Romaines his father in qualitie of Regent Tutor or Curator gouerned his wiues Inheritance with great troubles and vexation by reason of the great factions and partialities which raigned then both in Holland and Flanders vnto the yeare 1494. that the King of Romanes by the death of the Emperour Frederick his father was crowned Emperor Prince Philip his sonne being then 16. yeares old was intituled Archduke of Austria Duke of Bourgongne Lothier Brabant Styria Carinthia Lembourg Luxembourg and Gelders Earle of Habsbourg Flanders Arthois Bourgongne Ferrette and Kiburch Palatin of Henault Holland Zeeland Namur and Zuphen Marquis of the Holy Empire and of Bourgau Landtgraue of Elsaten Lord of Windismark Portenau Salines and Macklyn The 16. of March the same yeare the Emperor Maximilian marryed in the towne of Inspruch the Lady Blanch Maria daughter to Galeas Duke of Milan and sister to Duke Iohn Galeas Maria. This marriage discontented some Princes of the Empire and many of the Emperors friends for that she was not of so noble a House as they desired for of the Viscontes side who then gouerned at Milan there was little Nobilitie and of the Sforces side lesse A while after he brought his wife into the Low-countries being accompaned by many Princes of Germanie The Archduke Philip his sonne and the Lady Marguerite his sister who had beene sent backe out of France after the marriage of King Charles the 8. to whom shee was promised with the Dutchesse of Brittaine went to meet them with the chiefe Nobilitie of the Neitherlands at Maestricht from thence they came to Louvain whereas the Archduke was with great Ceremonies and pompe put into possession of the Dutchie of Brabant and soone after in Antwerp of the Marquisate of the holy Empire The 12. of December in the Towne of S. Gheertrudenbergh of the Earledome of Holland and soone after at Romerswael of the Countie of Zeeland From thence hee went into â—…landers Arthois and Henault where he receiued the like whither the Deputies of euery Prouince came who did him homage and tooke an oath of fealtie In the same moneth of December Charles Duke of Gelders returned out of Lorraine
Franicker Duke Albert his father came posting out of Germanie to the Earle of Emden with a new armie to vngage his sonne and from thence hee went into Friseland where he made such a pittifull spoile as all both noble and base rich and poore Priestes Monkes Nunnes and Nou◅ces fled out of the Countrie none remaining but the poore pesants of the seuen Forrests who would see what the end might bee of all there miseries Duke Henry would gladly they had ruined all Friseland not being satisfied with the reuenge his father had taken But the father with a better consideration being of a deeper iudgement then his sonne would not consent vnto it But writ his letters freely vnto all the Villages That the Pesants should returne freely euery man to his house and that for a certaine summe of money which they should contribute euery one according to his habilitie he would receiue them againe into fauour Wherevppon they returned redeeming themselues of the Duke some Village at a 100. 200. 300. 400. 500. florins according to their wealth Then commandement was giuen to bring all their Armes into the Cittadell of Lewarden and aboue all for a reparation they should come bare-headed and bare-footed without girdles to sue for pardon vppon their knees and to promise all future obedience to him and his heires This was in regard of the countrey-men and pesants as for the Nobilitie gentrie and Church-men they were forced to purchase letters of grace and pardon at a deere rate Behold what miseries their factions caused hauing nourished them so long among them with so great obstinacie and rancour as some would rather haue lost their countrie libertie freedomes and Priuiledges goods ◅insfolkes and friends then to giue eare to any reconciliation calling in a strange Prince rough and austere with two sonnes of the same humour burning themselues to scald another For without doubt if they had liued vnited vnder one Potestate as they had been wont in old time and as the Emperours Commissioner Otto van Langen had well aduised them and that if they had chosen him the Emperor would neuer haue beene moued to remedie their ciuill wars by a soueraigne authoritie And there would not haue been any Prince so presumptuous that would haue dared to trouble their quiet much lesse to haue arrogated any right of superioritie or command ouer them But this strange Prince being called in by themselues hauing one partie which was the moitie of the countrie at his deuotion and many of the other partie shaken it was easie for him to humble them as Duke Albert of Saxony did remaining by that meanes Lord of Friseland The Duke fore-seeing that if hee did not in like sort subiect the towne of Groningen and the countrie there abouts he should neuer inioy Friseland quietly hee went the last of Iuly 1500. to besiege it he planted his Campe in Auwert Seewert and of the side of the Port of Bottoringhe hee battered it furiously as well the walles and Ramparts with his Cannon as the houses in ruine with his great morters The in habitants had a good garrison of souldiers who made many braue sallies vpon his campe One day as he himselfe was taking a marke with a Cannon a shot of artillerie came from the towne who although he were not toucht with the bollet yet was hee sore woūded with the splinters of the carriage the gabions was carried to his lodging In the meane season by reason of his wounds at the intercession of the Bishop of Vtrecht whome they of Groningen had intreated and of the Earle of Emden after that he had besieged it six weekes the plague also beeing very whot in his campe and hauing yet preuailed little he made a suspension of armes and raised his campe and then caused him selfe to be transported to Emden where he died the twelfth of September hauing before his retreat from Groningen left Cont Hughe van Lynsenack to bee his Lieutenant ouer all Friseland during his absence and his Sonnes giuing charge to Willebrord of Schoonenburch to enter into Friseland with 2500 men and to punnish the rebels which remained reducing them vnder his obedience who marched with his troupes vnto the seauen Forests and to Schellingwerff who neuer vnto that time wold acknowledge duke Albert for their Lord he camped in Oldebercoop sending for them of Schellingwerf to come vnto him who being loath to be ruined by their owne obstinacie sent their deputies to reconcile them vnto the duke and to acknowledge him for their Lord wherevpon they were receiued in paying three florins of gold vpon euery house for a reparation Duke Henry of Saxony sent his Fathers bodie into his country of Misnia and he himselfe went to Brusselles to his couzin the Archduke Philip neuer returning more into Friseland for that as they sayd being besieged in Franicker hee had vowed vnto God that if hee might get safely out he would neuer returne So afterwards he resigned all his right to duke George his yonger brother GEORGE DVKE OF SAXONY GOuernor of the Netherlands for the Archduke Phillip of Austria Prince and Lord of the said Countrie GEORGIVS DVX SAXONI◅ GVBER BELGII The Groningers and Frisons that to me He left the place and swaye but their bold ◅ight Driuing to danger and dispence I f◅e ◅o Emperor Charles surr◅ndred all my Right GEORGE duke of Saxony sonne to duke Albert hauing by the death of his Father and the resignation of duke Henry his elder brother obtained the gouernment of the country of Friseland Groningen by the title of donation which the Emperor had made vnto duke Albert had also since after the decease of the Archduke Philip of Austria King of Castille by his wife the gouernment of the Netherlands for a time in the absence of the Emperor Maximilian busied in the warres of Italie He was great grand-father to Prince Mary of Nassau by the mothers side About that time the banished men of Friseland which could obtaine no pardon from the dukes of Saxony father and sonne hearing that about Harderwyke in Geldres there were certaine troupes of soldiars that were not entertained by any some gentlemen Frisons that were fled out of their country went vnto them to drawe them vnto their seruice the which for money and faire promises marched with them towards Friseland But as they opprest the poore countrymen to much where they past they began to rise vpon them so as this troupe vanished and came to nothing Afterwards all these banished men with one common consent sent their deputies to Antwerp to the Archduke Philip and to duke Henry of Saxony for the Nobles there went Edo Iongama Edo Gerbranda Douwe Galama Tyark Walta Iuw Roorda Ian Roorda Rienick Campstra Ritsk Iuckama Sasker Heringa Wattie Harinxma Douwe Hiddama and Agge Lankama of Mackom for the clergy Hermā Pastor of Foswaert Albert Pastor of Styens Gello Pastor of Vollega some others of their Clergy These deputies
Geldres Prince Charles of Austria takes possession of the Netherlands George duke of Saxony resignes his interest of Friseland to Prince Charles Hee holds the feast of the golden sâ—…ce at Brusselles Philip Bastard of Bougongne Bishop of Vtrecht Maâ—…ten van Rossen Gouernor in Friseland Prince Charles crowned King of Spaine the death of the Emperor Maximilian Charles the â—…ift chosen Emperor the Lady Marguerite Duchesse of 〈◊〉 Gouernesse of the Netherlands Troubles in Spaine the King being absent warre in Friseland warre betwixt the French and the Bourguignons the Peasants warre in Germany the Groningeois reâ—…ing the Duke of Geldres giue themsselues to the Emperor the second bloudy Edâ—… made by the Emperor aâ—…st the Protestants of the Netherlands A tumult at Vtrecht who call in the Geldrois against their Bishop VVilliam van Enkeâ—…oort 59. Bishop of Vtrecht the Coronation of the Emperor Charles by the Pope An Impâ—…iall diet at Ausbourg whereas the Protestant Princes present a confession of their faith A wonderfull deuoâ—… rinâ—… Inundation in the Netherlands Mary of Austria Queene Douager of Hongarie succeeds in the gouernment of the Netherlands after the death of the Ladie Marguerite her Aunâ—… warre betwixt them of Lubâ—…c and Holland An Imperiall dyet held at Ratisbone concerning religion A peaâ—… betwixt the Emperor and the Duke of Geldres warre betwixt the French and the Bourguignons The townes of Geldres mutine against their duke the Emperor comes out of Spaine through France to punish the Ganthois warre betwixt the Emperor and the French King A peace concluded CHARLES the second of that name the 35. Earle of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland eldest sonne to the Archduke Philip of Austria and of Lady Iane Queene of Castile was borne at Gand in Flanders the 24 of February 1500. After the death of his Father he did inherit ouer and aboue the counties of Holland Zeeland West-frisland the Dutchies of Bourgongne Brabant Styria Carinthia Carniola Lembourg Luxembourg and Geldres The counties of Flanders Arthois Henault Bourgongne Ferrete Kyburg Namur and Zutphen the Landtgraueship of Elsaten the Marquisate of Burgau and of the holy Empire the Principalitie of Suaue and the Seigneuries of Windismark Portenau Salins and Macklin Afterwards hee conquered the Dutchie of Milan and did incorporate the country of Friseland Vtrecht Oueryssel Groningen Cambray and Cambresis all holding of the Empire The Emperour Maximilian hauing as we haue sayd taken vpon him the gardianship of his Nephews and Neeces retiring out of the Netherlands to goe into Germanie about the affaires of the Empire hee appointed his daughter the Lady Marguerite Douager of Sauoy Aunt to the Princes Charles and Ferdinand Regent of the low-countries in the name of the Prince her Nephewe who meaning to come out of Flanders into Zeeland she imbarked at Nyeuwerhauen right against Flesingue Philip of Bourgongne lord of Somersdike Admiral Adolphe of Bourgongne lord of Beueren with the Noblemen and deputies of the states of Zeland went with a good number of flie-boates shaloups other light boates to receiue her at the sayd place of Nyeuwerhauen Whilest that the sayd Noblemen were gone to land to entertaine the sayd Princesse the ships of war lying before the hauen shoting off their great Ordinance in signe of honour it happened that fire fell into the poulder of the Admirall so as many were slaine drowned and wounded but there were not any of these Noblemen in her al being gone to land in their long boates to salute the Gouernesse At that time died the vertuous Lady Anne bastard of Bourgongne Lady of Rauestein of whom we haue formerly spoken after that shee had recouered and walled in many Islands that were drowned in Zeeland To whose goods succeeded Baldwyn and Philip of Bourgongne her brethren except the Island of Duyueland the which returned to them of the house of Borssele from whence it first came William of Egmont Lord of Iselstein with the consent and coÌ„mission of the Emperour Maximillan and of his councell went to take and ransome some Inhabitants about Bommel for that they said they were of the Iurisdiction of Geldres and contrarywise the said Lord of Iselstein would haue them of his Princes Iurisdiction where-vpon the Duke of Geldres tooke occasion to reuiue the warres Saying that the Bourguignons had first of al broken the peace where-vpon the Geldrois lay in waite for the marchants of the Netherlands at their returne from Francfort Mart whome they spoiled and carried away prisoners to the towne of Gelder setting them at great ransomes besides their losses which they had taken from them In the same yeare 1508. Raoul Prince of Anhault of the noble and ancient house of Ascagâ—…e cheefe of Maximilian the Emperors Armie in the Netherlands â—…nt againe to beseege the castell of Puydroyen in the month of March from whence the duke of Geldres had forced Iohn of Egmont to raise his seege who hauing battred it and giuen diuers assaults in the which the marshall Seewint was slaine in the end it was yeelded to his mercie which was that the beseeged should depart euery one with a white wand retaining twelue to dispose of at his pleasure whom he caused to be presently hanged before the port then he caused both castell and fort to be ruied and razed In the meane time the duke of Geldres thought to surprise the towne of Harderwick which the Bourguignons held yet but he failed from thence the Prince of Anhalt went to beseege the towne of Wesep and the Castell of Muyden both together being but a quarter of a League one from an other The French king sent an ambassador to the Princes campe who did mediate the yeelding vp of the said two places by some good accord to the said Prince in the Emperors name after that the Geldrois had first been chased from the Block-house of Amsterdam and the Lord of Aymeries with his walons defeated vpon the mont of Muyden where the Lord of Iselstein was slaine In the yeare 1509. there died in the citty of Cologne Cont Henry of Stolburch Gouernor for the Duke of Saxony in the contry of Freeseland he was much lamented of the Frisons for his mild gouernment being a good Iusticer an vpright man fearing God after whose death Duke Georges Mareshall came into Friseland bringing with him Euerwin earle of Benthem with the dukes Comission to be gouernor of the said contry In the yeare 1510. there fell out great warre betwixt the King of Denmarke and the townes of the East contries as Lubeck Wismare Rostwicke and others Theyof Lubeck did write into Holland Zeeland and Freeseland for-bidding them to sayle into Denmarke but they would not forbeare for that the greatest profit of those contries consists in nauigation where-vpon the Lubeckers tooke some of their ships at two seuerall times their second losse was by the default of the Danes who did not succor them as they ought The yeare following the Esterlings came
the Bishop of Vtrechts forces vnder Nicholas of Wilderstorffe against the Geldrois and Frison Geldrois vnder the command of the Earle of Maeurs of Collonell Martin van Rossen and Captaine Grand Pierre for the Duke of Geldres vnto the yeare 1526. During the which there were many townes and castels taken and recouered againe on eyther side diuers incounters skirmishes and sieges raised where-with the whole country was miserably afflicted and ruined for if the poore country-men of eyther side would keepe any thing they must of necessitie carrie it into the townes from whence they might not retire it when they would Some writers speake diuersly of the causes and motiues of the warre betwixt the Emperour and the French King But all concurre that the election of Charles reuiued the old quarrels and bred new The French King had alwayes an eye to the realme of Naples hauing treated with Pope Leo for the recouerie thereof Hee desired also to restore the King of Nauarre to his kingdome seeing that the Emperour made no accoumpt to leaue it On the other side the Emperor was not well pleased to pay the 100000. crownes pension to the French king according to the accord made with the Lord of Cheures his Gouernour ratified by the Emperour Maximilian his grand-father for the rights pretended by the French king vpon Naples Hee did also beare the losse of the Duchie of Bourgongne impatiently seazed vpon by king Lewis the eleuenth after the death of Duke Charles his great Grand-father by the Mother side slaine before Nancy There wanted no quarrell also touching the Duchie of Milan As they were about to seeke occasions to assaile one another there was one offered small in shew at the beginning but it was the fire-brand to kindle this flame the which afterwards did thrust the greatest part of Europe into combustion and made these two Princes their successors and subiects so to afflict one another as all the miseries that might be imagined haue followed and this was the occasion There was a sute betwixt the Lord of Aymerie and the Prince of Chimay of the house of Croy for a Towne in the forrest of Ardennes called Hierges and a sentence giuen in fauour of Chimay by the Peers of the Dutchie of Bouillon who doe iudge soueraignely without any appeale from their sentences yet the Lord of Aimery who had great credit with the Emperor Charles and the chiefe in Court preuailed so as he obtained letters from the Chancerie of Brabant to call in the heyres of the Prince of Chimay to appeare at a certaine day and to heare the reasons of Aimery if need were and to see the sentence giuen in their fauour disanulled They seeing the wrong that was offered them repaired to Robert of Marcke Duke of Bouillon as to their Lord and Protector that he might defend the liberties and priuiledges of his Duchie being withall Tutor vnto Chimays children hauing married their Aunte Wherevpon the Duke did what he could possible to maintaine his rights but seeing that they meant to depriue him he addressed himselfe to the French king with whom he found meanes to make his peace being before in some disgrace with him putting into his hands both his person and his places crauing fauour and support that he might haue Iustice of the wrong done vnto his soueraigntie Hauing thus prouided for his affaires hee sent to defie the Emperor the which was a great presumption for him and he bought it full deerely at the diet at Wormes and soone after the Lord of Florenges his eldest sonne leuied 3000. foote and 500. horse in France against the kings Proclamation and went to besiege Vireton a small towne in the country of Luxembourg Heerevpon the King of England hauing perswaded the French King not to enter into quarrell for so small a subiect as that of Bouillon with the Emperour matters were past ouer and the Duke of Bouillon dismissed his Armie But in the meane time the Emperour raised one whereof the Earle of Nassau had the command with the which he tooke Longues Meusancourt Fleuranges Sanchy and Bouillon wherevpon the Duke finding himselfe too weake obtained a truce of the Emperor for sixe weekes onely The French King considering that the granting of this truce was a secret declaration of warre against him for that if the Emperor had had no other desseigne but against the Duke of Bouillon there had beene no need of any truce hauing meanes to ruine him within sixe weekes hee began in like sort to raise an Armie solliciting the King of England to ioyne with him The Emperour on the other side hauing this ouerture began to looke to himselfe and both Armies went to field attempting nothing yet one against the other for the King of England hauing offered to be an arbitrator of their quarrells a parle was appointed at Calais whether the Commissioners of both parties came But for that they did not yeeld vnto the Emperor the restitution of the Duchie of Bourgongue and the abolition of the homage of Flanders and Arthois which hold of the Crowne of France there was nothing concluded In the meane time the Lord of Liques a Wallon made an enterprise vpon the Abbay of Saint Amant in Tournesis belonging to the Cardinall of Bourbon and vpon a small Towne called Mortaigne not farre from thence of the county of Holland This Gentleman pretended these places to belong vnto him and made himselfe Maister thereof At the same instant the Lord of Fiennes Gouernor of Flanders did besiege Tournay of all which exploits the Emperour excused himselfe saying that they were priuate quarrels But the King seeing that the Imperiall Armie vnder colour that the truce with the Duke of Bouillon grew to an end approched neere Mouson hee sent some troupes thether and so the warre began betwixt these two great Princes both in Champaigne Picardie and else-where all which I will forbeare to write of in this worke both for that they do not properly concerne this subiect as also being set downe at large in the Historie of France George Schenck Gouernor of Friseland with the Lords of Wastenare and Castre hauing taken the fort of Warckom and Mackom the Townes of Dockom and Bolswaert with some other forts holding the Geldrois party they went to besiege the Towne of Sloten the which they did batter furiously and the besieged defended themselues as couragiously so as in a sally which they made in the night the Lord of Wassenare was shot in the arme and the Gouernor Schenck in the bottome of his belly yet they remoued not out of the Campe. Those of the Towne seeing there was no hope of succours were forced to yeeld The Earle of Maeurs being at Steenwyke and hearing that the Bourguignons had taken Sloten retired from thence vnder coulour that he went into Geldres as he sayd to the Duke to seeke for succours From Sloten the Gouernor Schenck went to besiege Lemmer those within it
towne with great furie and made a sufficient breache the Earle at dinner time when as the Gouernor and Captaines were at meate caused a furious assault to bee giuen and in the end forced the towne killing and massacring all that they mette in the heate of their furie not sparing any yea the bloud was mingled with the wine vpon the Tables the Bourguignons were in the towne before the French Captaines would beleeue it the towne being wonne some Bourgesses fled into the Castell the which after that the furie was past they yeelded to haue their liues saued The taking of this towne was re-markeable for the great effusion of bloud especially of the French Nobilitie a iust reward for their brauing presumption It was taken the thirteenth of Iune 1537. The Duke of Geldres not content with the peace which hee had made with the Emperor practised meanes to surprize the Towne of Enchuysen in Holland thereby to make himselfe maister of the Zuyderzee to which end hee furnished out fiue ships at Harderwyke in the which hee imbarked 700. men as secreatly as hee could in the night himselfe conuoying them euen vnto the Bridge These fiue shipps arriued the next day before Enchuysen by three of the clocke in the morning the soldiers lying hidden vnder hatches two of them entred into the Hauen where by reason of the peace they had with the Geldrois they had not shutte the barre so as ships might enter in by night But as GOD would haue it it was then a lowe water so as their ships could not floate And as the day appeared fearing to bee discouered after that they had attended foure houres for a high water they retired without any effect the two and twentith of Iune 1537. The Duke seeing his enterprise miscarried feared least the Hollanders should complaine vnto Queene Mary the Gouernesse hee therefore excused himselfe vnto them of Amsterdam how that his Nephew the Cardinall of Bourbon desiring to see him once before hee dyed had requested him to send these shippes for his garde but they had beene forced by the tide to enter into the hauen of Enchuysen intreating them of Amsterdam to giue a safe conduct to his Nephew by the Zuyderzee for fifteene daies They of Amsterdam hauing red this letter did wonder at the dukes subtill and sodaine inuention for they had certaine intelligence that hee himselfe had beene in person within Harderwick and had kept the towne gates shut two daies togither to the end that no man should go forth to aduertise them of Enchuysen and other sea townes of his comming that he had struck vp the drum to call soldiars togither and had made a proclamation that all such as had sworne to the King of France should imbarke presently and do whatsoeuer their captaines should command them vpon paine of death Although they of Amsterdam were well aduertised of all this by some of their Burgeses that were shut vp at that time in Harderwyck yet they would make no mention thereof but answered him onely That they had no authoritie to grant any pasport◅ to the Emperours enemies to come into his country but hee must seeke it from Queene Marie Gouernesse for the Emperour The Earle of Buren after the winnyng of Saint Poll tooke Monstruiel and then hee went and besieged Teroane a towne scituated in the midest of the countrie of Arthois two leagues and a halfe from Ayre and as much from Saint Omer During which siege the Marshall of Annebaut came with an armie to raise his campe or to victuall the towne The Earle of Buren being aduertised thereof hee sent the Earle of Roeux the Lord of Brederode and other Noblemen with troupes of horse and foote to cut off their passage the which they could not do being to farre aduanced euen iust to the towne but attending them in their returne they charged them in such sort as they were all defeated The Marshall of Annebaut chiefe of this army the Lord of Chastillon the Lord of Sercis sonne George Capusman captaine of the Albanois and about 1500. horse were prisoners besides those that were slaine vpon the place This incounter was called the battaile of Saguelets for that euery one of the French horse-men carried a bagge of poulder But presently after a truce was concluded for sixe monethes betwixt the Emperour and the French King so as Teroane was freed from siege Although that the yeare before 1536. there had beene a firme peace concluded betwixt the Emperor and the duke of Geldres yet the duke practised all the meanes hee could to surprise sometownes in Holland as hee had failed first at Enchuysen then at Gorrichom and lastly at Dordrecht And seeing all these deseignes to proue frutelesse hee deuised how hee might in his life time resigne all his Seigneuries to the French King The which not able to do without the generall consent of all the townes and country of Geldres hee commanded them to come all to Arnhem in October to heare that which hee should propound vnto them The deputies of all the townes being assembled he declared vnto them that being now growne old his desire was to prouide them now in his life time of a good Prince rich and mighty that had meanes to defend them against all men and therefore to that end hee would institute the French King in his place intreating them to consent therevnto and to accept him for their Prince and Lord and that in his hands they would take the oth of fealty and do homage vnto the King The deputies hearing this answered that they had once taken an oth of fealtie vnto him and therefore they would hould him for their Prince and Lord so long as he liued neither would they giue their faith vnto any other during his life But as the duke insisted still with great importunitie and that it seemed hee would forc◅ them for that hee had castells in all the townes the deputies desired to haue fiueteene daies respight to consider and resolue thereon the which hee granted them The deputies beeing all assembled to consult in what sort they might best gouerne themselues in this businesse And considering then the estate and scituation of their country lying in the midest of the Emperors territories they resolued not to giue thēselues vnto the French King The townes of the Duchy of Geldres and county of Zutphen hauing thus resolued as the Duke had his garrisons in the castells of some townes by the which he might bring in the French at his pleasure Those of Nemegen Zutphen Ruremonde and Venlo foure of the chiefe townes resolued by practises or force to seaze vpon their Castles the which they did presently ruine so as the Duke could no more enter at his pleasure The Duke seeing this made a leauie of 4000. men to terrifie them These Towens did also furnish themselues with soldiars Bourguignons and Cleuois euery one of them 300. men and Nymegen ouer and aboue entertained 300. horse
spent in occurrents to receiue aduises and commandements from Spaine these countries for want of preuoyance should fall into some bad inconuenience One thing there is that comforts him in this his departure from you That hee leaues you vnder the gouernment of the King our Lord here present his onely sonne and naturall heire whom you haue accepted and also giuen your oth who is of ripe yeares and allied the second time vnto the Queene of England the which is an alliance very profitable for these countries besides that hee hath long had the gouernment of many realmes and prouinces wherefore he is the more capable of this charge with the good helpe counsell and support of you my masters his faithfull vassals and subiects who may supply the place of his imperiall Maiestie giuing thankes vnto God who hath giuen him meanes so to prouide and to preuent the inconueniences which might otherwise haue happened to one that had beene young of yeares and not capable of so great a gouernment knowing the king not onely sufficient but also endued with a desire and affection to maintaine you and to employ himselfe for the good of these countries whom hee hath resolued to inuest in all his prouinces and realmes one after another as he hath not long since begun that by little and little he may inure himselfe to beaâ—…e this burthen the which he shall doe more easily than if at one instant so great a chaâ—…ge should fall vpon him before that he had beene acquainted with it According to this dâ—…rmination his imperiall Maiestie trusting that for these reasons you will like thereof and that for the loue of him you will willingly accept in his place the King our Lord and Prince his Maiestie doth now with ioy giue ouer these countries resigning them generally into the hands of the king his sonne leauing vnto him from this day forward the full and absolute possession thereof as hereafter by his death should lawfully fall vnto him by succession to administer rule and gouerne as his owne proper and patrimoniall inheritance entreating you â—…arnestly to receiue him willingly and cheerefully And according thereunto he doth quit free and absolue you of your oath of fealtie and homage which heretofore you haue made vnto his imperiall Maiestie that you may take the same vnto the king at the reception of your estates and offices holding him hereafter for your prince and soueraigne lord His imperiall Maiestie doth also entreat you most louingly to take in good part the loue and affection which by the effects he hath shewed you hauing omitted no trauell nor care belonging to his dutie with the good aduice and assistance of those that haue beene seruiceable vnto him and namely of my lady the queene his sister who hath employed all her studie and paines therein and vnder-gone many a long and painfull iourney being sorry that he could not assist them as he desired confessing that hee hath had good and loyall subiects who for their parts haue giuen him all faithfull assistance and dutifull obedience His imperiall Maiestie doth also thanke you for the succours which you haue giuen him in all his great and weightie affaires as with your good counsels and meanes hauing supplyed him at sundry times with many and great summes of money the which with those of his other Prouinces and Realmes which haue beene very great you know haue beene employed for the good and preseruation of these countries being exceeding sorry that after so great toyle trauell and charge hee hath not the meanes to free you from this warre neyther are you ignorant of his endeauors therein wherewith the queene his sister hath acquainted you in the last assembly and what hath past at the ouertures of peace and vpon what tearmes the French were resolued notwithstanding he hopeth that God who is a iust and righteous Iudge will one day giue him meanes to bring them vnto reason And that the king our prince will seeke all meanes to defend and maintaine you hoping that you will alâ—…o ay de him as you haue euer done his imperiall Maiestie vnto this day seeing that all tendeth to your preseruation to repell the danger and to repaire the mischiefe which warre may breed His imperiall Maiestie entreateth you that you will shew your selues somewhat bountifull in your owne affaires and need as for him he will giue him meanes to entertaine him honestly in his estate and to be able to arme against his enemies how great and mightie soeuer they be by whom through want of succour and helpe you may fall into great disasters the which by your good assistance may be auoided hee helping you therein all that he can Moreouer his Maiestie cannot otherwise doe but before his departure for your owne good and honour admonish and recommend the holy seruice of God vnto you vnder the obedience and reuerence due to our Mother the holy Church and to keepe and entertaine inuiolably the Edicts thereupon made by his imperiall Maiestie it is the point which he doth commaund and especially recommend vnto the king that hee may haue an especiall regard and care thereon whereunto bee you also the more enclined by the example of others that haue made the way to the end that doing your best endeauours towards him he may striue to doe you good and deliuer you from the oppression of your enemies That you also beare all honor and reuerence vnto Iustice that for want thereof humane societie and the common profit be not lost but that thereby you may liue in peace and concord with a carefull regard that the countries be no otherwise seperated nor diuided than the members from the body euery one helping and succouring one another according to his office and function by which vnion not only the enemie shall be kept from annoying you but you shall liue together ioyfully in rest tranquilitie experience hauing taught how well these countries could defend themselues vnto this day against all them that would offer them violence Finally he recommends vnto you the honor respect reuerence and obedience which you owe vnto the king our soueraigne prince and so to carry your selues towards him as you haue done hitherto to his imperiall Maiestie his affection to you being as sincere as can be desired giuing him occasion to continue so still and that he may bee a mild and gentle prince to you seeing that in viewing his life past we may iudge of his inclination to whom God giue his grace and fortifie him for the encrease of his estate and your defence and preseruation This speech being ended the Emperor began to speake as if he would confirme that which the Orator of Brussels had said whereupon the king rose stood neere his father who spake French the better to vnderstand what he would verbally declare The Emperor then said That he had forty yeares since in the same place been emancipated by the Emperour Maximilian his grandfather and put in
possession of those countries since which time he had run through many fortunes and endured great trauell as well in Spaine to embrace the affaires of queene Iane his mother and the gouernment of her kingdomes as of other Estates and as the said Emperor Maximilian died soone after foreseeing the dissention that might ensue if the Empire should fall into some rigorous strangers hand desiting the quiet and prosperitie of those countries he procured the imperiall dignitie whereunto by the grace of God he attained He shewed also how many troublesome long painefull and dangerous voiages he had made in passing and repassing the sea as well into Spaine as into Italy to the great perill of his person and namely in the voyages of Barbarie to Tunis and Alger He shewed also into what danger he had willingly thrust himselfe passing through Fraunce to preuent the inconueniences and troubles that were like to grow in the Netherlands the which he had alwayes in singular recommendation And as they had alwayes beene to him and he had found them his good subiects seruants and faithfull vassals so he entreated them to be the like vnto his sonne into whose hands considering his age and weakenesse hee resigned all those countries In speaking those words hee shewed such passion as that sighes interrupted his speech the teares trickling downe his cheekes the which were accompanied with the like by some others then hauing a little taken breath hee tooke his spectacles and looking vpon a little remembrance which hee had in his hand hee said That his sight and memorie were not so good as they had beene and that he felt himselfe to decline and to grow weake hourely vnable to endure the trauell that was requisite for the preseruation of the countrey and of them all the which did moue him chiefely to returne into Spaine and not to prolong his life the which he referred into the hands of God In the end he entreated them to continue in the Christian Religion as they had done vntill then and likewise to obserue Iustice remaining friends and vnited together Whereunto God the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost giue you his grace These words of the Emperor did moue the hearts of many noblemen which loued him who seeing him in this anguish of mind tooke pitie of him that being so mighty a Monarch hee could not shew the sincere affection which hee bare vnto his subiects but by effusion of teares After these words king Philip went to his seat and sat him downe Then stood vp doctor Mars an eloquent Orator of the towne of Antuerpe chosen to that end by the deputies of the States who hauing made a great reuerence to the Emperor King and both Queenes he made answer in the name of them all to the speech which the Counsellor of Brussels had made in the Emperors name and to that which his imperiall Maiestie had deliuered with his owne mouth saying as followeth Most mightie Emperour we know that your imperiall Maiesty hath so many yeares ruled and gouerned this Estate carefully and religiously with the great and infinite toyles which your imperiall Maiesty hath endured in many accidents as well in the countries realmes of your obedience as others as by your Orator and your owne discourse hath beene related and how great weightie and vrgent affaires your Maiestie hath had in what place soeuer yet the loue and fatherly affection which you haue alwaies borne to these your countries of inheritance and to the subiects thereof hath beene such as you haue neuer failed to giue them succours and comfort in time and season the which duly and exactly considered we find that your Maiesty is wel and wisely aduised as proceeding from a good zeale and affection to that you haue now propounded Wherefore the nobles prelates and deputies of the towne here present representing all the States in generall of these Netherlands although it bee a sword which wounds them vnto the heart to heare of your Maiesties departure yet desiring to conforme themselues in all things to your good will and pleasure doe first humbly and heartely thanke your imperiall Maiestie for the great honour bounty succours and defence which by the approued rule and gouernment of your imperiall Maiestie they haue heretofore felt and tasted euery one being ready by the vertue and full power giuen him by his commission to consent irreuocably and with all obedience to the said cession transport or resignation made by your imperiall Maiestie in such forme and manner as by right is requisite of all these Netherlands to the behoofe and profit of my lord the king here present whom from henceforth we doe aduow and acknowledge as our naturall prince and lord the lawfull sonne and onely heire of your imperiall Maiestie being ready to renew the oth which heretofore in the yeare 1549 we made vnto him with all other necessarie duties vsuall in the like case giuing immortall thankes vnto God for this great fauour which he hath done vnto your imperiall Maiestie and to vs to haue giuen you such a sonne the sole and only heire of so many kingdomes and prouinces whilest you are yet in good health whom wee receiue generally and cheerefully acknowledging him for our prince and soueraigne lord of all these countries giuing and submitting all our persons and goods vnder his royall protection and fatherly care promising to obey him in all equitie and to bee seruiceable vnto him for euer praying the Almightie God to maintaine him with all prosperity a long and a happy life in the possession of so many kingdomes and seigniories and to graunt vnto his imperiall Maiesty his holy long and perdurable blessings and after this life eternall rest The which God the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost graunt you Amen The next day about nine of the clocke in the morning the deputies of the dutchie of Brabant were sent for to come to Court whereas king Philip before them of Antuerpe Brussels and Boisleduc together with the small townes and botoughes hauing the priuiledge of towns made and renewed the oath which he had taken at his ioyfull entrie the eight of Iuly in the yeare 1549 To keepe them maintaine them and preserue them in their ancient rights priuiledges and customes without breaking them or suffering them to be broken in any sort or manner Whereupon the deputies of the three chiefe townes of the said dutchie of Brabant that is to say Antuerpe Brussels and Boisleduc seeing that Louaine would not appeare as we haue said but by protestation did also take the oath of fealtie and homage vnto him acknowledging him for their lord and duke of Brabant with the solemnities and ceremonies vsuall in the like case wishing him much happinesse encrease of his estates and long life About that time ended the imperiall Diet held at Ausbourg whereas king Ferdinand did preside in the Emperours name in the which after long strife and debate there was concluded That
king Philip his sonne and giuing him his last blessing hee imbraced him and bad him farewell as hee did all the princes and noblemen then he imbarked with the two queenes his sisters and sayled towards Spain where they arriued in a short time hauing a prosperous wind Hauing rested some dayes in the citie of Valladolit he made choice for his retreat of a Monasterie of S. Ierosme the Hermit situated in Estremadura not farre from Placence an vnfrequented place and fit to meditate on heauenly things being retired from all wordly cogitations whither he caused himselfe to be conducted to passe the rest of his daies there which were not aboue two yeares spending his time in holy and godly workes and giuing himselfe wholly to a contemplatiue life And for that he would bee the better able to spend his time in prayers and the seruice of God hee would haue his sisters liue from him at Valladolit that they might not trouble him he reserued but 100000 crownes a yeare to himselfe whereof he imployed only 4000 for his diet and entertainment the rest he appointed to marry yong maids to relieue widowes and orphanes and for other workes of charitie as befits a good and Christian prince D. GShilippus Rex Catholicus PHILIP OF AVSTRIA THE SIX AND thirtieth Earle of Holland Zeeland c. the second of that name duke of Brabant c. Earle of Flanders c. By true and right discent of Holland I am Lord And of the wealthie Netherlands vnited by accord But cruell counsell of th' Inquisition Was cause that did procure their woe and great destruction Loue burning in my brest did me his subiect make And moued me foure seuerall wiues one after other take My cousin last of them a sonne onely did leaue Of tender yeares when cruell death did her of life bereaue THE EIGHT BOOKE The Argument THe birth of Philip the second of that name king of Spaine Pope Paul the fourth seeks occasions to make war against him who sends the duke of Alua for his generall King Philip giues the order of the Golden Fleece at Brussels A great famine in the Netherlands in the yere 1536 1537. S. Quintines besieged by the Bourguignons the French thinking to releeue it are defeated The â—…onstable of France and many noble men are prisoners and in the end the towne is taken by assault Ham and â—…hastelet yeelded Calais besieged by the French and yeelded by the English to the duke of Guise with Guines â—…hich was taken by assault and the castle of Hames abandoned Theonuille yeelded to the French Aaclon taken and burnt by them with the townes of Winox-Berghe and Dunkerke The same French men vnder the marshall 〈◊〉 Termes are defeated in battaile neere vnto Grauelingue The death of the emperour Charles the fifth to when his brother Ferdinand king of Romanes and Hungarie succeeded About the same time died the queens Dowaers of France and of Hungarie the emperours sisters with Marie queene of England to whom her sister Elizaâ—…eth succeeded A peace betwixt France and Spaine by mariages The king of Spaines mariage turned into teres by the death of Henry the second the French king ¶ Marguerite of Austria bestâ—…d to the emperour Charles the fifth duchesse of Parma succeeds the duke of Sauoy in the gouernment of the Netherlands The kig of Spaines last departure out of the said countries The death of George of Egmont bishop of Vtrecht to whoâ—… succeeded Frederic Schenck of Taulenburch who was the last bishop A subtill bringing in of the Spanish Inâ—…isition into the Netherlands by the creation of new bishops An abstract of the life of cardinall Granuellet A diuision betwixt the chiefe noblemen of the countrey The earle of Egmont sent into Spaine touching the trobles that were like to grow and what answer he brought Letters from the Gouernesse to the counsellors of the pouinces touching the edicts and the Inquisition The prince of Oranges answere to the Gouernesse The first beâ—…inning proceeding and effects of the Inquisition An enterview of the noblemen of the countrey A discourse â—…ewing the meanes to redresse the troubles An assembly of the nobilitie at the mariage of the prince of Parmain Brussels and afterwards at Saint Truden to preuent the troubles their compromise and confederation A petition made by them of Brabant to the king of Spaine to preuent the troubles A petition made by the nobilitâ—… against the bloudie edicts and the Inquisition The Duchesse answere thereunto and all her practises to circumâ—…nt them and disioine them as she did The first defeat of the Protestants in the Netherlands Tournay made sâ—…biect by practise Valenciennes besieged battered and yeelded The defeat of Austruel The negotiation of the lord of Brederode in Amsterdam who retires into Germanie and so dothe the prince of Orange The death of the Marques of Berghen in Spaine An apologie made by the Protestants of the Netherlands touching the cause and beginning of the troubles PHILIP of Austria the thirtie sixth Earle of Holland and Zeeland the second of that name Lord of Vtrecht Friseland Ouerissell and Groningen the onely sonne of Charles the fifth Emperor of Romanes and of the lady Isabella daughter to king Dom Emanuel of Portugall He was borne the 21 day of May in the yere 1527 at Valiodolit in Spain where he was nourished and bred vp for the space of twentie two yeares vntil that in the yeare 1549 the emperour his father sent for him to come into the Netherlands to haue made him aswel his successor in the empire if it had been possible as of all his other kingdoms and Belgicke prouinces whereof the emperour as we haue said in the former booke disrobed himselfe and put him in full possession thereof in his life-time The emperour beeing retired into Spaine to a solitarie and a contemplatiue life king Philip his sonne began to order and settle the gouernment of the Netherlands making Eâ—…nuel Philibert duke of Sauoy lieutenant-generall of his armie And hauing sent thomaâ—… ques of Pesquaire before to take possession of the realme of Naples in his naine hee 〈◊〉 â—…oice of Dom Fernando Aluares of Toledo duke of Alua to be his viccroy there And foâ—…ch aâ—… at that time the war against the French began to grow more violent he commanded the dukâ—…â—…o depart presently out of the Netherlands and to go into Italie giuing him charge to stay soâ—…e time at Milan and to dispose of matters concerning the warre In the which the duâ—… of Alâ—… as generall for the Spanyard and Francis of Lorraine duke of Guise for the French king wâ—… small honor and reputation This war of Italie was attempted by king Philip against the popâ—… in whose succour Henry the 2 the French king sent the duke of Guise with an armie whiâ—… war for that it doth not concerne our hystorie of the Netherlands we will omit and refer tâ—… curious reader to them that treat of that subiect This Summer
in the yeare 1556 king Philip pretending many goodly reasons and colour but the chiefest was to free and satisfie those debts wherewith the emperour had left hiâ—… charged made an excessiue demaund for the first aid and subuention which he required froâ—… his subiects of the Netherlands but he could not obtaine a moitie of that which he preteâ—…ded neither would that be granted without a conuocation of the generall estates of the 17 Bâ—…gicke prouinces the which was wonderfully ill taken by the Spanish counsell and by thâ—… that inriched themselues with the treasure to the peoples ruine so as some noblemen and gâ—…uernors of prouinces and townes were not only in disgrace with the king and his counsel bâ—…t were also iudged guiltie of high treason and the noblemen which had in any sort contraâ—…cted this demand were marked vnto death vpon the first opportunitie that should be offered for that they would not instantly yeeld vnto the first demaund without any conuocatiâ—…n of the states Notwithstanding that which was granted him being called the Nouenalâ—…yde amounted in all to fortie millions of florins of Brabant money But this conuocation of the generall states was both to the king and his counsell as it hath been euer since most olious as we shall see by the beginning of the trobles which happened in the said Netherlands wherof grew the wars the which haue continued since the yeare 1566 vnto this day On S. Andrewes day the same yeare king Philip held the feast and chapter of the orde of the golden Fleece in the towne of Brussels where as these knights following were newly ceated William of Nassau prince of Orange Philip of Montmorency earle of Horne the earle of Lalaine the earle Amorall of Egmont the duke of Arschot the lord of Molembais the â—…ord of Glaison and the lord of Barlamont The 22 of December the lady Marguerite of Ausâ—…ia duchesse of Parma bastard sister to king Philip came to the court to Brussels with her son â—…lexander Farnese a goodly yong prince and of great expectation of whom wee shall haue suficient matter to speake hereafter the king went forth of the towne to receiue her This Winter was wonderfully sharpe and rigorous as well by reason of the extreame cold weather as through famine which ensued whereof died in the towne of Brussels I omit other great townes by the report of the masters of hospitals aboue 19000 poore creatures of 〈◊〉 sorts men women and children which repaired thither from all places for the great charitieâ—…â—…alms which the king and noblemen in court gaue There was a drought continued from Iuly 1556 vnto the same moneth the yeare following in which yere not only corne and all sorts of pulce was exceeding deere but all other things that were to be eaten for that the vehement cold of the Winter past had spoiled all so as the poore soules knew not wherewithall to fill their bellies and when they had gotten any store of almes through the deuotion of well disposed people they burst themselues with eating or the meat being stronger than their weake stomac would beare made them die EMANVEL PHILIBERT DVKE OF SAuoy Prince of Piemont Gouernor and Lieutenant generall of the Netherlands for King PHILIP EMANVEL PHILIBERT DVX SABAVDIAE GVBERNATOR BELGIâ—…Ae I am EMANVEL PHILIBERT Duke of Sauoy That for long time did not one foot within the same enioy Mine vncle th'emperour maintain'd me in estate And of his sonne the gouornment of Netherlands I gate Where hauing rul'd a while at last did peace obtaine Which beeing made my lands to me restored were againe Henry the French kings sister to my spouse I had And by that meanes assurance of the peace to me was made From thence I tooke my way to Piemont and Sauoy Whereas my subiects me receiu'd with great and extreame ioy KIng Philip hauing after the emperours retreat out of the Netherlands appointed the duke of Sauoy his cosin to be gouernour and his lieutenant generall of the said countries he returned the ninth of December the same yeare 1556 from England to Brussels The English hauing before taken a fort neere vnto Boulogne vpon the sea put all the French men they found in it to the sword they found in it about fiftie cart loads of corne the which they did imbarke and brought to Middlebourg in Zeeland The queene of England and cardinall Poole by much means and long solicitation brought the matter of controuersie betweene the kings of France and Spain to such effect that she got them to agree to a truce and abstinence of warre both by water and by land for the space of fiue yeares that in the meane time they might draw to a good and continuall peace and the better to procure the same certaine mariages were propounded And vpon the last of Ianuary 1556 the said truce on the king of Spaines behalfe was at Brussels sworne vnto monsieur Chastilion admirall of France and at Blois on the French kings behalfe vnto the earle of Lalaine This truce was made wholy against the kings mind but well knowne to the counsellor Simon Renart and to the earle of Lalaine whereby great hatred and enmitie ensued and was after chiefe cause of the controuersies and troubles that ensued in the Low countries This yeare in the moneth of August there happened a great conflict betweene diuers Holland and French ships betweene Douer and Calis the Hollanders being twentie two marchants ships that came out of Spaine and amongst them had appointed one ship to be their admiral as the manner is amongst ships of warre promising and swearing not to forsake one the other but valiantly to fight and defend themselues the French men intending to take them had assembled nineteene ships of warre and six or seuen pinnaces and meeting them before Calis they set vpon them and in the end boorded them making their ships fast one vnto the other with hookes and other meanes the Hollanders as much as they could kept close together and defended themselues valiantly and lay so close and thicke together that they might fight almost as well as if they had beene on land the Hollanders ships were higher and stronger than the French ships but the French ships were both better appointed and manned for the war at the last when they had fought six hours beginning at nine of the clocke in the morning and continuing till three of the clocke in the afternoone one of the ships was set on fire which by reason of the wind that began to rise was so spread abroad that the fire tooke in most of the ships before they could part asunder which made them to cease the fight euery man seeking to saue his life in the ships that were not on fire many of them leaping into the sea and swimming to the next ship they came at whether it were friend or foe were by that meanes taken prisoners whereby the French men perceiuing themselues to be stronger in
some of the Hollanders ships than the Hollanders themselues were tooke fiue of them and brought them into Deepe In this fight the Hollanders had sixe ships burnt and the French men sixe and one sunke in the sea It was thought that the French men lost many thousand men their admirall being one and the Hollanders about 300 men This fight was esteemed an honourable action for the Hollanders because they were but marchants ships and the French men ships of war and better manned While they were busied in the Netherlands touching the ratifying and establishing of a truce there began a new warre in Italy by meanes of pope Paul the fourth the first inuenter of the Iesuiticall sect This Paul was one of the familie and house of Caraffa in Naples that alwayes held with the French men in their Nepolitane warres and for that cause were most of them banished out of Naples and serued vnder the French men This Iesuiticall cardinall Caraffa being pope began to fauour and aduance his owne family and kindred thereby seeking meanes to be reuenged on the noblemen and cardinals which in Italy being their enemies were such as fauoured the emperour and the house of Burgondie as also vpon the houses and families of Columna Romanes and others charging them to be conspirators against him and for that cause persecuted them to the vttermost of his power whereby they were compelled to seeke aid of the viceroy of Naples the duke of Alua the duke of Florence and others who the willinglier granted thereunto because the pope refused to inuest the king with the crown of Naples which he holdeth as tributarie to the sea of Rome and seemed to threaten to excommunicat and curse both the emperour and the king of Spaine for which cause the duke of Alua came to aid the house of Columna and sore anoied the pope taking many places from him whereby he was constrained to craue aid of France which alwayes held and maintained the sea of Rome For which cause in the end of the yeare 1556 the duke of Guise was sent into Italy with eighteene or twentie thousand horse and foot men which did the pope no great pleasure for that the duke of Alua hauing besieged Rome and the king of Spaine hauing woon the battaile at S. Quintines which the pope had heard of the French men were sent for to returne againe into France by which meanes a deuout peace was made the duke of Alua first seeking it and went into Rome to kisse the popes foot and by that meanes got the great priorship of Spaine for his bastard sonne Don Ferdinando de Toledo The war in this sort begun in Italy notwithstanding the truce made betweene both parties not long before the French men and the Spanyards sought to intrap one the other vpon the borders of the Netherlands and to that end vpon Twelfe eue the admirall of France then gouernor of Picardy thought secretly to haue taken the towne of Doway thinking to deceiue the townes-men when they were busie drinking vnto their kings but he failed of his purpose after that hee tooke Leus in Artois which he pilled and spoiled The same yeare in the moneth of March the king of Spaine went into England to his wife queene Mary to haue some aid from her who vpon the seuenth of Iune by sound of trumpet openly proclaimed warre against France both by water and by land and by a booke put in print charged the king of France to haue conspired against her with the duke of Northumberland sir Thomas Wâ—…at Dudley Ashton and other English nobles in regard that hee supported and prouoked them against her as he had done the like to retaine rouers and false coiners of her money wholy against the promise by him made vnto her embassadors as also that not long before he had sent Thomas Stafford one of her rebellious subiects to take the castle of Scarborow and had secretly conspired against the towne and countrey lying about Calis and for that he made warre vpon the Netherlands which the kings of England were by contract long since made alwayes bound to aid and assist and that hee had little esteemed of her intercession of peace and desired no friendly nor good neighbourhood and for those causes she thought it conuenient to declare and hold him for her open enemie which she caused to be signified vnto him by a herault he being then at Reims in Campaigne which herault being rewarded by the king of France was presently returned backe againe with this answere saying That seeing his lady and princesse would now become his vtter enemie whereas hee had alwayes beene her friend he hoped by Gods helpe that hee should find meanes ynough against a woman and to get the better hand of her as his progenitors had alwayes done the like against their enemies The warre in this sort being proclaimed the queene of England raised an armie of sixe or eight thousand horse and foot-men and some pioners which were al apparelled in blew cassocks vnder the conduction of the earle of Pembrooke with the lord Clinton and the lord Mountague and three lord Dudleyes sonnes of the duke of Northumberland and many others which went to Calis and from thence marched to S. Quintines and there ioyned with the king of Spaines armie and holpe him to assault and win the said town where the lord Henry Dudley was slaine in the assault The king of Spaine being in England vpon the sixt of Iuly Emanuel Philibert duke of Sauoy began to raise an armie by aid of the prince of Orange the duke of Arschot the earle of Egmont the earle of Megen the earle of Mansfelt the earle of Barlemont and others with whom were ioyned the Dutch horse and foot and with that armie marched towards Guise making shew to besiege the same and incamped themselues not farre from it but their number daily increasing the duke of Sauoy sodainly approached and inclosed the towne of Saint Quintines with his light horse-men Within the towne there was a company of horse-men led by monsieur Tiligny and captaine Brudit as then gouernor of the towne and not long after in the night time Iasper Coligny earle of Chastilion admirall of France got into the towne The siege being strongly placed round about the same the ordnance was planted and diuers mines and sconces made about it The meane time Henry king of France sent an armie of men vnder the leading of the constable of France and the duke de Montmorancy to put more men and victuals into the towne which they thought to do by meanes of a marsh or poole of water lying upon the one side of the towne and to that end the constable came with his armie and lodging not far from the duke of Sauoyes campe shot out of his armie into the Spanish armie and to the duke of Sauoyes tent whereby he was forced to dislodge and to go into the earle of Egmonts quarter With the constable of
wise temperate stout and high minded prince of great experience and fortunate but somewhat selfe-willed Before his death he obtained the full power and gouernment of the dukedome of Guelderland the carldome of Zutphen the baronies of Vtrecht and Oueryssel the baronie of Groning the towne of Cambricke and the earledome of Linghen all in the Netherlands he had the earledome of Flanders and other prouinces that as yet were in a manner contributaries to the crowne of Fraunce but freed from the same for euer by contract the kingdome of Tunes the countries of America Naples Sicilia and Myllan which hee woon and assured vnto himselfe his souldiers woon Rome he tooke prisoners Pope Clement the seuenth the king of France the king of Nauarre and the elector of Saxon the duke of Cleue the Lantgraue of Hessen and others submitted themselues vnto him In his latter daies fortune was not so fauourable vnto him by reason of his obstinacie bad counsell and hard resolution Keeping the Lantgraue prisoner he was by Maurice elector of Saxon and other princes that had made a contract with the king of France compelled not onely to set the Landtgraue free but also to lose the fruits of his victorie in Germanie as many hystories sufficiently declare the same He left issue by lady Isabell of Portugall king Philip his onely sonne daughters Mary married to the Emperour Maximilian and Ioanna princesse of Portugall with more naturall children or bastards as Don Iohn de Austria and Marguerite dutchesse of Parma And so king Philip in one yeare lost his father his wife and his two aunts In December after he celebrated their funerals in Brussels but aboue all the rest he made a most triumphant funerall for the Emperour his father with a victorious ship armes standards and banners of all his honours which was most triumphantly borne throughout the streets In the same yeare and about that time there died two kings in Denmarke as Christian then king and Christierne that had laine two and twentie yeares prisoner because of the tyrannie that he had shewed vnto his subiects being neuerthelesse a mightie king of three kingdomes as Denmarke Swethland and Norway but he fell into such hatred of his people that they forsooke him and chose another king and in Anno 1532 when with a great armie and by the aid of the Emperor Charles he thought to win Denmarke againe he was by them ouerthrown and taken prisoner which was a wonderfull worke and punishment of God shewed vpon him for his vnmercifulnesse and tyrannie and an excellent example for princes in our time Not long before he died he was friendly visited by king Christian where they forgaue each other from their hearts This Christiern married Isabella sister to the Emperour Charles the fifth by whom he had issue a sonne that died in the Netherlands at the same time that his father was taken prisoner and two daughters the one Palsgraueni the other called Christiana that was dutchesse of Lorraine and in Anno 1558 was a mediator of the peace betweene Fraunce and Spaine whose sonne being duke of Lorraine maried Claude second daughter to the king of France vpon the last of Ianuarie 1559. As I said before the death of the queen of England prolonged the treatie of peace between the kings of Fraunce and Spaine but in Februarie after the Commissioners on both sides assembled againe in the castle of Cambryse where also there came the queene of Englands embassadours as the bishop of Ely the lord Howard baron of Effingham Doctor Wotton and the Deane of Canterburie and for the duke of Sauoy two deputies and with all those the aforesaid dutchesse as mediator with her sonne and after some delayes at last they proceeded so farre that there seemed nothing resting to be done but onely that the Englishmen desired to haue Callis restored againe vnto the queene wherein king Philip sought to haue her satisfied and contented or els he would accept of no peace because that during his warres and by his meanes it had beene lost but the Frenchmen boldly alleadging that queene Elizabeth was not lawfull queene of England but the Scottish queene as being right heire thereunto by discent from the grandmother king Henry the eights eldest sister that as then had maried the Dolphin of Fraunce they said and affirmed that she had nothing to do therewith Whereby the queen of England began to suspect that the peace which as then was entreating of might be made only to compell her to hold and obserue the Catholicke Romish Religion which as then she began to alter and change within her kingdomes to the dishonour of king Philip and therefore thought it best for her to make an assured peace with France wherein on both sides one Guido Caualcanti a gentleman of Florence was specially employed by whose meanes vpon the second of Aprill 1559 an agreement was made in the castle of Cambresis and after much debating of the cause it was agreed That Calis should be vnwalled and so deliuered ouer vnto the queene but in the end they concluded That Calis and the Earledome of Oyen should continue eight yeres in the French kings hands and then should be restored to the queene againe without any defacing with all things that belonged therunto only with sixteene brasse pieces of diuers greatnesse and for assurance thereof the French king should giue six or seuen sufficient marchants for sureties of the same which should be bound in the summe of fiue hundred thousand crownes and vntill such time that the peace might not be delayed as those marchants should be committed prisoners in Bruges there should be fiue French gentlemen put into the queenes hands for hostages which euery fiue months she might change but for that this contract concerned many matters touching Scotland the queene of Scots then taking on her the title and armes of England and Ireland for the which after that there grew some contention part of the said hostages got away and others by new contracts were set at liberty and discharged and so the Frenchmen still held Calis The queen of England thus contented satisfied the peace betweene the two kings of France Spaine was concluded at Cambresis vpon the third of Aprill 1559 and proclaimed in Brussels vpon the fifth of April after The old controuersies that had continued for the space of fiue twentie yeares were on both sides wholly excluded out of the same as the soueraignty that France pretended to haue ouer Flanders Artois Rissel Doway Dornick the kingdome of Naples and the dutchie of Millan c. and the king of Spaines pretence ouer Burgundie Prouence the townes vpon the riuer of Some and the earledome of Bolonois The principall articles of the said peace being as followeth for the rest I refer the Reader to diuers hystories wherethey may see them at large this seruing onely for a memoriall First That a good peace should be holden betweene the said kings their children and subiects
out the new religion yet it is most manifest that it is no new thing to endure two religions in one countrey yea and that all wise kings and princes haue so done according to the necessitie of the time for although the religion of those emperours were bad yet they held it good holy as the king holds his and it was the religion which they had receiued from their ancestors aboue three thousand yeares past But wee find also that Christian emperours haue endured false religions as it appeares by the examples of Theodotius Honorius and Arcadius who gaue temples to the Arrians and Noâ—…atians sometimes within sometimes without the citie as the necessitie of the time and place required In the Ecclesiasticall hystorie it is reported for a remarkable thing that Valentinianus the emperour was Orthodoxe and a good Christian yet he suffered the Arrians though he fauoured them not so much as the others Valens his collegue or companion in the empire was an Arrian and would by no meanes suffer the Christians in his gouernment but did persecute them in all sorts whereby wee may easily gather that in all well gouerned commonweales to auoid seditions and tumults it is sometimes necessarie to grant temples vnto hereticks not to the intent they should disperse their heresies more but that the people hearing the truth confronted with falshood might without mutines or tumults apply themselues quietly vnto the true and right religion But our Lord and Sauiour saith That he came to bring warre and not peace into the world so as in one house there shall bee dissention betwixt the father and the sonne the brother and the brother c. How can we then maintaine the religion of Iesus Christ if they will reduce all the world to one faith and one law seeing that for the ordering thereof he doth not command the faithfull to kill the rest but contrariwise he saith That the Apostles and faithfull should bee betrayed excommunicated and put to death for their faith and religion and therefore hee will haue them win the field through patience and the vertue of his word So as I cannot wonder sufficiently at the impudencie of these men who making a shew to be well read in all antient hystories dare maintain that there were neuer two diuers religions in one commonweale For what will they answer to the diuersitie alreadie alledged betwixt the Pharises Saduces and Essâ—…es without doubt they shall neuer find that by reason of these sects there was any great difficultie in the gouernment nor that Iesus Christ or his Apostles did euer command to burne them for their law What shall we say of the diuersitie of religions that were among the Heathen wherof one did not know anothers gods no not the names and some also maintained publikely That God did not care for humane things and yet wee find not that the gouernment of the Romans was troubled for this cause But who doth not see at this day vnder the great Turke a great diuersitie of religions so as among the Christians alone there are fifteene or twentie sects and sundry religions besides the Iewes Persians and Mahumetists all subiects to his empiâ—…e the which are more contrarie one vnto another for matter of religion than water is contrarie to fire Without doubt if these diuersities were the true cause of seditions and tumults it were not possible that the Turkes power should grow so great It is then a great ignorance to thinke that subiects cannot bee maintained in quiet when they are of diuers religions for who so will looke neerely to the spring and beginning of tumults and seditions hee shall find that they proceed not so much from the diuersitie of religions as through priuat passions as couetousnesse ambition reuenge hatred and such like from the which â—…all quarrâ—…ls may grow and when the magistrat preuents it not in time then by little and little they inflame and are cause of tumults and publike seditions Witnesse the troubles and seditions in Italy betwixt the Guelphes and Gibellins the which continued foure hundred yeares and was the cause of infinit murthers rapes warre and al sorts of violence and yet there was no difference in the religion but all did grow for that the magistrat did feed the priuat passions of their subiects in steed of suppressing them by iustice And as for controuersies touching religion it is not two hundred yeares since that the controuersies betwixt the Franciscans and the Iacobins for the conception of the virgine Marie had caused great troubles throughout all Christendome not that the controuersie was of any great importance but through the negligence of the magistrats who nourished these factions and became partisans Seeing then it appeareth that whereas good order hath beene setled people of diuers sects and religions haue beene quietly gouerned without any sedition or tumult and contrariwise whereas no order was not onely diuersitie of religion but euen smal quarrels haue bred horrible seditions and tumults any man of iudgement may gather thereby that seditions and tumults take not their increase from the importance of the quarrell whereon they are grounded but rather through the want of good order for that the magistrats neglect to punish them that entertaine them or else themselues maintaine one partie the which is confirmed by many antient and moderne examples And who so will examine strictly the last troubles of France shall find that the greatest part haue happened for that some mightie men or gouernors themselues hauing no regard to the publike good nor to the ordinances of the states haue at their owne pleasures plaid the kings and insulted of their owne authorities ouer them of the religion I thinke no man is so ignorant but knowes that the murther committed at Vassy by the duke of Guise against the lawes of the king and state hath beene the true and onely cause of the ciuile warres which followed to the ruine of the whole realme for whilest the kings proceeded by their authoritie there was no newes of any sedition how greeuous soeuer the persecutions were But when as gouernors of their own authorities offered violence to them of the religion presently all these tumults grew the which may serue vs for a good example whereby wee may learne to auoid the like inconueniences and take some good course for the benefit of the king and the good of all his good subiects which seeke onely to obey him It is then easie to resolue that good order would be setled if libertie should bee graunted to them of the religion to assemble and exercise their discipline restraining and bridling them with such lawes as shall be thought good And that the kings magistrats and officers be carefull to execute his Maiesties intention foreseeing aboue all things that the people vsurpe not the authoritie of the sword vnder colour of the factions of great men So as aboue all things there must be a preuention that all violence be forbidden of
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
Of which Prelates and of some others tending to the sayd disiunction some were committed to prison by the suspitious Bourguers Among the which was Damp Iean Sarazin Abbot of Saint Vaast in Arras the keeper of his graine the Signior of Valhuon his great Bayliffe Gerard de Vos Signior of Beaupere Lieutenant ciuill in the Towne Iames de Lattre Aduocate to the Lord of Capres the Chanoine Merline the Signior of Warluzel the Signior of Comtee and â—…swatines sonne in lawe to the Signior of Naues President of Arthois the Deputies of the Towne of Saint Omer beeing then resident in Arras the Councellor of the Towne the Register of the States of Arthois the Proctor Pinchon and diuers others of qualitie all suspected to bee ill affected to the generall vnion This I say made the Arch-duke to ordaine the which hee did afterwards reiterate by expresse charge and commandement to Capres Gouernor and Magistrate of the sayd Towne to haue a Colledge erected of fifteene of the quietest and wisest Bourguers of the Towne which should bee elected and chosen out of their fifteene companies of Bourgers three to bee named in euery company and the most capable and sufficient of the three to bee chosen to haue the priuate charge and to watche for the publicke good for all inconueniences that might happen as well by factions and practises as otherwise in all occurrents To the which were named maister Robert Bertoul Signior of Halenges Maister Nicholas Gosson a great Lawyer William Caulier Signior of Belacourt Maister Peter Bertoul Signior of Bois Bernard Iames Moullot a Bachelor of the Lawes Iames Caffart Receiuer to the Vicont of Gant Robert Vassal Nicholas Denis Louis Roche Iohn Widebien Signior of Iumelle Iohn Pottier Morand Campe Sebastien Chocquet Vincent Flamen and Robert Penin a Proctor The election of all which fifteene aboue named was done in the end to the great greefe and discontent of the Lord of Capres and the Magistrates who could not contradict it nor delay the election any longer But they did not cease afterwards to giue vnto the sayd Elect whome they called the Deputies of the Bourgesie all the crosses they could for that they had obteyned a Collegiall chamber in the State-house detracting and slandering them in all sorts although they did not meddle any thing with the pollitike gouernement nor vsurpe any of the Magistrates authoritie nor of the Gouernors vnderstanding this charge freely and without any fee the sayd Gouernor and Magistrates seeking onely to make them odious to the Bourguers that they might be rid of them vpon the first occasion Not-with-standing these fifteene Deputies as well in priuate as in open assembly of the Bourguers labouring continually to maintaine the vnion of the towne representing the great inconueniences which did hang ouer the countrey of Arthois if they should bee at any time so miserable as to disioyne them-selues from their ancient good neighbours and confederate countrey-men the Flemmings and Brabanders beeing as it were allyed to Arthois from whome they had receiued so many benefits yea that of hospitalitie with all good vsage and courtesie when as during the warres against the French they had beene often-times forced to flye vnto them The sayd fifteene producing many re-markeable examples of former times to confirme them In the meane time the Signior of Capres and the young Magistrates hauingâ—…ir first heate of zeale to their countrey cooled whereby their ambition had mounted to the highest degree one being become Pensioner to the Abbot of Saint Vaast another to the said Gouernor other kinsmen fauorers and allies to the said William le Vasseur began to giue eare to them that practised this disvnion By whose perswasion the chiefe of Arthois made diuerse assemblies in the Bourough of Secli at Beauâ—…ort in the Abbey of Mont Saint Eloy and in other places where as some of these young Aldermen assisted to second them that did so much affect the disiunction of this Prouince some-times writing to the Townes of Lille Douay Mons and others to bring them to their bowe But not-with-standing all the aduertisements which thâ—…se fifteene Deputies gaue in vaine to the Arch-duke and the States that they might preuent it for that the Vicont of Gant Gouernor generall of Arthois then well affected vnto them remained in the Armie beeing Generall of the horse and therefore was for the most part absent from Arras The Signior of Capres his partisans and the magistrats proceeding on still in their dessigns had so aduanced their affaires as they held themselues assured of Bethune Saint Omer Aire Hesdin and other places nothing remayning more but Arras where there were so many opponents and so cleere sighted as it was imposible for them to execute their practises if they did not first supplant and displace these fifteene contradicting deputies and the Captaines Ambrose and Gele for the better effecting whereof they appointed a generall assembly of the States of Arthois on the twelfth of October in the towne of Bethune against all ancient custome in the which it was resolued and decreed to free them-selues of the said fifteene at what rate soeuer which resolution was soone after discouered by the chaines that were newly drawne crosse the street vpon all the passages to the little market place of Arras none being so simple but by this innouation he might foresee some strange apparent tumult And the fryday following being the seauenteene of the moneth the Magistrats hauing called all the Bourguers to the towne house and set the sworne company of Harguebuziers in gard extraordinarily vnder the State house the which was not lesse strong then the other companies together This confirmed euery man in the apprehention which hee had formerly conceiued of some future broyles and did so alter the mindes of some of the most zealous to the good of their country who had a promise to bee seconded by captaine Ambrose and his horsemen as about noone they came with a resolution and forced this gard of the sworne band without any effusion of bloud but onely of two or three that were hurt and in this heat they mounted vp into the State house and seâ—…zed vpon all the Maigistrates in the councell chamber whereas a great nomber of the Bourguers were assembled but made no opposition so as without wrong or violence done to any of them they were deteyned except three or foure of the most simple who at the intreaty of the fifteene deputies were presently let goe fower daies vntill the twenty one of the moneth during which time the most resolute and best affected of these fifteene in the absence of Iohn Caffart their companion who was then in Antwerp with the Arch duke and the councell of State to take direction what was to be done in the like troubles were Mediators to reconcile the Magistrates with the Bourguers that were thus transported expecting the comming of commissoners which the said Caffart had required to bee
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
was made earle of Morbeque but he dyed before his letters patents came and his sonnes afterwards neglected it N. of Longueual lord of Vaux sometimes gouernour of Arras was a little before his death made earle of Bucquoy Maximilian of Villain Siegniour of Rassinghem gouernour of Lille Douay and Orchies had his Seigniorie erected into an earledome and afterwards Valentine of Pardieu Seignior of la Morte gouernour of Graueling of a poore gentleman was made earle of Eckelbeque the which hee had bought of a Frenchman The king of Spaine would also haue the marriage to be made and solemnized of the daughter and onely heire of the deceased marquesse of Renty brother to the duke of Arschot with Emanuel of Lalain lord of Montigny so as the king of Spaine did gratifie and honour many of his seruants with vaine titles without any charge The duke of Aniou being newly created duke of Brabant came into the assembly of the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces in the towne of Antuerpe with the prince of Orange to settle some good order for all that did concerne the well gouerning of the countrey and to haue an assured assignation of two hundred florins a moneth for the entertainment of his armie besides those troupes which the Estates entertained in their frontier garrisons and other places Those of Brabant had vpon their charge the garrisons of Liere Macklyn Brussels Herental Diest Villeuorde Hoochstraten Westerlo part of that of Berghen vpon Soome those of the forts of Lillo Willebrouck and S. Marguerite with all the shippes of warre vpon the riuer of Antuerpe They of Flanders had also vpon their charge an hundred and thirtie companies of foot and twentie cornets of horsemen not comprehending the garrisons of Guelderland Friseland and Oueryssell all which beeing vnited in one bodie of an armie and ioyned with the duke of Aniou his forces had beene sufficient to chase the Spaniards and all strangers out of the countrey but all these places must of necessitie haue garrisons for feare of some alterations and reuolts At that time the Estates men being yet in Menin defeated a great conuoy neere vnto a village called Warcoin in Tournesis conducted by two hundred Albanois horse where they had a rich bootie and many good prisoners They of Friseland in the beginning of this yeare by fauour of the yce surprised the towne of Meppel and the castle of Brouchorst which they tooke by force At that time there was a certaine Spanish marchant liuing in Antuerpe called Gaspar de Anastro who seeing his affaires to decline and that he was likely to become bankerupt if he were not presently relieued with money by some other meanes than marchandise his credit beginning to decay he then bethought himselfe of the sentence of proscription giuen by the king of Spaine against the prince of Orange and of the reward promised to him that should murther him Hee being greedie of this prey after that hee had conferred with some of the king of Spaines partie and among others with Valentine of Pardieu Seignior of la Motte gouernour of Graueling to put this proiected murther in execution he first addressed himselfe to a seruant of his who kept his accounts and with teares in his eyes shewed him into what danger he was like to fall and to become bankerupt if hee were not helped with money the which he sayd there was no meanes to preuent but in getting the reward promised in the proscription for the murther hee therefore intreated him as he knew his secrets to vndertake this act The young man pitied his estate and would willingly haue assisted him with all meanes possible but hee excused himselfe saying That he had not the heart nor courage to doe it Then hauing a little bethought himselfe he said that there was not any one more fit for such an exploit than Ioan Iauvregâ—…i whom hee called Ioanille Anastro his boy who might bee easily persuaded and aduised to vndertake and performe it being a most wicked villaine and resolute to doe any mischiefe whatsoeuer Ioanille being called they breake it vnto him and hee vndertaketh it resolutely without any pausing or further excuse hauing concluded when how and after what manner it should be effected this marchant Anastro leauing his people ingaged retyred himselfe out of Antuerpe and went to Graueling to la Motte to assure the fact Being vpon the way he writ to Ioanille That hee should not fayle to put two rounds and to take the measure behind which was that he should charge his pistolet with two bullets and shoot him behind in the head The day for this execution was taken vpon Sunday the eighteenth of March which day there was a feast appointed at the duke of Aniou his court the prince of Orange assisting But Ioanille doubting that the prease would be too great and that he should not approch so neere vnto the prince his person as was needfull to doe the deed he thought it more conuenient to execute it at dinner in the prince his owne house he being at the table This boy being thus desperately resolued a certaine Iacobin Frier called Peter Timmerman came to confesse him in Anastro his house fortifying him in his resolution with many sweet words yet persuading him and making him beleeue that hee should goe inuisible hauing giuen him some caracters in paper and certaine little bones as of frogges which they found in his pockets with many coniurations and such like fooleries written in his tables Beeing thus assured and preserued as he thought he drunke a cup or two of Malmesey and being accompanied with the Monke who went still exhorting and strengthening him therein going towards the castle they came vnto the prince his court whereas his ghostly father hauing giuen him his blessing at the stayres foot left him and went away The prince of Orange was set at dinner with the earles of Laual and Hohenloo the lord of Boniuet with many other noblemen and some of the Estates Ioanille entereth into the dyning chamber who being attyred almost like a Frenchman they tooke him to bee seruant to some of those French noblemen he sought to approch neere vnto the prince his person but hee was so enuironed by his gentlemen as hee could not get neere for to shoot at him behind as hee was instructed yet hee thrust himselfe forward twice or thrice and was still repulsed Dinner beeing done and the prince going to retyre into his chamber this boy fixed himselfe before a window in the hall close by the dore of his withdrawing chamber The prince passing on before hee entred shewed vnto the earle of Laual the cruelties which the Spaniards had practised in the Netherlands the which were wrought in the tapistrie and hauing his face turned on the left side this murtherer discharged his little pistoll thinking to hit him in the hinder part of the head but the prince turning at the same instant the bullet entred in at the throat vnder his right
ware was about tenne of the clocke at night at one instant set on fire at the foure corners beeing past helpe and past any mans knowledge how it came some imputing the fault to one thing and some vnto another but the French were not freed from blame nor the prisoners without great feare some saying that they had caused it to bee done to be reuenged others spake otherwise and all diuersly but howsoeuer it came the losse was very great for the poore marchants This great fire made the bourgers of the towne to doubt some treason wherefore they continued all night in armes and vpon their guards with the chaynes of the streets drawne In March one Cornellis of Hooghe was beheaded and quartered at the Haghe in Holland tearming himselfe to bee bastard sonne to the emperour Charles the fifth hee was conuicted to haue treated with the king of Spaine promising vpon hope to be aduowed for his naturall brother and so entertained to make the vnited Prouinces reuolt and that he had drawne many to be at his deuotion who when time serued should take armes to make some new broyles in Holland But he was discouered by his owne follower conuicted of his designes and punished according to his merits not for that he qualified himselfe the emperours bastard whereof some doubted by reason of his resemblance but for his apparent practises In the same moneth there was taken in Antuerpe and discouered vpon small grounds a certaine Spaniard called Pedro Dordâ—…igno who confessed that he was expressely come out of Spaine to kill the prince of Orange and that he had treated with the king himselfe although afterwards he would haue excused it saying it was but with his Secretarie Hee confessed that passing by Grauelingue he had conference with la Motte gouernour of that place He did counterfeit himselfe to be a high Germane saying that hee was of Croatia he was expert in the knowledge of many tongues hauing also beene at the sacke of Antuerpe he was redde hayred nothing like a Spaniard there was neuer any man of so saint a courage after his sentence for so great an attempt According vnto his confession he was afterwards strangled and then quartered thanking the Iustice for so mild a death The seuenth of Aprill there arriued in Zeeland the lady Louyse of Coligni daughter to Gaspar of Coligni lord of Chastillon admirall of Fraunce who was murthered at the massacre of Paris in the yeare 1572 and widdow to the lord of Teligni brother to the ladie of la Noue who was also murthered at the same massacre which lady Louyse the prince of Orange married for his fourth wife the twelfth day following in the chappell of the castle of Antuerpe of whom vpon the six and twentieth of Februarie in the yeare following 1584 he had a sonne called Henry Frederic a prince well bred and of a great hope The thirteenth of the same moneth Hans Hanssz a rich marchant of Flessingue was beheaded who for meere hatred he bare vnto the prince of Orange sought to kill him and all those that should be with him setting fire to certaine barrels of gunne-powder in a cellar ioyning to the house where the prince should lodge and thereof hee had treated with the Spanish embassador being in the French kings court He was discouered by another marchant called Anthony Auquema a Frison whom he trusted thinking to haue him his confederat in so execrable an act but God would not suffer it The towne of Eindouen was at this time besieged by Cont Charles of Mansfeldt in the which the lord of Boniuet sonne to the lord of Creuecuaer a Frenchman commaunded with eight hundred souldiers but by reason of the difficulties that were betwixt the duke of Aniou and the Estates although they hoped that the marshall of Biron should goe and relieue him the lord of Boniuet not able to hold it any longer yeelded it vpon condition to depart with their armes and baggage and their colours flying whither they pleased the sayd lord excusing it vpon the want of powder hauing first capitulated That if within eight dayes he were not relieued to yeeld the towne as he did vpon the nineteenth of Aprill seeing no succours come into the towne as he expected for during all the siege the Estates armie vnder the commaund of the marshall of Biron was about Antuerpe with great preparation to goe and relieue it but for want of money the succours could not be readie in time wherein they of Antuerpe were somewhat restie remembring how much money they had voluntarily furnished for the reliefe of Maestricht in the yeare 1579 so as nothing was done at all and the towne was lost for want of a speedie resolution After the losse of Eindouen the marshall lying with his armie before the fort of Versele in the quarter of Liere in Brabant after that he had battered it a little it was yeelded by composition the three and twentieth of the same moneth captaine Wensel who commanded there and his chiefe officers remayning prisoners and the rest of the souldiers departing with their rapiers and daggers At this paltrie siege the Seignior of la Garde a French colonel master of the dukes artillerie was hurt by one of his owne pieces which brake wherof he dyed hauing done great seruices to the prince of Orange and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland in their first warres during the time of the duke of Alua and other gouernors hauing continued there vntill his death His body was carried to Antuerpe and interred in S. Georges church with an honourable militarie pompe He had been one of the most valiant wise modest and most expert captaines in all the vnited prouinces a man of great counsell learned and well red in the lawes and politicke gouernment Hee behaued himselfe worthily at the victualling of Leyden and therefore was much lamented of the prince and Estates After the taking of this paltrie castle the marshall went to besiege the strong castle of Woude a league from Berghen vpon Soom from whence the marquesse of Berghen lord of that place of the house of Gaesbeke was dislodged some few daies before There was in it sixe score souldiers Italians and an hundred and fiftie pesants Hauing spent some fifteene hundred canon shot although there were no sufficient breach made an amazement seized on the besieged so as they yeelded it by composition vnto the enemie the souldier departing with their rapiers and daggers onely the ninth of May and all the pesants retayned prisoners and put to ransome The Italian captaine who had commanded therein at his returne to Breda lost his head for his reward by the prince of Parma his commaundement At that time they of the priuie counsell of the vnited Prouinces whome the duke of Aniou and Brabant had established comming to Antuerpe were declared to be suspended of their offices by an act made by the generall Estates the which was signified vnto them by an vsher
and were most cast vpon the coast of France The Generall of this mighty armie was Lodouicus Perez Duke of Medina Sidonia and Baron of Saint Lucas a Knight of the order of the Golden Fleese the Marquis of Sancta Cruce who was named for that charge being dead not long beford Iohn Martinez de Ricalde a wise Gentleman was Admirall Don Francisco Bouadille Marshall And for chiefe councellors in the warre Diego Pimentel Flores de Valdez Pedro de Valdez Michael Oquendo Don Alonso de Lieua Don Diego Maldonado Don Georgio Manriquez and many others Don Martin Alarson was Vicar generall of the holy Inquisition and with him aboue a hundred Monkes Iesuites and other religious men There were many Noblemen and aboue one hundred and twentie Gentlemen of good esteeme aduenturers that went at their owne charges to winne honor among the which were the Prince of Ascoly the Marquis of Pennafyel the Marquis of Barlango with many other Marquises and Earles of good account Whilest this armie was in this sort preparing the Duke of Parma receiued commandement from the King to make ready his forces in the Netherlands to ioyne with this armie where-vpon hee sent for ship-writes and worke-men out of Italy to build shippes setting many thousands on worke to digge and deepen riuers especially the riuer of Iperlee to bring certaine shippes from Antwerpe to Gant and so to Bruges where hee gathered together aboue three hundred small Boates lading them with victuals and munition the which hee thought to bring to Scluce and so into the Sea or through the new deepned water of Iperlee into the other hauens of Flanders Hee had also prepared three score and ten flatte bottomed boates which laye in the water of Watene euery one able to carry thirty horses with bridges made to shippe and vnship them There were also two hundred flatte bottomed boates more ready in the hauen of Newport but not so big as the others In Dunkerke they had made ready two and thirty ships of warre and hauing want of saylers hee sent to Hambrough Emden Breme and other places to hire them hee expected fiue ships from Hambrough well appointed with many saylers and had hyred fiue ships that then lay at Dunkerke These shippes hee went to lade with great store of piles of wood made sharpe at the ends with Yron pikes and at Graueling hee had twenty thousand emptie caske which might soone bee made fast one vnto the other with cordes like a bridge with all other furniture to make bridges to stoppe hauens and to pyle vp waters and to that end hee had prouided within Nieuport a mighty great heape of fagots and all other prouision for sconses Hee had shipt many saddles and bridles and other furniture for horses and horses also for carriages with ordinance and all other necessary prouision for the warre Neere vnto Nieuport hee had lying vnder the command of Camillo maister of the campe thirty companies of Italians two of Wallons and eight of Bourguignons euery company being a hundred men At Dyxmewe hee mustred foure score companies of Netherlanders three score of Spaniards three score of high Dutches and seauen of rebellious and trayterous Englishmen vnder the leading of Sir William Stanley and others which were ready to take shippe In the suburbes of Cortricke there were foure thousand lodged and at VVatene nine hundred horse with the Cornet of the Marquis of Guast who was generall of the horse To this great enterprize and imaginary conquest diuerse Princes and Noblemen came from diuerse countries Out of Spaine came the Duke of Pastrana who was sayd to be the sonne of Ruy Gomez de Silua Prince of Mileto but hee was held to bee the Kings Bastard sonne the Marquis of Bourgou one of the Archduke Ferdinands sonnes by Philippina Welserime Don Vespasian Gonsagua of the house of Mantua a great soldier who had beene Viceroy in Spaine Don Iohn de Medices bastard of Florence Don Amedeus bastard of Sauoy with many such like besides others of meaner qualitie Sixtus Quintus Pope of Rome forgot not likewise to send forth his Crusado as hee vseth against the Turkes published by his Bulles for the furthering of this great enterprise with great perswasions the which were Printed in all places The Englishmen and the Netherlanders scoft at these Bulls saying that the diuill was become a theefe by the high way and cared not for such pasports It was sayd hee had giuen the realme of England to the King of Spaine with the title of the defender of the Christian faith commanding him to ouer-runne the same vpon condition that hee should hold it as feudatorie of the Sea of Rome and to that end the Pope should contribute a Million of golde the one halfe to bee payed presently and the other when England or any notable hauen therein should be wonne The Queene hearing of this great preparation in Spaine shee sent forth her shippes of warre with other Marchants shippes the greatest to lye at Plymouth in the West parts vnder the command of the Lord Charles Haward Lord high Admirall of England and of many other Noble men of qualitie and the small shippes being some forty or fiftie sayle kept the narrow Seas betwixt Douer and Calais vnder the conduct of the Lord Henry Seymor sonne to the Duke of Sommerset The vnited Prouinces first of all in regarde of the shallowes and flattes of their coast made prouision of twenty small shippes to keepe all the hauens of Flanders from Lillo in the riuer of Scheld vnto Graueling by Calais putting great garrisons into their sea Townes and when as this great armie of Spaniards should bee ready to come they sent forth Captaine Loucke of Rosendale with fiue and twenty or thirty shippes to ioyne with the Lord Henry Seymor but when as the shippes were forced by a storme to leaue the Flemish coast and to sayle backe into Zeeland it beeing past they put to sea againe and with them Iustinus of Nassau the Admirall and Ioyâ—… Moyer vice-admirall of Zeeland being in all about fiue and thirty ships from a hundred and sixtie to fiue hundred tun burthen a peece very well appointed with great store of good saylers and 1200. old soldiers all Musketiers chosen out of the regements and well acquanted with the sea being fully resolued to fight and to keepe the Duke of Parma from bringing his fleet out of any hauen in Flanders whereon consisted the greatest part of their safety Vpon the nine and twenty day of May 1588. this great and mightie armie of Spaine put to sea and sailed from Lisbon to the Groine in Gallicia where they tooke in more men and munition it being the neerest hauen to England Being at sea they were scattered by a tempest the Duke of Medina entring againe into the Groine with foure score shippes the rest following as well as they could except eight of them which had spent their Maisters Of the foure
King that all would go to ruine in the Netherlands if speedy remedie were not had especially then when as he was ready to go to ayd the League in France therfore he thought it not fit to leaue such backe-biters comptrollers behinde him in the Countrie so as he obtained leaue to send Champigni out of the Netherlands the which he put in practise with no small rigour commaunding him to dislodge out of the Netherlands and to retyre into Burgongne within a very short time Champigni asking him the reasons why the duke answered to teach your tongue to keepe silence your pen to write better so as no intreaty nor intercession of his friendes could preuaile nor the indisposition of his body beeing scarse able to trauaile desiring that hee might rather continue in some Cloyster of Capuchins or Iesuits but all was in vaine and so hee was forced to liue a banished man in Bourgongne so long as the Duke of Parma liued The Duke seeing him-selfe maligned and slandered by them that were and ought to be neere his person to iustefie all his actions as they of Arthois and Henault were more affected vnto him then vnto any other Spaniard that might aspier vnto the gouerment he sent the said Richardot presidēt of Arthois into Spaine vnto the king to answer in his name to al obections and slanders wherwith they had filled the Kings eares and to bring back a continuation of the dukes cōmission in his gouernment of the Netherlands in despite of his enemies Whilest that Richardot was in Spaine the duke went the eight of May toward the Spawe as we haue said for his indisposition his seruants and other Italiens complayning openly at the Spawe that the Spaniards had drest their maister in that manner hauing his belly and legges sowlne The Duke of Parma being much distasted both of Spaine and Spaniards he wanted no remembrance◅s to put him in minde of the Kings displeasure being charged to haue beene the cause of the bad successe of the Kings Army and that great Princes doe not easely forgiue nor forget conceyued displeasures and that it were better for him to looke to himselfe and following Machauells councell rather make him-selfe Lord of the country wherevnto hee had good reason to aspire in regard of the Spaniards hatred towards him and the wrong which was done to his sonne Raynutius touching the crowne of Portugal whervnto he had better title as they said then the king himself And that if he would attempt any thing in the Netherlands whether it were with the title of Soueraigne or as Protector or Lieutennant thereof he should want no friends within the contry nor wel-willers without it as France England and the vnited Prouinces themselues with whome secret treaties might be made whereby the Netherlands on the other side might obtaine a good and free enter course of trafficke for the good of the whole country for as then hee had to many ouerseers both before behind and round about him it being well fore-seene long before by the councell of Spaine hauing therein taken example by the procedings of Don Iohn of Austria Others thought hee would defer the execution of his desseigns till after the death of the King of Spaine being very old and that the house of Farnese was wont to be subtill and couetous inough yet alwaies warie and very circomspect But the King granting his desire and at the last sending for the Duke of Pastrana into Spaine he was well satisfied And for that the King was fully resolued to ayde the Leaguers in France at Richardots returne out of Spaine hee recommended that busines vnto him as the fittest man for that action and he for his part resolued to vndergo the charge being a fit meanes to purchase more honor and for that cause hee made all the hast he could sending both men and money to the frontire townes and gathering an army together in Arthois wherein La mot had the cheefest charge who not long before in April thought to haue surprized Ostend by the secret intelligence with some of the soldiars but hee fayled of his purpose where-vpon the garison of Berghen vp Zoome with that of Ostend and others spoyled Gramont or Geecsbergh On the twenty of September the duke of Parma went from Spawe to Aken or Aix la Chapelle three leagues of hauing three companies of horse with him there he was honorably entertained and presented with diuers guifts In that towne hee did visit the cheefe relicks which are Iosephs breeches the virgine Maries smocke the sheete wherein Iohn Baptist was buried Charlemagnes chaire and some other petty ones and from thence he went to Bins to bee neerer vnto the frontiers of France This sommer Berke was beseeged by the Duke of Parmas forces Collonel Schencke came in the end of Iuly with many shippes to releeue it with victualls mounting vp the riuer within a league of the towne from whence hee carried such store of victualls and munition as they had neede of by land and entred safely there-with into the towne Cont William Lewis of Nassau Gouernor of Freezland for the Estates was daily at warres with Verdugo Gouernor of Groning for the King of Spaine to whose aide the Duke of Parma sent seauen Companies of foote and three of horse the which marched through the Country of Westphalia and the Conty Vander-Lippe and so to enter into East Friseland and then into the countrie of Groning Colonel Schenck being aduerised of the course they held hauing gathered together all the men he could out of the garrisons of Gelderland he went attended these troupes vpon the heath or plaines which they call Lipper-heyde where hee defeated them and put them to rout taking from them all the money which they had brought to pay the garrison of Groning and other neere places which the King held in those parts of Friseland Schenck victualled Berck and defeated these troupes in lesse then eight daies about the beginning of August The third day after his victory beeing fortefied with all the forces hee could get carrying a splene to them of Nymeghen he went from his sconcse called the Bril or Vossenhole lying by Tolhuys and sailed along the riuer of Wahal that hee might come to Nymeghen by night hauing sent his horsemen by land It was a very still night and the tyde very high so as they could not aduance much with their ships being vnfit to rowe and they came on so slowly as day began to breake The Punts or smaler vessells for that they went with owers came on first and gaue an alarum to the towne so as the Bourgers and some souldiars went to armes wherevpon Schenck not staying for the rest resolued to giue an attempt before it was day and landed by the Maie-gate then presently taking two Rammes which he had brought he went to Saint Anthonies gate the which although it were very strong hee brake open
for that which concernes the Duke of Ferrara you may assist him so as the Inuestiture agreed with the person whereof I haue formerly written vnto you this shal be the best c. IF the generall Estates had beene scrupulous before and distrustfull to treat with the King of Spaine these letters did make them much more suspitious wherefore Hartuis and Coemans returned as they came with this answere from the Estates The Archduke was loth to imploy any greater personages knowing they should not preuaile any thing but the reason why he sent the said deputies vnder collour to propound a treaty of peace was to no other end but to iustefie himselfe of the fact which Michell Renichon had vndertaken wherewith hee had so charged him the newes thereof beeing at that time come to Ratisbonne to an Imperiall Dyet where there had beene some speech for the choosing of the Archduke King of Romaines The Archduke Ernest for the first fruits of his gouernmēt sent Charles Earle of Mansfeldt with an army to make war against the French king on the frontiers in the country of Tyrace where hee besieged Capelle the which beeing somoned would not yeeld hoping the King would succor them as hee intended hauing sent the duke of Bouillon with 12000. foote and 2000. horse to that end But beeing vpon the way the besieged fearing their succors would come to late seeing their rampars beaten down with Mansfeldts continually battery they yeelded the towne and the duke returned with his army Coevorden being as we haue said straightly blockt vp by Verdugo and Cont Herman vanden Berghe Prince Maurice hauing some great designe would first free this place wherfore he went to field with the best part of the Estates forces to set vpon the ◅orts which the Spaniards had there abouts or to giue them battaile if it were offred But Verdugo and the Earle hearing of his approch made a retreate and abandoned all these forts which they had built and kept seauen or eight monethes to their great charge and no profit leauing Coevoerden at libertie the which was presently refresht with men and victualls Passing on from thence which his troupes and causing his army to aduance he resolued to besiege Groning the which he was about the last yeare But before we enter into the siege we wil speake a little of the Estate of the towne Groning is a strong ancient towne which some thinke to be that which Pliny cals Phyleum faire well fortefied and the best peopled of that part of Friseland on this side the riuer of Ems and Dollard seated in a country which is very pleasant and fertil the which makes also one of the seauenteen Prouinces of the Netherlands This common-weale was heretofore annexed to the Diocese of Vtrecht for a hundred yeares so as they did acknowledge the bishop for their Lord and Prince both spirituall and temporall vntill Frederic sonne to a Marquis of Baden then bishop of Vtrecht in whose time the factions of Schyeringers and Vet-coopers raigned in Friseland whereof we haue in the beginning of the history made ample mention in the time of the Emperor Maximilian the first of that name who by reason of the miseries which these two factions were cause of throughout all Friseland tooke occasion to giue this signeury of Groning with all Friseland in fee to Albert duke of Saxony to inioy them as Gouernor hereditarie vnder the Emperor of whom they were held But as the Frisons refuzed to receiue him in the end hee perswaded the Nobilitie to acknowledge him for their hereditary Lord with whose ayde hee made sharpe warres against the Vet-coopers with whom the Groningers ioyned them selues But captaine Foox the dukes Lieutenant did so tire them as they were glad to reconcile themselues vnto the Duke vpon condition amongst others that they should leaue the possession which they had had in Oostergoe Weestergoe and the seauen Forests and should pay two and thirtie thousand florins in gold The other townes in Friseland amongst the which Lewaerden is the chiefe submitted themselues vnder the Dukes protection But soone after the Lewardiens hauing slaine their Lieutenant did rebell by the instigation of them of Groning The duke of Saxony returning with an army reduced them vnto reason They of Groning fearing to bee forced by the mediation of Frederic bishippe of Vtrecht obtained a truce for sixe monethes The Duke beeing returned into his countrie of Misnia hauing left Duke Henry his sonne for Gouernor in Friseland the Frisons sought the third time to free themselues from his subiection and besieged Duke Henry in the towne of Franiker The father hearing these newes and the danger wherein his sonne was posted thether with an army raised the seege and freed him And then he sought to punish the rebells of Groning as the motiues of this reuolt The bishop of Vtrecht sued againe for them obtained them a new truce during the which Albert died and by his death Groning was freed from his siege But not able to liue easily and at peace they went to beseege Dam which Edsard Earle of East-Friseland held in Duke Alberts name to draw them from thence Huge Earle of Leysnich besieged Groning very straightly then had they recourse againe to the Bishippe of Vtrecht who procured them a peace for foure yeares The which being expired Cont Edsard whom Duke Henry beeing then in Misnia had left for his Lieutenant and captaine Vito of Draecksdorp did blocke them vp with two great forts and beseeged them round about The Bourgers hauing endured this hard siege all the winter wanting all things necessary and seeing the townes of Oueryssell faile them in the succors which they had promised they resolued to treate with the Saxons But they soone altered their opinions for that captaine Draecksdorpe had caused the noses and eares of two Bourgers to bee cut off and so sent them backe into the towne for that they would not put themselues to ransome The Groningers mooued with this crueltie left the Saxons and accorded with Cont Edsard yeelding him the towne vpon condition that hee should neuer suffer it to returne vnder the gouernment of the Dukes of Saxony The Earle accepting of these conditions entred in May after in the yeare of Lord 1506. and receiued the oth of fidelity of the Bourgers which done he built a cittadell there without any contradiction and placed a good garrison therein George duke Saxony did challenge it but it was in vaine by reason whereof Cont Edsard was cited to the Imperiall chamber and there commanded to deliuer vp the towne to the Duke of Saxony which hee did not wherevpon he was banished the Empire In the end Duke George came with nine thousand men horse and foote beeing assisted by the Duke of Brunswicke where hee not onelie besieged Groning but spoiled all East-Friseland Cont Edsards inheritance taking many castles and forts so as the Earle was forced to leaue Groning to goe and
bridle that great power and to free her from feare making no shew of any ambition she would dissolue this vnion for deeds and not wordes exalt kingdomes The like was also to bee hoped of the French King who verie secretlie and seriously seekes for peace in regard that his Kingdome is newe his Estate yet vncertaine and the chiefest of his Nobilitie factious all which considerations perswade him to make a peace as also his treasure beeing wholie wasted and spent beeing supported by strangers both secretly and openly But whether the King of Spaine would desire to make a peace with him or noe he knew not but to make a truce with him or surceance of armes for a time could not be preiudiciall reseruing all titles and lawfull pretences for what security were there to be expected where the successor and succession is vncertaine wherefore hauing the French King of the one side who will not enterprise much if hee be not vrged wee might easely deale with the English Touching the vnited Prouinces that warre would bee most preiudiciall and without hope of any great gaine for they had good orders and discipline among them they had a certaine reason the best townes and good soldiars who were much incorraged by fresh and late victories and their gouernment and vnion was hard to be broken as long as the warre feare and suspition endured wherefore we must haue a small peace or an abstinence from war for a time The Hollanders being more couetous then ambitious and alwaies in such a warre any little peace or truce is a furtherance to Princes who can take fishes with golden nets The Maiestie of Princes is of great force to draw mens hearts when there be any probable reasons to moue them men should vndermine their enemies especially in their popular gouernment sowing diuision amongthem who now through feare are so firmely vnited and hauing a surceance from armes by means of a truce we might be able to effect many secret practises And for an example of the like nature Sextus Pompeius in the warre he made against Augustus Caesar holdding Sicilia and Sardinia he brought all Italie into extreme want and misery who by a short peace procured his owne ruine where it was concluded betwixt them that all such as had fled away might returne home againe and that the soldiars should be discharged and sent away whereby Menas Pompeis chiefe Captaine was secretly corrupted with guifts and then it appeered that that shalloe witted captaine Pompeie who not long before was held another Neptune commanding both sea and land was forced to fly in a small shippe and to yeeld his necke vnto his enemies sword and so within lesse then a yeare that great warre was ended This hee held to bee the best course finding that warre was the cause of all corruptions and miseries and was able to bring the mightest kingdomes to ruine At this time the better to satisfie the common people a rumor was spred abroad that the Princely Cardinall Albertus should come to gouerne the Netherlands and succeed his brother Ernestus and to make him the more acceptable and pleasing vnto the people many Esterlings and Netherland ships which had beene stayed in Spaine to go as men of warre to meete with the Indian fleet which was then to come home were discharged in diuers hauens and set at liberty And in Siuille the Duke of Medina Sidonia tould the marchants and saylers of these shippes that the King had expresly commanded it should be done being moued there-vnto by the Cardinall of Austria and that from henceforth all the Netherlands shippes might freely come into Spaine and passe away againe to the which end all men that would desire it should haue pasports graunted them hoping that in time they would be more mindfull of the Kings gratious fauors and submit them-selues vnder their naturall soueraigne Prince And to the end the vnited Prouinces should be the better perswaded of the Kings loue and fauor towards them he set Phillip of Nassau who is now Prince of Orange and Earle of Buren who had beene long restrayned of his liberty in Spaine free and at liberty but as it is thought at the instance of the Prince of Spaine and the Cardinall aforesaid that he might goe with him into the Netherlands After the taking of Chastelet and Dourlans as we haue said the earle of Fuentes meaning to be spoken of and to make his authority eminent during the time of his prouisonall gouernment limited vntill the comming of the cardinall Albert of Austria and to returne with some honor out of the Netherlands into Spaine vnder-tooke a greater action then any gouernor before him had euer done which was to beseege the towne and Cittadell of Cambray the which although it were an Imperiall towne did acknowledge the French King for their Prince vnder the gouernement of the Lord of Balaigny bastard to Iohn of Monluc Bishoppe of Valence In this seege during the which there entred into the towne but very late the hearts of the Bourgers being lost the Duke of Rothel sonne to Lewis of Gonsague Duke of Neuers brother to the Duke of Mantua with the Lord of Vyck a braue and wise Caualier the Earle of Fuentes wrought so by batterie and myne hauing many of his factions in the towne among the Clergie as the Burgers beeing wonderfully incensed for the indignities which Balagny had done them and for the insolencies and oppressions of his soldiers not able to indure any longer on the second of October after they had wonne the Suisses that were in garrison within the towne to be at their deuotion and not to hinder their treatie with the Earle of Fuentes hauing no hope of succors they yeelded vp the towne by composition and vppon certaine conditions among others that they should haue none but Wallons in garrison remembring still how badly they had beene intreated by the Spaniards beeing there in garrison in the yeare 1558. but this promise was not long kept but they were since in farre worse estate then in Balaignies time The French garrison which was within the towne seeing the Swissers agreed with the Burgers to treat of the yeelding vp of the towne retired into the Cittadell to Balaigny where at the first they made shew to defend them-selues but hauing beene summoned once or twise vppon promise of a good composition if they yeelded and threates if they should long contend which accord Fuentes sayd hee would make in fauor of the Duke of Rothel and of the Duke his father it did so tereifie Balaigny as on the seauenth of October hee deliuered the Cittadell into the Earle of Fuentes hands in the name of the King of Spaine About September this yeare the Gouernor of Breda had an enterprize vppon Lire in Brabant two Leagues from Antwerp with certaine troopes of horse and foote which towne hee surprized by Scaladoe hauing put the Sentinell and the Court of gard to the sword
all that hath bin giuen and granted shall returne as if this donation cession and transport had neuer beene made 6. Item vpon condition that our said daughter the Infanta nor any other called to the said succession shal not for any cause whatsoeuer part nor diuide the said countries nor giue or exchange without our consent of those shall succeed vs in these realmes 7. Item that euery Prince and Lord of those countries shall be bound to marry their sonnes and daughters with our consent of those shall be our heires Kings of Spaine 8. Item that our said daughter the Infanta nor her husband nor any of their successors to whom the sayd countries shall descend shall in any sort whatsoeuer negotiate traffick or contract to the East and West Indies neither shall they send any sorts of ships vnder any coulour or pretext so-euer vpon paine that the sayd countries in case of contrauention shall be forfeited by them And if any subiects of the said countries should presume to goe contrary to the defences the Lords of the said countries shal punish thē by confiscation of their goods other grieuous paines yea with death 9. Item that if the said Archduke Albert our good cousin should suruie our daughter the Infanta leauing either sonne or daughter that he shall haue the gouernment of such sonne or daughter with the managing of all their goods as if our daughter the Infanta were yet liuing And ouer and besides our said cousin the Archduke shall in that case enioy and reape the fruites during his life entertaining the said children according to their qualitie giuing vnto the eldest sonne or daughter the country and Duchie of Luxembourg and the countie of Chiny which shall belong vnto them to inioy it during the fathers life after whose decease that child shall haue all as sole heire Being here expresly declared that this clause of vsufrute shall be vnderstood onely in fauour of our good Cousin the Archduke Albert and not to be drawne in consequence To the end that none of his successors may vrge any president nor pretend right in the like case 10. Item for that it is the principall and greatest bond aboue all others that all the children and descendants of the said marriage shall follow the holy religion which doth now presently shine in them and shall liue and dye in our holy Catholick faith as the holy church of Rome doth teach and entertaine and that before they shall take possession of the sayd Netherlands they shall take an othe in the same forme that it is set downe in the article following And in case which God forbid that any of the said descandants should decline from the sayd religion and fall into heresie after that our Holy father the Pope hath pronounced them so they shall be depriued of the administration possession and propertie of the said Prouinces and that the vassals subiects thereof shall no more obey them but they shall admit and receiue the next that is a Catholick of the same descent which should succeed vnto such a one that is fallen from the faith and that hereticke shall be as if he were naturally dead Ego Iuro ad sancta Dei Euangelia quod semper ad extremum vitae meae spiritum sacrosanctam fidem Catholicam quam tenet docet predicat sancta Catholica Apostolica Ecclesia ◅omana communium Ecclesiarum mater Magistra constanter profitebor fideliter firmiterque◅redam veraciter tenebo atque eam a meis subditis teneri doceri predicari quantum in me erit curabo Sic me Deus adiuuet hec sancta Euangelia 11. Item that for the greater assurance and confirmation of the peace loue and correspondencie which ought to be betwixt the King and his realmes our descendants and successors and the Princes and Lords of those countries being also our successors enery one of thē which hereafter shall come vnto the possession of the said Netherlands and Bourgogne shall aduow approoue and ratifie what is conteined in this article 12. And for a much as our intention and will is that the said articles shall take full effect by their meaens We giue grant quit transport renounce and accord in gift of fee in the best and most auaileable forme way and manner that may be deuifed by law to the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia our most deare and best beloued eldest daughter All our Netherlands and euery Prouince thereof with the Country and County of Bourgogne comprehending that of Charolois therin the Duchies Principalities Marquisats and forts which are in our Netherlands and Bourgogne together with all the regalities and all sorts of iurisdictions which wee might pretend by reason of the same as also all preheminences gards and all other kind of soueraignty whatsoeuer in the same forme they are now or may be ours to haue the full possession as wee haue had without any exception vpon charge notwithstanding that they shall inuiolably obserue all here aboue mentioned the Pragmatick made by the deceased of immortall memory the Emperor my Lord father who is in glory in the month of Nouember 1549. touching the vnion of the said Netherlands without consenting to any separation thereof for any cause whatsoeuer 13. And it is our intention that in regard of this donation our said daughter the Infanta and her future husband the Archduke Albert shall be charged and bound to pay and acquit all debts made by vs or in our name or by his deceased Imperiall Maiesty vpon our patrimonie and demaines of the said Netherlands and of the Contie of Bourgogne and they shall bee also tied and bound to beare and discharge all the rents annuities for life and all other donations pensions and recompences which his said Imperiall Maiestie wee or our predecessors haue made to any persons whatsoeuer And so we do make create and name by these presents our said daughter the Infanta Princesse and Lady of the said Netherlands and Earle of Bourgongne and Charalois We do also grant vnto our said daughter that ouer and aboue the particular titles of euerie of the said Prouinces of the Netherlands and countie of Bourgoigne she may also write intitle and name her selfe Duchesse of Bourgoigne notwithstanding that we haue reserued for so long as it shall please vs for our selues and for the prince our sonne the said title of Duke of Bourgoigne with all the rights that may belong vnto vs together with the soueraigntie of our order of the Golden Fleece whereof we retaine the power vnto our selues to dispose hereafter as we shal think most fit We consent and agree and do suffer our said daughter the Infanta giuing her absolute irreuocable power of her own priuat authority without any further consent to be demaunded by her selfe or by her deputies sent to her future husband to take full and absolute possession of the said Netherlands and of the countie of Bourgoigne
vppon condition that hee should leaue them in the same estate and vnder the same Priuiledges that he should find them at his entrie The which the Earle promised so as he might build a Cittadell there as great as hee pleased The deputies of the Groningeois returned to the Towne hauing made their report of that which they had treated and concluded with the Earle of East-Friseland The Magistrate and Counsell did presently remit the Impositions and Customes which they had taken before that they might liue vnder the Earle in the like libertie According to this Accord the first of May the Earle entred into Groninghen with 2000. men leauing a sufficient garrison in Dam approching neere the high Bridge they went to meet him the Priests and Moncks going in procession with their Crosses and Banners receiuing him with great tryumph and state and hauing brought him to the State-house they tooke the oth and did him homage acknowledging him for their Lord Deliuerer and Protector A strange alteration and sodaine change the Groningeois neuer had a greater enemie then this Earle yet suddenly they except of him for their Protector and defender he whom a little before they so much blamed cursed and detested as the man whom they held to be the onely cause of all their miseries they now receiue him for their Prince yea the little children reioyced that they were not fallen into the Saxons hands nor maister Vytts singing in the streets Heer vyt is Groningen quyt Maister Vytt hath lost Groningen Behold the fruits of this Collonels cruelty But it is no new thing in the Germaines no more then in the Spaniards to vse the like barbarous inhumanitie if they doe but thinke that they haue vanquished their enemies Soone after that the Earle was entred into the towne he built a Cittadell on the South-side at Heere-Port well slanked with great Bulwarks deepe ditches and goodly gates both within and without the Towne These newes of the yeelding vp of Groningen into the Earle of West-Freezlands hand beeing come into Misnia to duke Georges eares he went vnto the Earle to know in whose name he had receiued the Towne of Groningen into his protection wherevnto he presently answered That what hee had done was in the name of the Empire by reason of the controuersie that was betwixt the Duke of Saxony and the high Diocesse of Vtrecht which is the countrey of Oueryssel for the iurisdiction of Groningen which being decided he would yeeld it to whom it should appertaine And although the Dukes deputies knew the contrarie yet they tooke these excuses for payment fearing to incense him more and that he should draw in the other troupes the which being ioyned vnto his and with the helpe of the Frisons hee might easily chase the Saxons out of all Friseland and quite disposses the duke The which had beene easie for him to doe if he had then attempted it Afterwards the Duke sent his Marshall into Friseland with a great summe of money to the Germaines Campe lying yet about Groningen to pay them and to thanke them The Collonells Captaines and Gentle-men before their departure hauing serued long there would gladly haue seene the Towne but the Earle would not suffer them This Marshall and the Dukes counsell to keep the Earle still in breath and at the dukes deuotion gaue him the title of Leiutenant and Generall in the dukes name of the Towne and Countie of Groningen with an honourable yeerely entertainment taken out of the dukes cofers with a promise that when hee should be discharged thereof to pay him 30000. florins of gold at one intire payment with many other things which they granted vnto him The Earle accepted of all by prouision and made his profit thereof knowing very well whereto they tended the which notwithstanding he dissembled seeming alwayes to bee at his seruice and in this sort the state of Groningen was maintained vnto the yeare 1512. being doubtfull whither the Earle held it for himselfe or for the duke of Saxony vntill that some gentlemen Frisons who he disauowed were for his sake beheaded in the Towne of Leeuwarden Yet notwithstanding the Frisons and Groningeois liued in peace vnto the yeere 1514. In the meane time the six Regents Saxons during the hard frosts of winter did still put garrisons into their Townes fearing the Earles surprises houlding still the two Forts which they had in the countrey of Groningen that is Winsom and Werdenbrasse the which they had continually well manned with good soldiars at the duke of Saxonies deuotion The duke had a conceit that during his absence the sixe Regents which he had appointed to gouerne Frisland had but negligētly executed their charge or otherwise through enuie and ielousie one of another had neglected their duties that the gouernment of one alone with the counsell was more lawfull more befitting and of greater authoritie where-vpon the Marshall of Saxonie assembled the States of Friseland in the Towne of Leuwarden the 6. of Iuly where the said 6. Regents were discharged and in their place was instituted Count Henry of Stalburch a wise and discreet noble man and one that feared God to be the Dukes Lieutenant generall throughout all Freezland Which being done the Marshall and the Earle went to Dam whither they sent for the Commonalties of the countrey of Groninghen in the Dukes name to take the othe of fealtie as his Vassals but not any one appeared desiring rather to acknowledge the Earle of East-Friseland who the same yeare caused money to be coyned in the towne of Groningen with this Inscription Edsardus Comes Senator Groningensis In the yeares 1506. 1507. and 1508. there was no memorable thing done in Friseland that doth merit the writing After that the towne of Arnhem and other places of the Dutchie of Gelders and countie of Zutphen were thus reduced as we haue said vnder the obedience of the Archduke King of Castile hee stayed some-time without the said towne of Arnhem in the castle of Roossendael Thither came the bishop of Vtrecht the vicont of Montfort and many other Noble-men who laboured so vnto the King to reconcile the duke of Gelders as in the end he was sent for to come vnto him being accompanied with some Noble-men Comming before the King hee kneeled downe but the King tooke him vp presently with great courtesie and so they went together into the castle where as they remained some time And as the King and many of his Princes and Noble-men were very desirous to goe into Spaine it was concluded betwixt the King and the duke That either of them should hold what they had in the Dutchie and countie of Zutphen and that the Duke should accompanie the King in this voyage but afterwards the duke excused himselfe with a good and auailable reasons The King hauing recouered money made his preparations with his wife to goe by sea whereof William of Croy Lord of Cheurees had the charge and before
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
the virgine of Antuerpe and at euery corner of a street where he should passe scaffolds were made whereon they did figure diuers histories and morals fit for the reception of a new prince to serue him as an example and president the which for the most part were interpreted vnto him with many arches colosses pyramides and other shewes of triumph All which solemnities and ceremonies continued vntill night the canon still thundering from the rampars In the end he was conducted with this royall traine vnto his palace in the abbey of S. Michael where supper attended him being also prepared for al the noblemen that did accompanie him Thursday following being the two and twentieth day of the moneth the duke went vnto the towne-house before the which there was a great scaffold erected and richly appointed where according to the accustomed solemnities and ceremonies he tooke a particular oath to the towne of Antuerpe in the bourgomasters hands with an oration to the people pronounced by the pentioner Then the Amptman did read with a loud voice in the vulgar tongue to the bourgomasters sherifes officers counsell of the towne and to all the people the oath which they made vnto the duke so as lifting vp their hands they did sweare fealtie and obedience vnto him which done they cast gold and siluer abroad as before after which the duke with all the noblemen French English and Netherlanders went and dined in the State house The duke being thus inuested in the duchie of Brabant and the Marquisite of the holy empire the Romish Catholickes of the towne of Antuerpe did importune him to haue free and publicke exercise of their Religion relying vpon the dukes profession of the same Religion to whom in the end there was graunted by the aduice of the prince of Orange and the counsell of Estate that they might assist at Masse Euensong and other ceremonies in the temple of S. Michaels abbey when as the duke should be present vpon condition that they should take the oath which was propounded vnto them On the other side the prince of Orange presented vnto him the deputies of the consistories of the Protestant Religion who came to congratulate his happie comming to this new Estate and duchie of Brabant offering him all seruice fidelitie and obedience as to their prince and soueraigne lord beseeching him that he would in like sort receiue them vnder his defence safegard and protection as his most humble subiects and obedient vassals and representing vnto him the example of his grand father Francis the first they besought him to haue learning and learned men in recommendation and then they ended their speech with a prayer vnto God That hee would giue him the courage of Dauid the wisedome of Salomon and the zeale of Ezechias Whereupon the duke answered That hee was glad and very well pleased to see their concord and vnitie that he did hope so to gouerne them as they should neuer be frustrate of that good expectation which they had of him wherein he would imitate the steps of his predecessours and so thanking them for the loue and affection they seemed to beare him he receiued them and all the people in generall vnder his defence and protection intreating them that they would perseuer in their profession and good endeuors promising to maintaine them therein to gratifie all learned men professors schollers and others After the conquest of the towne of Tournay the prince of Parma suffered his armie to rest some time in the townes and places which hee had recouered from the Estates where they made themselues to be serued and obserued after the Spanish manner And in the mean time hee held a counsell with the Estates of Arthois and Henault not onely concerning the gouernment generall which the duchesse his mother being returned to Namur pretended as we haue said but chiefely to cause his Spanish Italian high Dutch and Bourguignon forces to returne who according to the treatie of their reconciliation were gone out of the countrey whereon he did the more insist pretending that the said article was put into the treatie onely to induce and moue the other prouinces of Brabant Flanders c. to enter into the reconciliation who if they had reconciled themselues as they did the said troupes had then beene quite excluded as vnprofitable in these parts But now said he seeing it hath not succeeded and that the vnreconciled prouinces had now showne themselues greater enemies to the king and them than euer hauing called the French to their aid it was more than necessarie for their good and the kings seruice to haue those strange souldiors called backe Whereunto in the end the Estates of Arthois and Henault yeelded for the which an Act was made which Damp Iohn Sarasin abbot of S. Vaast in Arras carried into Spaine hauing his brother N. Sarasin a taylor by profession with him whom the king for the loue of the sayd abbot made a knight and afterwards by meanes of the church goods and the helpe of my lord abbot hee attained to great wealth and among other things hee purchased the Seigniorie of Alennes by meanes whereof and of his knighthood this taylor by the recommendation of his brother obtained letters of Estate to be admitted with the chiefe noblemen in the assembly of the Estates of the countie of Arthois and so might the said abbot whom the king had made counsellor of Estate in the Netherlands discouer the secrets of the particular Estates of Arthois for which cause hee was afterwards excluded by the auncient nobilitie of the countrey not without an affront which hee disgested quietly This abbot when as all men would seeme to make shew to be well affected vnto their countrey against Dom Iohn of Austria did write a bitter inuectiue against the tyrannous and cruell gouernment of the Spaniards He was learned and well spoken a right Courtier and exceeding ambitious in the end he became archbishop of Cambray in which hee dyed in the yeare 1598. According vnto the dispatch of this abbot touching the accord which was made with them of Arthois and Henault the king did presently leuie two regiments of Spaniards two of Italians and some of the high Dutchmen both horse and foot sending seuen hundred thousand duckets for the warres of the Netherlands A little before and also at the same season the king honoured some noblemen his vassales of those countries with goodly titles but more honourable than profitable Robert of Melun lord of Richebourg and by his wife Vicont of Gant although that in the time of Dom Iohn he had beene a great enemie vnto him and gouernour of Arthois was created marquesse of Roubay the which being heretofore but a baronie which his mother the princesse of Espinoy had giuen him Oudard of Bournonuille Seignior of Capres gouernour of the towne and citie of Atras had his baronie of Hennin Lietard translated to an earledome Iohn of S. Omer Seignior of Morbeque gouernour of Aire