at that time was President of Flanders Lalayne Champigny and divers others who could not digest that the chief management of all Affaires should rest in the Prince of Aurange with whom few were equall in birth none of them like him in Wisdom and Authority Therefore because they see themselves never able to compass the Peoples love as he hath done and that they must come far short of him they begin to fear that if he should come to enjoy that Dignity that he would bring Religion to his own bent and to prevent that they seek to prevent his glory by the splendor of a greater name Rodolphus was chosen Emperour of Germany in the stead of Maximilian his Father who was lately dead His Brother Matthias they by many great promises intreat from the Court not by any open consent of the Emperor for fear of offending the Spaniard The'e men because they had strong Cities and Arms in their power imagined they could easily bring to passe that by their bringing in of this young man who must be beholding to them for that great Honour they should have all things in their power and might in his name execute their own Commands and do what they listâ— all which the Prince of Aurange foreseeing he removed some of these guilty persons from that Council and assured them that they might more confidently hope for a just Government in the lawful Dominion of the States than the particular power of some few And by chance also at this time it fortuned that Arscot the chief Emulator of the House of Nassau swolne big with vain hope offended the Commonalty of Gaunt by some insolent Speeches the people of which City being the most noble of all Flanders but the most averse to Nobility threw him and all his Train into Custody But the Prince of Aurange although Matthias was called in by his Enemies and had come contrary to his desire and that the rest of the Netherlanders had a greater respect towards France yet having regard to the moderation of his Carriage he himself moved the States that they would accept the young man eminent in his Brothers Majesty and of Kindred to the King to protect their Cause wherewith they were thus far pleased that the Government of the Netherlands should be in Matthias but that the Prince of Aurange should be Deputy Governour which at length though unwillingly he accepted by which means their fury who had sought out Matthias onely with hope to have made themselves great by his Dignity was more enflamed The Regency of Matthias is bounded and limited by Laws and Counsellors nor had he power to use any thing suitable to his greatness besides the State and splendor of his life The third Book of the Dutch Annals ALL matters being in this manner setled Warre is proclaimed against Don John at which time the Monethly Revenues arising from Provisions of Victuals amounting to six hundred thousand Florens was brought into the publick Treasury the free disposing whereof as also of Musters and Councels relating to the Warre that they might be the freer from discovery were by the States left wholly to the Senate Then at length the Queen of England began to think the forces of the Netherlanders worthy of her favour though yet she was not without a peculiar fear of troubles in her own State because Don John moved a Marriage with the Queen of Scots by which and the help of his Arms he hoped to get to himself the Kingdom of Britain and this was evident by no small demonstrations wherefore she promised them both men and money for their assistance they giving caution for repayments but yet still they should stick to their pretence that the Netherlanders Provinces would be obedient to Philip. And so she interwove her self into that Common-wealth that no matter of any importance could be done without her knowledge and approbation endeavouring also to strengthen these new Settlements by an universal Concord though some of the Netherlanders laboured earnestly but in vain to provoke the Queen against the Prince of Aurange and perswading now one now another by laying before them the greatness of the danger least they should incline to re-settle the old Possession of the Roman Religion She therefore would give them ayd When She had effected these things She sends Letters to the King desiring him therein to hearken to peace and to moderate his Government by the Rule of the Law but if he would compel his Subjects to take Arms he should not take it ill at her hands the French long since being intent thereto if she prevented the Dutch allyance with that People who were her Enemies and in the interim she did with great pains strive to clear her self from affecting the Soveraignty that belonged to another Henry King of France Sebastian King of Portugall and the Emperour himself were in like manner solicited by the States to move Philip to moderation towards them the last also being sâ—ed to for assistance in their Cause which at that time was in vain In the interim private grudgings and discords increased among the great Ones so that many went thence into Castles and strong Holds scituate in Lutzenburg upon various pretences but the true cause was they interpreted the Honours given to others to be an affront and disparagement to them But Don John being recruited with the coming of the Spanish Forces and a great many Companies of Souldiers brought to him by the Duke of Parma the Son of Margaret late Governess of the Netherlands out of Italy overthrew the Dutch Army which was daily weakened by the going away of their Captains and retreating into Brabant at a place called Gemblim Nor was the Prey gotten by the Victory small especially if we consider it in the success because Lovayne which layd open Brabant on that side Limburg a famous Dutchy and the Metropolis of the Dominion bearing the same name using to make excursions even into Germany and Phillippolis which City the Prince of Aurange when formerly he was Generall of the Kings Army had fortified with new and strong Bulwarks against the French when onely forraign Warres were feaâ—ed as also many other adjacent Towns came in and submitted The King having â—hus conquered them yet thought fit to try them with the hope of Peace the Baron Selles carrying Conditions out of Spain for differing from those made at Gaunt and for which Don John would not alter a tittle which then was enough to make it seem reâ—sonable why they should be denyed for now the Netherlanders began first to know themselves and several Princes did augment their confidence by striving who should first offer them Souldiers and other ayd Here Francis of Valoys Duke of Anjon and Bâ—other to the King of France both before the Peace made at Gaunt and after was often sued to by the Belgick Nobles There Casimire who possessed the Palatinate of Germany both of them by reason of theiâ— yonger Birth being laid side
had accused them of Ingratitude promised That if they could compass any Peace with Philip â— should have Statues Orations and other things in truth but 〈◊〉 Sounds and meer Trisles of Honour but if he would come to other Resolutions that he should before any others have that respect which his Dignity and the well-weighed Advantage of the Common-wealth in that exigent of time could require This was the state of Affairs when the Violence of Death suddainly snâ—tched away Don John of Austria which might be hastned the more early in regard that with Grief â— Mind he repined at his Fortune For when he endeavoured to make our that he gained the Victory by his own Valoâ— and Conduct not the Debates or Failings of the Enemy tâ— see his Glory impeded and darkned by his Foes which iâ— the Spanish Court were many he grew Cholerick beyond either what his Nature or the strength of his Body would beat And surely in some intercepted Letters there appeared contumacious Desperation And a little before Philip had privily commanded Scovedo to be killed that used to take care of his private and most secret Affairs as being dangerously subtle in the managing of the Intents of that Noble and great-spirited Young-man For being known to have aimed at beyond the condition and quality of his Birth formerly the Kingdom of Tunis and afterwards that of England and also to have had intercourse of Counsels with the most powerful Lorrainers in the French Court he was privately feared by Philip least he should not onely continue against his Person but seek to confirm to himself these Provinces of the Netherlands from whence arose a great Suspition of Poyson though but uncertainly pressed who should cause it to be given there being some Priests of the Romane Religion who stuck not to cast upon the Country an Imputation of endeavouring such a thing Others suspected some English who were sent from thence against him and were therefore called Murtherers The Duke of Parma took the Conduct of the Army and the Government of the residue of the Cities and Towns first at the Desire of Don John himself and with the good liking of all the Souldiery and afterwards by the King's Command He was of a more reserved and close Nature bringing out of Italy with him the practice of making large Promises and the Art of Dissimulation He knew the â—â—ue way to catch the Dutch to wit either with great Words to fright or with smooth Words to seem to excuse them Therefore as Spain was not so much beholding to any mans Arms yet he gained more by the Favour of the People By this man's occult and close Provocations he mightily augmented the Differences among the Provinces which began to burst out more and more especially after there had been some punishment inflicted upon divers Citizens who to reduce to Unity a City of Artoys durst make an Intestine Commotion Nor did the Prince of Aurange leave any Stone unturned to find a Remedy for all these Mischiefs He becomes more sharp in punishing those whose Crimes grew great beyond his Envy And now he had perswaded the Gauntors that restoring and receiving their Priests they should return and submit to the Covenants and Articles of the League then he turned his Endeavours to Montignie's Souldiers and the Artoysians for the reconciling of them But it appeared that the chief men had willingly laid hold of the Causes of this Defection and therefore that they were implacable which so instigated anew the Minds of the Flandrians that Imbis took to himself by force the chief Magistracy of Gaunt and after bestowed on whom he pleased the rest of the Names and Titles of Honour In the interim the Duke of Parma gave safe Conduct and Passage for all Casimire's Horse to go out of the Country so that taking himself thereby to be secure from any Enemy he besiegeth Mastricht that had never been weakned with any Garison and makes Approaches to assault it During the Siege of this City the Emperour to whom the Treaty we before mentioned was submitted had sent his Embassadors to Colen Thither came also with the King 's Commands the Spanish Duke of Terranova in America and for the Netherlanders Areschot and others But the Prince of Aurange who ever was of Opinion that all Peace made with the King must be to the hazard of his Head in this Division of the Netherlands he being in the midst of so many Parties and hated by all did not vainly fear least he should be delivered up a Prey both to his Enemies and to Strangers But it would be resented grievously and redound much to his dishonour to hinder the meeting and Treaty or to impugne the German Moderators but that it might be covertly brought to passe he urged the points concerning Religion to be firmly insisted and severall others whereto there was no hope the King would ever condescend Many did believe that at that time Conditions moderate enough might have been obtained but that some for their private advantage had broken the publick Peace And the Duke of Parma though intent upon Warre yet never ceased to admonish all desirers of novelty that they seek to regain the Kings Favour and Pardon by speedy repentance and submission The first of all that reconciled himself to Philip was Lamot which he did by surrendring the Town of Gravelin in Flanders whereof he was Governour to the Kings Power and having accepted Power of Covenanting with the other he allured over many others manifesting himself a mighty applauder and example of the Kings Clemency Afterwards Montigny bringing over all his Forces which were eight thousand added no small strength to that party though his men were very poor and this he did as well for that reason of poverty as for fear of punishment which he knew he had meritedly deserved from the Netherlanders Lamot being ready to fall upon them They of Artoys and Henault for a while were in suspence at length prescribing certain Conditions to the rest of the Netherlanders which they would should be used if they listed they notwithstanding came to an agreement with the Duke of Parma the like did Issel Doway and Orchan Cities in that part of Flanders which the French a long time possessed and afterwards returned to the obedience of their own Princes but yet they retain the French Tongue with whom this was the cause of their private falling off from the rest of the Netherlanders because they could not obtain a proper voyce or suffrage in Councel The Articles of the Peace contained these Heads The Latine or Roman Religion their accustomed duty to their Prince and the approbation of the League made at Gaunt and that iâ— might be perfect the forraign Souldiers to be sent away within a short time receiving their pay out of the Kings Treasury â— which the Provinces subject to the Regency should be contributary and in all things where any defence was required an Army of Natives might be
never intended a Peace And Arguments of their Hostile Dâ—signs and Warlike Preparations every day broke out clearer and clearer until at last the so long feared Flâ—et set an end to the one sides hope and the other sides dissimulation But Dissention and Factions with By-names went not out of Holland with the Earl of Leicester but under this pretence the Garrison Souldiers both of Cities and Castles made Disturbances robbing and pilling every where especially they that by ill-ordering of the Treasury were behind in their Pay for fear of Peace hasted by Rapine to repay their Labour in the War At which time some were pleased that the third part of Pay should be offer'd which by the Custom of the Netherlands is always in Bank and never used to be disbursed but upon very good occasions Which because it could not speedily be obtained in regard it was the Remains of many Years and to be demanded of many they forthwith every one took to himself what Liberty or Licentiousness he pleased being defended a while by some English the Queen had sent As if the Name of English would have made these Crimes pass more currant The Souldiery of Geertruydenburg upon the receiving a great Sum of Money seemed cotented but into what an unâ—â—ly Baseness and Tâ—eachery they afterwards backe on I wâ—liâ—m its proper place relate Sonoi in the City of Medem like â—cituate on the Western Shore of the Frizian Gulph by the Rebellion of his Souldiers against him suffer'd the punishment of denying Obedience to Superiours Prince Maurice by Siege reduced these to the Obedience of himself and the States â—â—ssel also Governour of the Garrison in Flushing hoping to command in Chief all the Souldiers in Zeland and drawing to his Party Veren and Armuyden Towns in the sle of Wâ—lcheren with an Ambition of Rule was at length 〈◊〉 Queen's Commands who understood heâ—â—â— things a 〈◊〉 Renunciation of the Earl of Leicester which now 〈…〉 heard of forced to desist In other places the Seditions were appeased with less danger but every where with great Expence of Money These things though not bursting out till the following year I have mention'd in this place because they are coherent with the matter But before I settle my self to proceed in my impartial Relation of the following Troubles I think it will be a digression both satisfactory and pleasant to the Reader if I take a short View chiefly of such Domestick Affairs of our own as is necessary for other Nations to come to the knowledge such as was that War when a few People and they living in a narrow compass of Land and shaken with many grievous Slaughters should yet raise it self to such a Greatness against so mighty a Power as that of Spain Therefore I will compare what Bounds what Form of Commonwealth what Number of Forces and what Natural Dispositions and Inclinations were in this middle Time most usual with both these People After the Liberty confirmed by the League at Gaunt Don John of Austria had Conquer'd Namur Lutzenburg and Limburge The Duke of Parma gained by particular Agreements Artois and Henault by Treachery he obtained Flanders and Brabant and Mechlin he subdued by Famine excepting that in Flanders the Town of Ostend in Brabant Bergeâ—op-Zoom and Williamstedt so called from the Prince of Aurange together with some Castles all lying upon the Sea-Coast or by the sides of Rivers Frizeland and Over-Issell were in the power of the Vnited States onely the Spaniard had Groningen The rest Steanwic and Daventry excepted with as many other Fortresses were divided with the Enemy And they wanted not many Towns in Gelderland besides Arnheim Geldres Niâ—umegen Zutphen principal Cities and some less Carrisons held by the Spaniard Prince Maurice did wholly govern and Zeland after the rest there came under his Command beyond the Frizons the Dominion of the Sea and all other places which continued faithful to the States in the Enemies Country They took away every where the great President of having proper and peculiar Governours in Cities suffering none such but in the very uttermost Borders Nor must I omit to say something of their Neighbors Beyond the River Eomes is the County of East-Frizeland commonly called Embden-Land By the Maes and Rhine the Bishopricks of Colen and Leige the Governour whereof a Bavarian a Kinsman of King Philips who encompassing almost all the Belgike Provinces by divers Names of Ecclesiasticall Dignities possesseth most large Territories and although the Court of the Prince of Cleves and Juilliers had not yet been claimed by War yet either by infused Dread together with the pretence of the Burgundian Alliances it seems to incline towards the Spaniard and then if any of those Cities should fall to the like Religion as the Hollanders they had an Enemy close by them that would be no less implacable than theirs But Cambray which after the Defection of the Neighbour Cities being clogg'd and annoy'd with its own Garrison Valois had by his last Directions commended to the Kingdom of France his Protection Baligny who was appointed Governour thereof by the King's Mother Catharine kept after both their Deaths and he now joyning himself to the Guisian Faction while the Duke of Parma rejoyced at the prolonging of the War thereby to recover satisfaction for the wasting of the Country and King Henry driven out of his own Cities had no peace nor vacant time to mind these beginnings took to himself an Authority though he knew it could be of no long continuance These were their Bounds and Limits Now let us consider their Polity the Vnited States among whom the Prince of Aurange for a long time had the chief Authority in the King's Name and then in his own afterwards both his and the States Power sliding into the Earl of Leicester's Dominion were taught by Experience that the strength of the Empire divided into many Hands though it may suit better with Liberty yet is it more subject to discord if the fear of the publick Enemy be but abated but the Government it self lost nothing for what was substracted by any means from its power was doubly regained in the benevolence and affection of the People for Honours and Licences were wholly granted by it whereas Impositions of Taxes and Subsidies and other burthens were laid upon the People by another hand And besides such is the nature of the common People that they will generally lay the fault of all miscarriages upon those who are most active in the Common-wealth and yet for Victories they will only acknowledge one The Nobles and more potent men were wont by an antient Custom according to the hereditary right of their Possessions to govern the Country and the Inhabitants therein but Towns were left to be ruled by selected and choyce Citizens and the Reason was because the People imploying themselves in multiplicity of Affairs did not desire to be called together and assembled upon every occasion of electing Officers or making Laws
persidious And as the Spaniard could not lay aside Arms without the Consent of the Kings his Allies so also the same Impediment lay upon them by several Leagues And here they shewed several Examples when Peace had either vainly or falsly been pretended to be sought and they had no more Reason at this time to hope for better of more safe proceedings For Philip was so far from remitting old Offences for advancement of the Peace of Christendom that he would rather suffer the Barbarians to enjoy all Europe than he himself would leave off to infest and trouble other Kingdoms by Arms and Treachery That it was most evident from Letters of the same Philip written to William Clementius wherein he was commanded to delude Caesar with fair Words and Promises adding That the Turkish Power would easily be diverted from the Spanish Empire by Gifts and Presents Nor did the States forbear to signifie That the power of concluding a Peace was Deputed unto the Praefects but the Right and Power of preserving it was in the Lords In short what hope could they have while the Netherlands were oppressed with Forreign Souldiers and the Spaniards who still sit at the Helm would by their nefarious and cruel Counsels would absolutely reverse all the good which Ernestus intended The Opinion of many among the Romanists in hatred of Pease was too commonly cast abroad That no Faith is to be held with such as differ from them Meritedly sure was the Mischief of that Invention turned upon their own Heads while they by an endeavour of setting Men together by the Ears break off and spoill all Commerce To all those that practice Equity and Honesty they never alter their Evil Habit and least they should enjoy their Perfidy too long themselves became an Example against themselves Nay the very Common People who for the most part are first weary of Warre being inraged with the Memory of the late Villanies of the Enemy would not by any means hearken or incline to any Thoughts of Peace And now the Spaniards fearing Prince Maurice's youth grown famous by so many Victories and the league of two Kingdoms from the greatness of their terrour they so far contemned infamy that they hired murtherers by particular stabs to bring that to passe which they were not able to compass with all their Armies And without doubt there was no time so detestible for such horrid wickedness insomuch that from hence no one could expect from them any true peace who by giving place to hatred and revenge would even violate the Laws of Arms. For in this very year wherein they desired a Treaty first a Priest of Namar afterwards another Renegado Souldier were hired to become assassineâ— but prevented barely by suspicions gathered from the extravagancies of their looks but the designs of so great Treasoâ—s being once though with difficulty and but darkly discerned were soon after for fear of the wrack laid open and the whole contexture of the horrid villany discovered wherein first the Prince himself then his Brother Henry Frederick and after them several other persons eminent in the Common-wealth were designed to be slain and every one for a particular cause as Leominus becâ—use he had revoked from the Kings party Aldâ—guâ—d because he had excited the Duke of Parma to disloyal mistrusts of the King Olden barâ—evelt because he was looked upon to be averse to peace The Traytors names were Michel Renichon and Peter Furius but let us see the Authours who being persons in eminent place and capable of Honour yet had bound themselves to the perpetrating this infamous act And they were as fellows First Fontayne and Ibarra two Spaniards Stanley the betrayer of Deventer and of the Netherlanders La 〈◊〉 and Barlaymont the heyr of an inveterate hatred to the House of Nassau and also Assonvile of old suspected for the murther of the former Prince of Aurange Of all these the Traytors gave particular accounts and demonstration partly by force but chiefly by a voluntary confession after they were condemned to die and could not hope for any reward or favour for casting aspersions upon others Nay more the Promises and Exhortations of Ernestus himself were related to Renichon by assuring a large Pension for his Reward but to Furius in these very words If thou performest what thou promisest me and dost kill that Tyrant thou shalt surely go the ready way to Paradise yet there wanted not some who from hence would interpret that the countenance of peace which the Regent would seem to have put on was but dissembled averring that he onely counterfeited a face of modesty the more neatly to hide the cruelty of his heart However it was 't is certain that Comannus and Hartius who were in Holland when this Treason of Reâ—ichâ—n was discovered denyed Ernestus to be in any manner culpable therein adding also that Barlaymont would be ready if they would give him a safe conduct to come and send pledges for his safe return to appear and refute the before mentioned scandalls but in regard he could be admitted no otherwise than to be punished if he were convict the conditions were refused About the same time Lodowick Lopez a Portuguese but of Jewish extract being a Physitian in England was apprehended who was convict by proofs and Letters to have undertaken to poyson Queen Elizabeth for fifty thousand Ducats promised to him by the Spaniard for the same for which he was as he well deserved put to death The Authours of the Treason were said to be Christopher More Fontayne and Stephen Ibarra then residing at Bâ—uxells whom Queen Elizabeth contented her self to have sharply reprehended in certain Letters to that purpose sent to Ernestus wherein she gave the name of Jesuites to the inciters of such villanies and desired that they might be delivered to her to be made a publick example this she urged not that she imagined to obtain her Request but that she might thereby cast the greater ignominy on the Spaniard's Reputation There were several other Attempts of the like soâ— broke out not long after from a sort of men wonderfull by their vast increase their Lenity being as ready to promise the perpetrating of a Crime as to discover it Towards the end of the Year the Order of Jesuits began to be infinitely hated through all France by means of oâ— John Castel a young man bred up and tutor'd among them and perswaded by his Masters that no Kingly Rights or Priviledges belonged to him that was separated from the Romane Church This Fellow when the King returned out of Picardy to Paris endeavour'd to have stab'd the King into the Neck but the blow by the bending of his Body hit him upon the Tooth The Parliament of Paris so abhorred the monstrous Fact that they were not content with the punishment of the single Offender but pulled down the House that nourished such a Viper with all its Superstructures they raised a Pillar to preserve the abominable Memory of
admired by her neighbours but courted by Embassadours even from the Moors and Sarmatians No man hitherto doubted but that great Commotions would have arisen in England upon the death of the Queen who had never declared any certain Successor for it was believed that although James King of Scotland was the next in bloud yet the ancient hatred of the inhabitants and the private fear of those that had consented to his Mother's death would be an obstacle to him there being several ready in England who boasted themselves to be descended of Royal bloud Then also the power of the English Catholicks was feared lest they should hope for that by Troubles which they could never expect while the setled Authority of the Queen remained the Pope also instigating them as unwilling that a King of the new Religion should be admitted although he were next in bloud Nor was that hope onely grown in the Spaniards who lay at watch for the peoples commotions but the Hollanders also although they had by many good offices before-hand pre-engaged King James upon the connexion of Religion yet by tacite wishes did guess that the imputation of their alliance with him would transferre part of the Warre into Britain But it happened beyond hope and expectation that presently after the decease of Queen Elizabeth the old Councel of the Queen and as many of the Bishops and Magistrates of London as were at present at hand and in readiness proclaimed King James not waiting for the authority of a Parliament for the danger of delay and because Interregnum's do many times in the future by new Laws and Covenants diminish the grandeur and power of Authority Thus without any contradiction the King of Scotland got the possession of England and was the first that within the known Records of any Annals enjoyed the whole Island of Great Britain in one entire and undivided Government The United States did not omit forthwith to send an Embassy to congratulate him for his new access of magnitude having first sent some gratulatory Letters The Embassadours sent by them to the King were Count Henry of Nassau Prince Maurice's brother then a Member of the Councel of the States and General of the Horse next to him was Walrave Brederode thirdly John Olden Barneveldt and lastly Jacob Valcken who died before he returned from this Embassy When they were admitted to audience they spake in this manner We are come hither Great King divided in our selves between Grief And Joy for we have lost Her whose goodness and benefits to us we are not able to express in words but we have found You as the Heir of Her Kingdome so the Imitator of Her Vertues That which formerly we desired and since that by publick supplications decreed to the most happy Messengers of Your new-begun Dominion that now in Your own presence with hearts and voices we beseech and begge of God that this Your reign may be happy and prosperous to Your Self to Posterity to Great Britain and to Vs We begge of You Sacred Sir one thing That You would not suffer the insulting Spaniard to trample upon the necks of the Netherlanders and from thence by degrees to incroach upon the Dominions of others his Neighbours It suits with Your Religion to save so many Assemblies of pious men from that Kingdome of sanguinary Superstition it agrees with Your Justice to defend a Cause allowed of by so many Kings and it is an act becoming Your Prudence to drive away those underminers of Kingdomes and supporters of the Papacy by whose judgement all that You now possess is given to them as a Prey Your Predecessor Queen Elizabeth did this and so we hope will You and that with the greater ease by how much You are in the prime of Your age have a more man-like Authority a more ample Power and a House well setled upon the happy foundation of a hopeful Issue Our fidelity shall in part supply Your Work and Charge by whose prosperity and adversity it hath been made evident that the Spaniards could be conquered 'T is true Peace is a most excellent Jewel and worthy of high estimation among Christians but that that is made with Tyrants and treacherous people is little better then Warre If all they that are joyned in the Cause would unite their wealth he would be deprived of the Netherlands and if that punishment would not yet make him wise he should be driven out of the Sea and all his maritime Dominions which would be no hard matter for the Hollanders and English to effect and this certainly would make him glad to come to a true Peace the best maintainer whereof was equality of Forces Now is the siege of Ostend protracted unto the third year so that having endured so long a misery we humbly intreat You to aid us with supplies for relief thereof for which purpose you may make use of those ships which by the Queen 's command were furnished and instructed with Armes and provisions by us being eleven in number and now wait for nothing but your Royal command Hereto the King very courteously answered as to the matter of friendship but as to the rest he excused himself by the infancy of his Dominion but in time he would see what was best to be done in the interim not concealing that as much as he could he would prefer all counsells tending to Peace for hitherto he had had no difference with the Spaniard and also Philip had voluntarily offered him his assistence if any dispute should have arisen concerning his Kingdome and himself being of a mild disposition and well grounded in all kind of Literature had spent his time in studies rather inclinable to Peace then War And the Archduke being supposed to have made war with the Queen not with the Realm had by Edict forbidden any damage to be done to the English sending home besides all Prisoners they had that were that Countrey-men and soon after he sent Charles Prince of Arenberg Embassador to the King as also the Spaniard sent Don John Baptista Taxis to the same for the promoting a Peace concerning which the year following there was an agreement When the Embassadors of Holland saw they could not prevent it they endeavored to delay it and to give the King some hopes that they likewise might obtain Peace together with their Liberty if the King by procrastinations or delay would suffer the Spanish counsells which yet depended upon the event of a few years to grow towards perfection And this was the discovery of Olden Barneveldt who was throughly versed in all the secrets of the United Provinces producing the Duke of Brunswick's hand whom the Emperor Rudolphus had acquainted with that affair But King James his hast was not at all slackened in making that Peace whereupon the Hollanders onely contended that if they could not obtain a shew of assistence yet that they might not be denied right These their desires were seconded by the French King who was very
unknown by whom Murthers were commended and with whom the greatest Thief is most honourable And how horrid is it in these who obtained their Honour not by the Nobility of their Bloud or Merits but by his or Queen Elizabeth's Favour to shew such an Ingratitude of Mind such a Conscientiousness of their Treachery that they would again attempt what they had bin once pardon'd solliciting a whole Province to Defection and Rebellion and contrive a Conspiracy to the slaughter of all the English Nor were there wanting Priests and Jesuits the usual Authors and Promoters of such wickedness to foment their Designs But the Assistance of Forein Power being in vain implored by them their impious Attempts left no safe Refuge but in flight The Seventeenth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THat the Enemies Embassadors delay'd their coming this Years most sharp Frost and worthy to be remembred among the Rarities of the Time was a main cause or else it was a part of the Spanish Pride to be long expected In the interim the States transacted with their Friends That they might try what might be hoped from them in Peace or War Then did the Affection of the French clearly appear eminent towards this Commonwealth there being hardly any found that would imitate their Pattern For they made a League wherein it was agreed That the King should give Assistance against the Violaters thereof that either offer'd publike Injuries to the Hollanders or being warned had by dissimulation done any private Offences and to that end should send to their Aid Ten Thousand Foot If the King a Kingdom of France suffer'd any Hostility from an Enemy The States were to help him either with 500 Foot or so many Ships as should equiballance that Number If either â—d any thing beyond this for the other it should be owed 〈◊〉 till the end of the War and then to be re-paid That either should make any Agreement with the Enemy without as Allies Consent And in point of Commerce the Hollanders should be free among the French as Citizens and the French equal to the Citizens of Holland But the Brittains that they might not make the like League first of all renewed the old Controversie concerning the Trade of Clothing which only one Society among the English would â—ave and afterwards they demanded That before all other things the old Debt of the States should be more narrowly treated 〈◊〉 The Germans a Nation full of delay from whom as also from the Landgrave of Hessen Embassadors came pretended That their Princes desired nothing more than to confirm the League upon mutual Assistance each of other yet that they had received no certain Power and Authority to settle that Affair In 〈◊〉 interim these in effect were the Things which they â—ommended to the States if Peace were concluded to wit that Care might be taken for the Indempnity of the House of Nassau That the Spaniard should make satisfaction for the Daniaâ—â— Mendosa had done in Germany That no Liberty should be parted to any within the States Jurisdiction to use the Romane rites in matter of Religion That in the disbanding of Souldiers â—â—tion should be used that no damage should accrue thereby to the Neighbours And that all Taxes upon Provision should for the future utterly cease At length in the beginning of the Month of February arrived the Embassadors from the Enemy which were Spiâ—â—la and Mancicido a Spaniard the King's Secretary for Military Business Afterwards Richardot Verreik and Naya being drawn in Sleds over the Frozen Waters enter Holland then indeed open and not shewing any of the natural strength and beauty of its Rivers Where ever they passed they were courteously Treated by the Governours of Cities and were not far from the Hague when Prince Maurice went out to meet them On every side was an infinite company of men whom the greatness of that unusual Sight had drawn together and to behold a Thing the Year before believed by no man that the two chief Commanders of that great War who lately had led such Armies mortally hating one another now unarm'd mutually embracing each other and instead of the Violence of Arms and Stratagems of War contesting onely who should most exceed in Humanity Spinola passing in Prince Maurice's Coach and some Discourse begun each of them received great Advantage from the others Vertue one expert Enemy giving a true Judgment of his Opposite But after the Italian General provided of Lodgings according to his Dignity began to set forth his pretious Houshold-stuff and all other Things prepar'd for Ostentation It is wonderful to tell what vast concourse of men daily flocked thither from the utmost parts of Holland meerly to see the order of his Service the furnishing of his Table and chiefly his Person Indeed many were drawn thither with the desire onely to satisfie and feed their Eye but others came thither who not onely owned but boasted their Affection to the Romane Religion Nor was He nice in shewing himself to all Comers nay more then that he supposed it a becoming thing sometimes to speak first to many by an Interpreter or else thereby he fancied to himself a hope of gaining the affection of the Commons against the Nobles At the Request of the Enemies Embassadors a more solemn meeting than ordinary was granted where before the Prince and the Senate after Salute and Complements passed they declare to what purpose they were sent And now some were chosen that should treat apart with them first in the Name of the whole Council of the United States were appointed William of Nassau and Walrave Brederode then â—ery single Province added one as Gelderland Cornelius 〈◊〉 Holland John Olden Barneveldt Zeland Jacob Maleree Vtrecht Nicholas Bercke Friezeland Gelly Hellaman Over-â—ssell John Sleethen and Groening Abâ—l Cunderten The first dayes were spent while each inspected and argued the others Commands and Instructions King Philip in his Letters styled the Arch Dukes the chief Princes of the Netherlands and speaking of the liberty of the United Provinces he recited that clause which formerly he had mentioned that it should be then of full force when the Peace was concluded wherein also there were Instructions concerning Religion and other matters in controversie The Arch Dukes in their Epistles set forth the words whereby Philip of late had ratified whatever Agreements they should make upon any the States Demands the States nevertheless often averting and complaining of the contrary Besides when Philip gave power to the Arch Dukes of making Peace either by themselves or those whom he had delegated to that business The Arch Dukes Instructions did not plainly enough speak and declare the right which they had received from King Philip to be transferred by them to their Embassadors To all which Objections the Spaniards plâ—usibly excusing the rest promised that they would take care that nothing should be wanting in the making perfect their Commission yet on the other side they argued that the States
the King hath no such need of you as to give assistance to those that despise his Counsels Spencer also in the name of his Master the King of Great Brittain spoke to the same purpose adding that the Common-wealth wherein the right of many Opinions doth not prevail is like to a Virgin which as old Authours remember was pulled in pieces by the hands of many other rivall Lovers contending among themselves and so elegantly set forth how much the Tribunitial Power prejudiced the Romans The same Embassadors also perswaded them for the future to settle a more certain Method of raising their Tributes as also if any thing were distempered in the Common-wealth or disfigured by War that it might be amended whereby they might become more unanimous among themselves and more formidable to their Enemies The like Advice they gave to the Citizens who esteemed their own Government best to wit that they should leave the chief Matters to their Provincces and their Deputies but all suddain and quotidian Business should be in the ordering of the Governours and Senate who were to look after not any particular part alone but the whole Body But it was not convenient to abolish a Custom approved of by the space of Twenty Years with Success fortunate enough wherby it easily appear'd that it would be profitable for all that all Things should remain as at present lest while the Debate of the Truce depended they should involve and intangle one Business in another In these Verbal Contentions this Transient Year was almost expired and a Rumour was frequently spread abroad That the Truce endeavour'd by the Embassadors did no whit please the Spaniards And the Truth is Richardot had written to Janinus That King Philip was grown more averse than before but he assigned the fault thereof to the King of Great Brittain as if he had given some hope that nothing more should be spoken of Liberty And now the sweetness of Peace had so far allured some among the Vnited States that they could digest that but the more discreet sort wâ—thstood it and the Embassadors of the Kings sent to the Arch-Dukes demanding Whether they should give Credit to those things which of late had been begun to be transacted with their Ministers Upon Return of their Messenger being certified That the Arch-Dukes had given Command and likewise had from the King a power of making an Agreement they shew'd the same to the States and admonish them That the Cessation of Arms being near a conclusion should be prolonged for one Moneth in hope of making a League Yet lest they should expect other Articles than what had bin of late prescribed by them They said They would only do their Endeavour that the Truce might continue for 7 years longer and that there might rather be a peaceable than a Warlike Trade in the Indies In the mean while the Arch-Dukes well understanding that there wanted not some in Spain who either desirous of War or striving for the honour of the Kingdom would dispute those Words concerning the Liberty of the Hollanders especially because the Hollanders would not leave the Trade of the Indies nor would suffer any thing to be Decreed in favour of the Romanists Therefore they sent thither Inicus a Priest of Bruxels of a Noble Spanish Family and Father Confessour to Albertus and which is of necessary consequence with the same intimate and privy to all his Counsels This Man was commanded to shew what Commodities would by a Truce accrue to the Ports of Flanders the passage to which was stopped up by War as also that some increase of the Romane Religion was to be hoped by as much as Hatred and Animosities decreased they being a People covetous of Novelty and discordant in Matters of Divinity Neither were those Words much to be fear'd that were ambiguously implyed the Embassadors of the Kings not only averting They would take nothing away from the Spaniard but that many of the Hollanders had shew'd them to be fruitless by subtilly cavilling That these Arguments might prevail against all contrary Attempts and Endeavours they were strengthned by the Authority of the Duke of Lerma a Man most eminent in the Favour of King Philip and therefore drawing after him not onely the Respect of the Court but the whole Source of Counsel he delighted much in the pleasures of Peace and therefore fear'd lest others should over-top him by Honour and Renown gain'd in War This Year came Philip William Prince of Aurange and Elder Brother to Prince Maurice first of all into Holland remaining other where during the time of War but now using the common freedom taken by all The causes of his comming thither he pretended That by the Truce he might take a Care to mind the benefit of his own Affairs as also that being honour'd with the French Affinity he hoped he might the better bring it about by means of the present French Embassadors those Things which were in dispute between him and his Brothers concerning his Paternal Inheritance But others interpreted it in another manner as if he had appear'd there as a Fautor of Peace contrary to the Counsels of his Brother However it was this is certain That by his means Emanuel of Portugal against whom we elsewhere mention'd Prince Maurice to be highly inraged for his Marriage with his Sister was reconcil'd to the House of Nassau During all this time nothing was done by the Souldiery but only near Ardenburg some were slain that lay in wait to take away the Townsmens Cattel Likewise in Germany the Hollanders Horse with more than ordinary Licentiousness foraging the Country were met with and punish'd for some being sent out of the Garrison at Berck slew some of them as they were scatter'd abroad in the Night among whom was kill'd Adolphus of Nassau a Young-man of great Courage but too indulgent to the Souldiery But the Victors Joy continued but a while for the Troops gathering together from all parts repai'd the slaughter of their Companions with the Death of many more of their Enemies This Year also there appear'd the Seeds of a Mischief that was not contemptible for Arms were scarce laid aside before there began a Difference in Religion the beginnings whereof are not known nor more of it but as it broke out by little and little which hapned thus At Leyden two famously learned Men the one named Gomarus the other Arminius publikely read Lectures upon the Holy Scriptures of whom this maintain'd That by God's Eternal Decree it was appointed who should be saved and who should be damned and thereupon that some are drawn to Piety and being so drawn are preserved that they shall not fall away while others are left to perpetrate the common Vices of Mankind and lie totally involved in their own sins This on the other side maintain'd That God would not be altogether a severe Judge but was also a loving Father and made this difference of Sinners That to such as were
United States refuse to treat unless their Liberty be confirm'd 879 They receive Letters to that purpose from the Arch-Duke's but not satisfactory 879. They advise with the Provinces the Form of their Letters 880. They send Verdusio to Antwerp and for what 881. He requires a solemn Instrument for confirmation of their Liberty which is granted ibid. The Bounds of the United Provinces 892 â—erreike Lewis Secretary to the Arch Dukes brings to the States the King of Spain's Confirmation of their Liberty but it is disliked and why 895 896 United Provinces Many Disputes there concerning Peace and what and by whom 896. They draw up New Instruments for confirming their Liberty which are sent into Spain 896 Verreike returns with the same together with Nayâ— from Spain onely with some little alterations which is again found fault with and why 897 898. But at length accepted and how 899 United States give an Account of the whole to the several Provinces 899 900 901. Their Debate thereon and Result 901 United States their Proposal to the Arch-Dukes 902 903 W. WAR The causes and beginnings of the Dutch War 2 3 8 9 11 21 22 63 Walloons Who and wheâ—e inhabiting together with their Character 41. War In France first breaks out and upon what occasions 46. War Proclaimed against Don John 89 War in Colen first breaks out and for what and between whom 137 Continuation of the War at Colen 171 Wachtenâ—one besieged by Parma and gained 223 â—eert taken by Prince Maurice his horse but again deserted 396 Warr in Burgundy hotly prosecuted 399 â—rmondt John Admiral of the Dutch in the Cadiz Voyage 447 Whale taken at Bercheyd in Holland and several Opinions concerning the same 532.533.765 Wesell a Town sends a Petition and Gâ—â—es to Mendosa and his answer thereto 609.610 Is forced to submit to the Spaniard but soon after revolts 616.617 â—achtendone Surprized and taken by Lewis of Nassaw 656.657 Warr between the K. of France the Duke of Savoy and for what 692 Wachtendone Surprized and lost again by the Spaniard 749.750 Woude a Castle taken by Prince Maurice 791 Wachtendone besieged by Count Bucquâ—y 808.809 delivered to him 813 Wittenhorst and Gevard Messengers of the Arch-Dukes admitted into the Assembly of the States to Treat of Peace 877.878 Winwoods King James his Embassadors Speech in the Assembly of the States for a Truce 944 Y. YOrk Rowland partaker with Iâ—bis 171. Made Governour of Welaw by the Earl of Leicester 172. He betrayes the same to the Spaniard 178. And is poysoned 179 Z. 〈…〉 many Victories at Sea against the Spaniards 83 〈…〉 and Zuinglians who and what and in what part followed and allowed 36.37 Zutphen taken for the Spaniard by Alva 65.137 Zyriczee taken by Requesens 79 Z 〈…〉 bâ—sieged and taken by Prince Maurice 263.264.265 〈…〉 difference between Holland and Zeland and about what 49â—◠〈…〉 y in Walcheren the Rendezvouz for Prince Maurice his Army 66â— â—â—landers taken a Portugal Carrack 730.731 Zas beâ—sieged by Prince Maurice 791.792.966 A noble Action of a ship of Zeland 846 Zelanders averse to a Peace or Truce and why 945 ERRATA FOr Mâ—rim Page 3. Line 9. read Morini p. 9. l. 26. r. when p. 11. l. 26. r. is it p. 18. l. 13. r. with such innocency p. 19. l. 27. r. as Ibid they mighâ— p. 24. l. 7 8. r. hated above p. 32. l. 13. dele also p. 34. l. â— Gheuses p. 38. l. 6. dele Is. p. 40. l. 12. r. would permit him to lay p. 45. l. 22. r. woman things set p. 51. l. 23. r. was no longer due Ibid. l. 32 33. r. was confirmed p. 52. l. 18. r. equall p. 58. l. 24. r. Dane p. 59. l. ult r. Coliny Ibid. l. 19. r. inveighed against him p. 66. l. 19. r. others placed here Ibid. l. 32. r. into p. 67. l. 7. r. in part called p. 73. l. 21. r. possible p. â—7 l. â—3 insert Artevill p. 112. l. ult r. it was first p. 113. l. 10. r. with 〈…〉 p. 131. l. 11. r. upon Ibid. l. 28. r. mad p. 133. l. 5. r. one Ibid. l. 9 â—0 r. restore such p. 137. l. 8. r. Tâ—â—rius Ibid. l. 16. r. of p. 138. l. 4. r. buâ—â— p. 140. l. 13. r. these p. 143. l. 15. r. one to wit the City p. 145. l. â— r. of p. 150. l. 25. r. Parmensian p. 172. l. 5. r. Bercke p. 181. l. 33 r. thirty Florens a man p. 1â—5 l. 16. r. treacherous p. 202. l. 19. dele now p. 203. l. 4. dele of p. 209. l. 1. insert Nottingbam p. 234. l. 3. r. Rees p. 249. l. 33. r. Pieces p. 251. l. 29. r. decision p. 258. l. 5. r. hate p. 288. l. 3â— r. not in p. 294. l. 2. r. Trench p. 298. l. 1. r. Prince p. 303. l. 17. r. Publike p. 315. l. 13. r. Cuyck Anon. p. 337. l. 25. r. scornful p. 360. l. 1. r. had no been p. 361. l. 16.17 r. more famous City Ibid. l. 20. insert the Ibid. l. 30 dele and. p. 362. l. 3. r. shooting p. 375. l. 9. r. was one p. 377 l. 7. r. Frizeland p. 406. l. 18. r. Magellan p. 409. l. 10. dele of p. 413. l. 21. r. interval p. 418. l. 2. r. then Ibid. l. 6. r. and so p. 442. l. 13. r. them p. 45 l. 17. r. thoughts p. 463 l. 20. r. Meroâ—â—e p. 466. l. 12. r. Junius Ibid. l. 22. r. for his noble birth honors born and description of the Siege p. 546. l. 16. r. appease p. 540. l. â—3 r. noâ— a like p 55â— l. 1. r of p. 574. l. 23. r. had procured Ibid. l. 24. r. by means of his brother p. 588. l. 15. dele been p. 591. l. 2â— r Juâ—eland p. 601. l. 33. r. Bercke p. â—â—2 l. 23. r. Hoye p. 619. l. 27. r. his charges might p. 6â—â— l. 1â— r. seven p. 630. l. â—1 r. in their sleep p 665. l. 5. insert dens of Ibid. r. â— r. seven p. 67â— l. 25. r. â—â—k p. 70â— l. 19. r. Uchtenbrook p. 713. l. 17. r. 〈…〉 p. â—43 l. 24. r. without it 〈…〉 p. 8â—1 l. 〈…〉 Naya's p. 882. l. 26. r. 〈…〉 â—6 〈…〉 A great p. 912 l. 6. r. in Hungary the. p 91â— l. 1. r. 〈…〉 r. many of her p. 965. l. 7. r. Mâ—nâ—s 1568. 1569. 1570. 1575. 1577. 1578. 1580. 1581. 1582. 1587. 1588. 1588. Au. 6. 1589. 1590. 1592. 1593. 1595. 1596. 1597. 1598. 1600. 1603. 1604. 1605. 1606. â—â—â—7 1609.
Language wherein he said that he did not use to set aside Ministers of State without hearing and perpending their cause of Complaint but if he could not have his Revenue upon whose payment he did depend he would that some of them should come to him from whom being present he would take cognizance of the whole matter They earnestly write back again That it was not for them to lay crimes to any ones charge but they believed it was a part of his duty rightly and truly â— have informed his Prince but whether he had so done or not the imminent danger if they should be silent would speak and they hoped that their Births and Merits would gain no lesse credit â— their betters than their words but now chiefty when the absenâ— of Governours from their Charges could not be well admitted The King was much moved at these lines but finding necessary a little to yield he sends secretly to Grannell whom now these fore-going passages began to vex partly aâ— a by-stander and partly as being guilty to himself of the deadly hatred of the people towards him commanding him to depart into Burgundy whither he was ordered to retire for avoyding the danger of his life so much fought and layd wait for by his enemies And a long time after he kept all the Netherlands or the greatest part in fear of his return but few joyning with him in his hopes till at length either by Command or his own free will he went to Rome There they who hitherto had been kept out of office were at the Request of the Regent Margaret recalled in the Senate of Assembly and that they might give some proofs of themselves they begin with all diligence to advise and take notice of choice things of others there was no great need And the praise and thanks of dissembling their Crimes was so much the greater towards them by how much he would divert them from the sense of their evill so that now acting wholly as Victors they had taken all things into their own hands whether belonging to publick accounts or to the Law saying it was the Soveraign pleasure of the Senate and that to it all the other Assemblies ought their Service and Obedience But how many faults do attend where some few bear the Sway and in how little time do they grow ripe The Kings Revenew neglected the Authority of the Law among potent discords laid aside the greatest Crimes and villanies unpunished Honours given for favour either much done through ambition by such as coveted the praise of all or else evils never to be remedied overcharge the Credit of the great ones They dissembled less in point of Religion maintaining it was better taught by perswasion than compulsion till at length they found what they supposed as remedies proved rather food to nourish the Disease But when they granted this in favour of the People whether it were out of their own disposition averse from cruelty or that they suspected under the veil of the Inquisition that there lay hid slavery or danger to the valiantest men I will not undertake to discover But this is most evident that they themselves did not depart from the Ceremonies of the Church of Rome and he who was the chief in all these Consultations in his own Principality of Aurange would suffer nothing in matters of Religion to be changed Besides this and for other weighty Causes Egmond was sent into Spain to pry into the Kings nature and affections and is there received with so much Honour and such high Gifts as no man before him ever had the like Here Philip protests much of affection to the Netherlanders and that he may prevent any desire of his return to them again he sayes he hath resolved in himself for the Turkish Warre and likewise gave him some hope that he would moderate the rigour of the Sentence and Edict of the Bishops least either by severity or impunity he might provoke the Secturies licentiousness whereas in truth he intended to make it far more strict For when first he came into Spain and found there many and some of the chief of the Covent of St. Isidore to think otherwise than they ought of the received Rites and Doctrine he was not onely content to have commanded into the fire Learned men and noble Women but rejoyced to see the same with the terrour whereof having appeased the discords there he believed either the sloth or timidity of his Judges hindred if not envyed him the like success in the Netherlands And at this time Elizabeth his Wife Sister of Charles King of France being sent together with the Duke of Alva to â—ajon whether the same Charles and his Mother Medicos met at a Conference for rooting out innovators and disturbers of Religion he bound himself by some private Covenants to be assistant equally therein The like League was made between Henry and Philip after the Peace of Cambray and this being by the imprudence of Henry discovered to the Prince of Orenge in his Embassy into France as he was by chance â— hunting made him often assert with Protestations that he onely feared those Counsels which were concealed Egmond was scarce returned full of his vain hope but the Kings Letters immediately followed cruelly commanding the Inquisitors to execute judgement upon violators and novelties in Religion adding certain other Assistants to the number of the Judges and though Viglius and many with him perswaded the contrary presently they were published to the great trouble of all mens mindes and shortly after were the Decrees of the Councel of Trent put forth by whom nothing being amended either in Doctrine or Ceremonies some whole Nations separated and fell off from the Church of Rome onely there was a Decree made for reformation of Priests Lives and Manners wherewith indeed they were offended but never cured And truly in the Netherlands those mens lives were most vicious who being admitted into the Sacred Order of Priesthood got nothing thereby but the name and Revenues yet were these men most fierce for the publishing of these Decrees which in some places were obeyed but with exception underwritten to which Philip had consented that they should not derogate from any mans right which was added by reason of Patronages of Churches and bounds of Jurisdictions But the Brabanders with one free consent went further First their Cities and afterwards the Senate or States of their Nation did Declare That this Custome of the Inquisition insensibly creeping in daily in a high manner into their Countries was against the Law by which all their Judgments should be directed and which should set Bounds to the Priesthood wherein they should walk The Constancy of these was followed by others but especially the Common People were infinitely perplexed with the Terrible Rumour of the Spanish Inquisition whose Authority with the King though manifest and its Usage and Example in all Kingdoms how profitable and though commended by the French yet the
Regent enforcing them by one Edict to fly commands them by another to stay So that they being voluntarily departed who were displeased at the present carriage of Affairs and other matters by the notable cunning of a Woman set in order there was a setled Peace such as if nothing further had been coveted might have longer continued The second Book of the Dutch Annals BUT the Duke of Alva retarded somewhat by his Disease but more by the exceeding coldness of the Alps at last being past Savoy reached Burgundy by a Journey not onely tedious and troublesome but accompanied with great wants but there was some satisfaction for the same by the present amendment of his quarters here by whose pleasantness and delight his Army was well increased which notwithstanding there were therein above eight thousand men he kept in a moâ— orderly and strict Discipline The Spaniards then being first shewed the way through so great a Continent of Land After this he met with no kind of stop as far as Lutzemburgâ— the chief of whose Governours he had the King being not wholly ignorant thereof drawn to his party for the better upholding the strength of that broken and disjoynted Dominion At this time as if it had been by agreement Warres broke out in France the King having levyed and taken into pay certain Companies of Switzers under pretence of suspecting some soul play upon his Borders And the truth is Alva's Army had been scouring the places thereabout of all such as took part with and upheld that new Religion so much hated by them All this while there was not a Netherlander stirred whether out of an extraordinary Panick fear or too great Security is doubtful to resist or withstand this furious Invasion for though coming as a Generall in Warre unto a quiet People he was received by the concourse of the People not seeming at all discontented for at the beginning he took to himself no other Title untill Margaret weary of this empty shadow of troublesom honour and thought also to have done much harm to the Government by her feminine imbecillity and so much the rather because she had by polite and well composed Letters presaging many of the future evills disswaded the sending of Alva with an Army by her departure thence wholly left the Regency of the Netherlands to his care and ordering none now doubting but he would now make himself a Magistrate contrary to those Laws by whose rule and with whose safety he could not attain thereto It being provided therein cautiously from antiquity that none but a Netherlander or a Prince of the blood could take that upon him The first Experiment of his Tyrannizing Authority was shewed upon Egmond and Horn who being by Policy wrought to come inâ—o the Court were apprehended and put into Custody and when they demanded the Priviledge of the Golden Fleece to be judged onely by the Companions of that Order their Peers it was not onely denied to them but they were sent out of Brabant with a strict Guard contrary to the Rights and Liberties granted even to the meanest of the Commons And from this time Garrisons were set in the prime Cities of the Netherlands which consisted chiefly of Spaniards who were almost the onely men thereof for other Souldiers were made use of onely in times of danger and upon extraordinary occasions Nay further the Troops of Horse which were mostly made up of the Netherlandish Gentry having some Spaniards thrust in amongst them were sent into France under the Leading of Count Aremberg that by a present Supply they might confirm the League made with King Charles In the interim the Castles are begun to be filled with unarmed and peaceable Citizens and which was most grievous to them of all was That their Thraldom was made use of to raise Monies for supply of their Enemies Expences and Charges When Things had proceeded thus far without any gain-saying there were almost Twelve Judges the greatest part of them Spaniards the rest but Servants to them and in that regard as cruel if not worse then they appointed to call before them all such as had any any hands in the late Commotions or but seemed to wink thereat and to punish them as they saw fit not in the least manner taking notice of them who by the Laws of the Country had a Jurisdiction proper thereunto And this very Thing of enjoying the Judicial Power and consequently that of Life and Death was the main prop of their Authority which adding a Majesty to the Religion before violated Recriminations as hateful to good Princes as they are commodious to Tyrants urge That all Guilty Persons should be pâ— out of the Protection of the Law and that onely the Cruelty 〈◊〉 Alva's Name might be sufficient almost to convince them Thâ— strictness of the Guards set upon the Guilty Persons waâ— the cause of the Death of very many People so that every place carryed the Resemblance of a City sacked and taken by the Sword For there were not onely Armies but by reason of the Troubles many sought Refuge and here put in practice their ill-boding Counsels Here also were some earnestly labouring for Honour and others on the other side by all means avoiding it while the slaughter of the Nobles and all others whose Wealth or Authority grieved them made great Additions by their Deaths to the Authority and by their Fortunes to the Treasury and Prey of the Spaniards And the truth is Alva never dissembled his Intentions for from the very first he protested with great Threats suitable to the Cruelty of his Nature that a few Salmons Heads were of more worth than many Thousands of little Fishes Thus after a new Mode making use of that old Sentence which teaches to strengthen a Kingdom by taking away some of the Heads of the chiefest Common-wealths Men. All the Mischiefs which had intervened here since the first Breach with Granvel unto this time were now objected against Egmond and Horn together with a shrewd Suspition of a Conspiracy between them and the Prince of Aurange to throw the King by Force out of his Dominion over the Netherlands and then to divide them among themselves These two that by all mens confession were most eminent men and as well Renowned by their Actions as the Nobility of their Birth at Bruxels after Divine Service according to the Romane manner had been performed in the publike place of Execution yielded their Necks to the Sword of the Headsman and their Heads for a while after fixed upon Poles was to the Dutch both a lamentable and terrible Spectacle and although the Souldiers every where about in Arms watched but for an Opportunity from the Words and almost Looks of the People yet they bearing the same deeply in Mind the pity of all but the Revenge of the more valiant became setled when the Solemnities of their Funerals were Celebrated and their very Coffins washed with the Tears and Kisses of an incredible
raised The King would consider of a Regent and in the mean while all to obey the Duke of Parma Thus the Walloons made a great addition of power to the Kings party A People taking delight in Warre and whoâ— the Spaniard might safely make use of in all dangers And this was altogether the conclusion of the Netherlanders against forraign Dominion Certainly that Society must needs be firm which hath the same hopes or more Obligations to agree than causes of dissention There is scarce any thing common with the Netherlanders which the Spaniards hate not by which meanes as enforced they made the Peace at Gaunt the Priests being the chief perswaders thereunto notwithstanding all which anon every one endeavours to draw to himself as much power as he can though by contrary and indirect meanes For the Prince of Aurange and all those who with him were conscious to themselves to have deserved the same things that the Counts of Egmond and Horn suffered durst nor to trust the King Hence it was that they sought after all Counsel and Advise which might establish themselves and the Sect of their Religion as also to attain favour with forraign Princes Another party there was whose Crimes had been no causes of the beginning of the Warre who willing to preserve their Loyalty to their Prince and their duty and zeal to the Roman Religion were very much in fear least by others violence they should be hurried from the same It would be an easie matter for Philip thus to break asunder these cash and ill co-hering People If he would remove but this one thing from all such as should be imployed therein to wit the dread of the Spaniards Where he gave satisfaction to the desire of these the rest would follow of course for all those things that for a long time continued among the Netherlanders as bare suspitions were afterwards converted into Hostility nor ever after did the severall Religions increase or ciment again together At last there hapned when once they came to divide into parties a thing not very strange that who would not submit to Citizens should without any regard of Covenants be compelled to serve under a forraign Power But the Prince of Aurange did easily foresee that while the minds of men were inclinable to Peace by the imprudence of some persons the Common-wealth would be destroyed unless timely prevented Wherefore using his wonted diligence he goes to Vtrecht in Holland and there with most wholesome Counsel he bindes all the States being there called together as well of that Province as of Gelderland Holland Zeland and that part of Frizeland which lies near the River Lecke and the other part between the same River and the River of Eemes each to the other in a more strict League and Bond of Allyance the sum whereof was this That they would remain joyned and inseperable have no other Common-wealth than as if they were one People and that they would neither make Peace Truce new Warres pay nor raise Tributes but by the generall Command and Consent of all That in making Leagues and Allyances and other matters of Consultation the greater number of Voyces should be binding and if any dissentions did arise they should be reffered to the judgement and determination of the Councill or Deputies That all places in any danger of the Enemy should be fortified and no man should refuse to give his assistance in his Arms and that they should every one joyntly and severally endeavour that equality be observed in rating of Taxes and all other things relating to the raising of money To the Hollanders and Zelanders the use of their Religion one being common between them was freely granted in publick To the rest of the Provinces Toleration either to use the same or any other or both was allowed according to their pleasure The Governours were set forth in these words The Magistrates Council of every City and the Commonalty for by an antient Law the chief of the Townsmen whose Age made them able to bear Arms were went to be enrolled into certain Companies like Bands of Souldiers and this in time of Warre was for Garison and defence and in time of Peace for a Fortification to maintain it when yet the art of Principality had not arrived to the Coufidence of relying on forraign helps This Custom and Badge of neglected Vertue yet remains and the use is by these late Commotions in some manner restored while their faithful pains hath been imployed oftentimes against the Enemy and for the allaying Seditions In this manner the Provinces which I mentioned before took their Oath for performance of these Covenants agreed on at Utrecht And that they might the better be able to judge of their strength they commanded all the people between the Ages of eighteen and threescore to be numbred as well of men inhabiting in Cities and Towns as in Villages and in all other parts whatsoever of the Country But among those Provinces which were not present at the making this League what and how great troubles and dissentions had they while some part will concern themselves in the care neither of the common Religion or their Country and others are drawn away by the vain hope either of approaching Peace or the desire and love of contention The Romanists held Boisledue deserted by the vain fear of the other party they that remained contracted with the Duke of Parma that he would grant them that proper Covenant of the Peace that they should never be garrisoned without their free consent It hapned quite contrary at Antwerp for the common people of the adverse faction remained their Superior in a threatning posture setting upon all such as had been imployed in the Solemnities of punishments Not could the Prince of Aurange restrain his People or hinder them from throwing out the Priests by force though his Enemies interpreted to have been acted by his consent and will what he could not by any meanes resist or withstand for he was not given to cruelty but was one who would wisely make use of an occasion given and for the gaining mens love to him would lay before them long before the advantages they should thereafter receive But this made many of the people who were deprived of their way of Worship in Religion to wish evill and combine against the Common-wealth because they believed the Servitude they underwent to the King to be more moderate nay some of the Nobles from hence also took occasion to go over to the King Among whom Charles the Son of Count Egmond was one who when he endeavoured to take Bruxells Matthias as was said not ignorant thereof by the unlucky help of those that followed the Roman Religion the rest inclosed him in the Market-place as if he had been there besieged where then his own guilt the Image of his Fathers death and unrevenged Ghost were all become tormentors to him for there were them who objected and not without some admiration of
the chance that in the same place that very day eleven years before the Father dyed by the hand of the Executioner through the cruelty of that people among whom the Son was now come as a Traytor to his Country but at last by the pitty of the Townsmen he got thence away and came safe to Nienove who being received by the Dutch was after by the power of his own People as we shall relate made Prisoner At Bruges there was a sharp and dangerous tumult so that Arms were taken and bloodshed very hardly prevented both the parties having set forth Souldiers that belonged to them the Bands of the United Provinces came first being hastned by the Magistrates and this was the end of the dissention the Tumults of other Cities were prevented by Garrisons Ipre of its own accord came and joyned it self to the League of Union and the like did Gaunt and a little after the Prince of Aurange came into that City by the favour and good will of all the multitude So great inconstancy was there in the resolutions of the vulgar rout and their levity being the same both in good things and bad there removing such from Authority as had by violence intruded themselves he gave the Honour to others Most of the Prisoners which we mentioned to be there detained being carelesly looked to had broke out the rest that remained the Prince set at liberty And another thing which proved as well to augment his Honour as revive envy against him was That the Government of Flanders was put upon him notwithstanding his many refusalls to accept thereof In the Embassey to Colen there was nothing done but what the Spaniard was well pleased with to wit that minds distracted to the hope of Peace should never advise well concerning the publick good The Embassadors of both sides complaining mutually that their Collegues by private agreements were solicited against the peace disturbed by new Confederacies not minding the Repute or Esteem of the Treaty But the Dutch because of the present danger for that the Duke of Parma had gained much upon Maestricht a City partly belonging to Brabant and partly to the Jurisdiction of Leige as being scituate upon the Confines of both and they could not get an opportunity of relieving it either with Souldiers or Provision they desired the time of the pacification might be freed from War and they hoped the Emperour's Embassadors would assist them herein But the Duke of Terranova denied that he had received any such power Thus while a Truce is asked and denyed while Conditions of Peace begin to be offered while the Instructions of the Dutch are found fault with as being not free but bound up to new Orders and Commands the Duke of Parma had crept under the very Walls of Maestricht when after a four moneths Siege he took the City by force though the same were valiantly defended and his own strength not very great But at Winter he sent away almost all the German Spanish and Italian Souldiers retaining onely the Captains and one Wing of Italian Cavalry though later than was agreed by the Covenants made in Artoys but yet this gained to him Mechlin with Valenciennes and the City of Issell In some convenient places he set Garrisons of Walloons Of these as every one was grievously annoyed or else of his own accord had offended his Neighbour so was he esteem'd most safe from danger and for this benefit they confirmed on the Duke of Parma the Lieutenancy not throughly understanding that a General of an Army might when he pleased recall to their Assistance any Forreign Souldiers But the Confederate Dutch though by the conjunction of so many People and Cities had lost all hopes of Peace yet that they might seem not so to hate it as to despair of it they sent the Articles of Composition and Agreement offer'd by Philip unto every Town that they might be consider'd of in publike Council Which being objected against as unjust and fallâ—cious were these The Acts of Matthias were not otherwise confirmed but as they had no Relation to the Supream Authority of the Prince or the Injuries of others That whatever Regent Philip should appoint over the Netherlanders to him constantly should be delivered all Cities Castles Magazines and Instruments of Warre He together with the Senate should take Cognizance of all things there was no mention of the States That all displaced and ejected Priests should be restored as also all others that had born Offices of Honour or Magistracy All which things seemed to tend to this That the Laws being restored in shew by the endeavour of them who would enjoy the Benefit and Trust of the Commonwealth they should shortly be abrogated and the People being disarmed reduced to slavery for there is no fortification for maintainance of Liberty so weak as that of Kingly Jurisdiction As to matter of Religion the Settlement whereof wâ— the matter of greatest Difficulty and Controversie it pleased the King to grant that there should be but one Religion throughout all the Netherlands which should be confirmed by the Authority of the Pope unless in such places where â— this time other Rites were used and this confirmed the League made at Gaunt Without those Bounds a time was limited to men of different Judgments wherein they might settle their Affairs and after their departure out of the Netherlands their Goods should not be medled with so long as they would commit the Administration thereof to the prâ—curation of such as were of the Romane Religion But this was looked upon as very hard by all and in aâ— manner convenient for the Publike Peace because it would turn upside down the present state of so many Cities banish and expel from their Country so many Thousand Men Nor should it be free for any man to believe what his Conscience bore him Witness was the Truth And what Country was able to receive all that should be Exiled and if any could yet what safety could it hope for in such Multitudes Where could they whom their own Country thought fit to expelâ— hope for quiet in a strange Land But the Governours and Chiefs without the deepest Brand of Ignominy and Villany could not consent to betray for fear that Religion they were taught to be true in what manner soever it first brought forth Neither the Hollander nor Zealander think that Proviso sufficient for them for they had some strong Cities which dis-senced from the Common-wealth in the use of that Religion to be revoked to those very times From whence they might well doubt new Tumults and their good will to become suspected that their Cause was separated from the rest They also laboured to work upon the Prince of Aurange apart and by himself when though seemingly aloof off there was offered to his Son not onely Liberty but the Governments belonging to him his Father to himself as many Goods is he had ever before possessed so as he would go out of
otheâ—wise That they should seize and take her alive if possible but if that could not be then to kill her And as a Reward to encourage the perpetrating so nefarious an Act Impunity was granted for the same on Earth and Pardon from God and other such like Enormous Fooleries which now are onely imposed upon the Ignorant as a Shadow of Power and indeed are no otherwise looked upon by them However this may surely be believed that there were many principal men in England who were much troubled at the present state of Affairs there whose Affection to the Spaniard Bernardinus Mendosa who under the Name of an Embassadour had lain there for many years as a Spy in the Court by his vain Boastings had discovered But whatever his Thoughts were it appeared true afterward that however the English Catholicks might differ in Religion yet there was none of them so imprudent as to trust their Lives and Fortunes to the undistinguishing Sword of a Forreign Conquerour In all the Parts and Coasts of Spain and in Italy where the Spaniard had Command there were raised and armed Twenty Thousand Men and One Hundred and Fourty Ships part of them of an almost incredible Bulk and Burthen which afterwards proved the main cause of their Destruction Among these there were many Galeons and Galeasses which built high with many Turrets and Cabines like Cities or Castles rather than Ships were Rowed with Three Hundred Oars cover'd over Head against the Shot and casting of Darts or other like things and their Belly and Sides made very strong the better to be able to bear the Violence of the Waves Marriners were hired almost from all Nations to put into them and they were Victualled with full Provisions for Six Moneths besides a very great Mass of Coin provided for a War at Land was in them and Cannon and other great Guns for the Land-Service to the Number of Five and Twenty Hundred And all this Preparation the Work of so many Years was publish'd in Print to their own Glory and the Terrour of others that it might evidently appear a sufficient Demonstration of the Spaniard's Wealth and Greatness Now though there were some that would have had Warre proclaimed with a Herald yet others thought the Right of Claim from the Pope's Sentence would make out but a lame Title But so great was their Confidence that the wholesome Counsel both of the Duke of Parma and the Marquess of Santa Cruz was disapproved which was That the first Care should be to get some Part belonging to the Hollanders because all Flanders could not yield one safe Harbour for a Fleet against the Hazards both of Warre and the Sea But most advised That the surest Victory would be gotten by Delay unless the Army were presently landed at the Thames to assault the City of London The Charge and Command of this whole Fleet was committed to Don Alphonso Perez Gusman Duke of Medina Sidonia a Person meriting that Honour as well by the Nobility of his Bloud as any other thing whatsoever and under him many Gentlemen of the noblest Families in Spain and infinite others of inferior Gentry had entred themselves as Souldiers but at their own charges induced as was supposed not so much by the covetousness as the assurance of getting very great booties It was constantly reported that they divided among themselves as the reward of their pains in the War beforehand as well Honours as Lands and Houses There were taken among the spoyls of their Ships many Ropes Halters and other Instruments of death and slavery which they as not doubting the Event had prepared for such as they should conquer The Spring growing now very forward they met at Lisbone whence driven into a Haven in Gallicia they wanted three Ships which by a cruel Tempest together with Slaves that rowed them getting their liberty were thrown upon the Coast of France In the mean while the Duke of Parma upon whom depended the principal part of the Expedition with above thirty thousand Horse and Foot lay in Flanders having cut great Ditches for the easier carriage of all his Forces to the Sea-Towns He had brought thither eight and twenty Vessels serving to ayd other Ships of Burthen and to hold his men besides near four hundred Flat-bottomed Boats that might without hindrance come close to the Shore part of them being bought and the rest built by incessant Labour and working night and day He had ready also Bridges for the better and more safe transporting Horses and Men on a sudden as soon as the Spanish Fleet had entred the Sea But neither the English or Hollander made any provision to prevent the danger of so great a War approaching thinking they had been driven back by the Wind or else vainly imagining that Ships of such Bulk and Burthen would never venter or run the hazard of their narrow Seas Finally some did not stick to affirm that this was only a Convoy for the Indian Fleets return although the King of France upon very good Intelligence publickly declared both the strength and intent of the Fleet. Thus did they flatter themselves with Reports and Conjectures not sensible of the greatness of the danger they were in till it was afterwards avoyded The Hollanders notwithstanding mustred all their Ships and Seamen as well private as publick and fitted them for War and when they had so done they in a manner besieged all the Ports of Flanders that they might stop the Duke of Parma from coming forth of the rest they had no great doubt At last and almost too late the Queen who had hitherto been lulled into security by a Treaty of Peace now claps all that were suspected to wish innovation in Religion either into Islands or Marsh-lands and fills the Thames Banks on both sides whereever it was thought the Enemy might land with Horse and Foot on a sudden gotten together She comes also and views yea by words encourages the multitude that made indeed a goodly appearance but had been much inferiour in the use of their Arms to the Duke of Parma's Souldiers if he could have come However to animate all there were some who compared all the Queens actions with those of the most famous Women however fabulous nâ—y they did not stick to equall her to Tomyris her self or the Queens of the Amazons or that notable piece of Feminine Valour in the same Island of old Queen Boadicia Her Fleet whereinto also she had taken all private Ships fit for Service She thus disposed The Lord Seymor had the Command and Conduct of the lesser Vessels in the Downs and at the Thames mouth the greater being in number one hundred Ships and which for the most part traded up and down in the Spanish Seas were in Harbour at Plymouth from whence when occasion should be they could with ease come out to meet and fight the Enemy over whom the chief Command as Admirall was given to the Lord Charles Howard Earl of _____
if it should either rain or snow because the natural moysture and marishness of the ground would be exceedingly increased wherefore the Prince returning Victor into Holland loaden with honourable fame even among forraign Nations he was received by the 〈◊〉 even with an excess of joy The people of old were wont to rejoyce at their Princes good fortune as from Command not obliged by duty They had known the former Prince of Aurang onely in disguise under the Cloud of adverse fortune And in the Earl of Leicester's time they were perplexed between private discords and publick murthers Now only they saw their bounds enlarged by Arms and their Government setled by Rivers and strengthned with fortifyed Towns and yet their Leader requiring no other satisfaction for all his pains and labour than the glory thereof the benefit of the success being wholly left to the Country which looked not only with hope â—ut adâ—â—tion at his youth as if it had been on purpose set apart by the divine Providence for such weighty undertakings And then again casting their unsatisfied eyes upon his countenance they gratefully reverenced that tender Age and 〈◊〉 Blood which had so often thrown it self upon dangers for their defence And without all doubt the Princes good fortune was much forwarded by celerity besides he had learned the exquisite Arts of Fortification both as to the of sensive and defensive part the besieging or defending Towns and as far as the present Age was able to instruct him was well practised in the encamping of an Army The Enemies were nothing so industrious their confidence as it is generally observed breeding carelesness and slouth and sometimes overweening Temeriâ—y They who are weakest in power are for the most part strongest in Counsel as ayming to supply by prudent Resolutions and Industry what is deficient in strength Fame also is a great assistant where the first happy events are multiplyed to the great supportation of liberty But the mayn of all was the strength of Shipping among so many Rivers without which the rest would have profited but little According to Custom the Souldiers wintered in Garrisons from whence many times small parties going out wiâ—h various success brought in booty or were circumvented by the Enemy During which times also stratagems were frequently used for getting of Towns such were they whereby here Gertruydenburg Maestrict and Scluys were offered at and in another part Breda was endeavoured to be taken but the Ambushy being discovered the Armies marched back frustrate of their designs Now was the Sea scowned from Pyrates and the Duke of Parma being for France received joyfully an Embassie sent from the Emperour to mâ— and mediate a Peace But the United Provinces suspected it as they had reason but chiefly because they had intercepted Letters from the King of Spain written concerning it wherefore they shut their eâ— against those old deceits warned by the fresh example of the Arragonians who while they unwarily discoursed of liberty were surprised by craft and drawn into slavery and ruine These People of Spain of old called Tarraconia now â—â—garly Arragon first getting possession of that part of the Country by Arms which barbarous Nations from the other side of the Sea had invaded by the Counsel of such as weâ— esteemed wise among them erected a Commonwealth At the beginning Kings that name and honour being given to a limited power were chosen here by the suffrages of the people afterwards by the Custom of several Nations their Heirs were admitted by Succession to the Government yet obliging them to the observance of the Law whereby they who were then eminent as foreseeing the inconveniencies of a Kingdom conveyed some power to the people whose Authority was to be used in publick Counsels and gave a priviledge of Supreme Magistracy even over the Kings themselves and these boundaries were well observed as long as the Princes were careful to do Right and Justice and made use of no Forces to defend Crimes But afterwards there happening a Conjunction of Kingdoms and all Spain by that means becoming subject to King Philip all mens patience was tryed by the severity of the Inquisition and every thing by new forms of Judgment was disposed and they rather fitted to the pleasure of the Court and Courtiers then squared by the Rule of the antient Law or Prescript order of Justice The Case of Anthony Perez was greatly commiserated by the People who having been employed by King Philip about Eâ—oâ—vedo's death was yet by him falsly accused of but an ordinary fault for which deprived of all Authority and flying from Castile he was yet prosecuted by the Kings rage into this Region for the King hated him because he had been active as a procurer in matters of Love And when he Instruments of wrath impudently opposed the Laws and would by no means suffer Justice they were resisted by force and the first commotions being provoked by force were afterwards nourished by gentle endeavours and dissimulation And as the Tumults begun under a malevolent constellation so the City was perswaded under pretence of the French War to suffer the Kings Army to come through its Borders and to march through Sarragosa the Metropolis of that Region and so to go over the Pyrenean Mountains But instead thereof the Nobles were murthered and every one that either with Tongue or hand had been forward to advance liberty was by revenge marked and for the future nothing remained but a prospect of Tyranny and slavery Although these things are not suitable to my purpose yet I have not neglected to insert them here at such times as they happened that Posterity may compare their fortune and the Netherlanders together that as well the faults of Princes may be known as the People may be instructed that many times the cause is no less to be minded than the Forces of a King While these Transactions were a foot otherwhere the King of France being recruited with German Souldiers and English Auxiliaries besieged Roan Queen Elizabeth desiring that he would inclose the Enemy between the River Seine and the British Ocean this made the French Confederates with Parma take his long stay the worse who being slow in making ready his Warlike preparations or else consulting of some higher design how to augment the dangers at last though late in the year having first received the Town of Fer in pledge he drew near to the Borders of Normandy There were in his Army several new raised men and those Regiments which had lately fallen into a mutiny but now were restored to their Colours being full of booty and having also received their pay which the Duke of Parma very hardly extorted by the encrease of Tributes and selling the right of Commerce to the Enemies the Netherlanders not without cause complaining that their Borders were left naked and their mony and strongest men carryed away to help strangers Pope Gregory sent also Assistance to the French Rebels â— thing not used by
would quickly want Victuals But herein his Intelligence failed him for they had been twice of late furnished with all Things possible Then they tempted the Fidelity of Caspar Ensem the Governour both by Rewards and Terrour but he was resolv'd against both But now the Year wasting very fast the Spanish Forces between Mud and Showers of Rain were ready to sink to nothing besides there grew among them a scarcity of Victuals and they had scarce received in 8 Months so much Pay as was due for two and they pillaged and wasted all the adjacent places running out even into Germany Afterwards the Cold that follow'd added to their misery of Want and both of them bred a sad Disease among them with a great Flix Some part of the Souldiers fled both from their miseries and the Siege together and not as of old did they run away by single men now one and then one but by whole Companies at once And Count William did encourage them thereto promising them rewards who ever would come over to him From hence the Besieged began to gather both Courage and Confidence to make Sallies Shortly after the Winter made them quiet while both sides prepare Provisions and other ayd for their friends But the Frizâ—ns had Commanded Count William to besiege the Castles that had been lost about Groiuingen but now the lateness of the year and the bitterness of the Weather rather than their Officers Commands hindred any further motion Onely a part of the Regiment raised for Verdugo in Germany being ignorant in the use of Arms was met by some of Prince Maurice's Souldiers and slain But in several other accidental meetings they fought variously they being generally either killed or taken that were loaden with Provision or Knapsacks And Count Solmes harassed all the Land of Wase that refused to pay Tribute with the taking away of their Cattel and some Prisoners The Castles which he took in his passage were after his return recovered by the Enemy and Philip of Nassaâ— making a Road out of the City of Limburg depopulated all the Country lying round about But the ambushes layd by the Prince himself to surprize Bruges deceived him at which time passing by the Sea and divers Rivers with the dewes and cold he wâ—s thrown inâ—o a Disease by meanes whereof the â—eturn of the Ships being hastned one was cast away The faul oâ— both these miscarriages was in the Officers who undertook the Conduct of them in the night But in the Kingâ— Army where mony began again to grow scant the Souldiers fell â—o mutiny the very Spaniards themselves beginning the first Sedition and so little Reverence did they shew to Charles Mansfeldt who commanded them that they intercepted and kept the Provisions that were sent to 〈◊〉 whose wickedness the Souldiers of other Nations a great while detested but soon after observing that the Mutinous received their pay they refused any longer to be quiet but inclined to the same courses and turning out their Captaine which they believed to dislike such tumultuous proceedings they set up the most abject among them by the consent and choyce of the whole Bands This Fellow was thus made a Lord over life and death terrifies all and feares all but now will no longer acknowledge his Authority from anothers will but taking courage he may now with equall danger either take or refuse the Command However being full of discord and cruelty while they impose upon themselves both Counsel and Laws and there is no pardon admitted to any offence among them they confess the necessity of a Law themselves being witnesses of that good which they chiefly violate There was another thing that added fuel to the fire of the Souldiers rage and that was the sudden and too great parsimony of those Spaniards who managed and ordered the Treasury in the revoking all augmentations of Wages which the Duke of Parma had granted to any for their more worthy Service or out of favour And this mad mutinying frenzy was not onely in the consines of France but among all the Garrisons of Germany maintaining it self by Rapines and Tributes At which time the City of Nuisse while part of the Souldiers there resident were gone abroad to fetch in booty turned out the rest And this Rule was followed by as many as could and served to the Souldiers for a Lesson that either they should moderate their avarice or increase their strength In Berck that was kept by seven Companies of Souldiers who had cast off all their obedience there the Mutineers would have no Captain as the rest of the Souldiers but chose out of themselves a Senate of one and twenty nor was that Honour perpetual but changed accoâ—ding to the times They exacted Tribute of the Country lying round about them but with a better Discipline than of late was done under the Command of their Prefect This Revenue which within fourteen moneths had come to near an hundred thousand Florens was divided among them as part of their pay And the rest was afterwards given them together with indempnity Upon such termes did Hermâ—n Count Herenberg make an Agreement with them Many accused the Bishop Bojarus his negligence that might have recovered his Town with a little charge and chiefly because the Duke of Parma onely had kept it But now being forced to stay in expectation of the coming of the new Regent Ernestus in whose favour he was confirmed he was for a while quiet But the Hollanders though they were free from all the before mentioned mischiefs yet were afflicted by the angry countenance of the Heavens for in the end of the year a very grievous Tempest falling upon the Ulye sunk in the angry Ocean a Fleet of Ships lying there at Anchor to the number of fifty Sayl that were ready to go into Italy among the Islands and Shelves filling all the adjoyning shores with Shipwracks and Lamentations 1594. Ernestus Duke of Austria sent at the beginning of this year came into the Netherlands and undertook the Government thereof which proved fatall to himself and very unfortunate and lamentable to the Spaniard For the Frizons were absolutely taken from him France withdrew it self his Arms proved unsuccesful the treacheries of his peace were infamous the Enemies Affairs were famously happy and flourished but the Spaniards under him were poor and mutinous All which evills prevailed either to make life irksom or death to be necessitated There were many causes that had procrastinated his coming as the Turkish Affairs want of money and the Gout a Disease familiar and customary with him But when he came there were many solemn acts done by the Netherlanders in Honour of the Regent and with great shews of joy such as they had hardly used in former times to their Princes even in the best of times for now being almost tyred beyond all patience they interpreted the diminutions of evill for great happiness Neither had they now a Count Mansfelda who under the vain shew
in regard they could not carry them off they took the Masters of them as Pledges till the Money promised for their Redemption was paid And shortly after they took no less a prey from others going to France But one of the Pyrates Vessels being circumvented by the Hollanders the greatest part of their men being killed in fight with the execution of forty three that survived they alittle repressed that villinous and growing presumption and besides above twenty Ships more were freed which were taken and detained by that Ship every of which had promised for the preservation of their lives two thousand Florens and more The Fifth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THE Netherlanders under the Spanish Obedience began the year merrily from the unaccustom'd Joy of them which were come from the French Borders as well as from the new hope conceiv'd from Albertus Arch-Duke of Austria who was sent with great honour to be Successor to Ernestus He was the youngest of all his Brothers But which is a great advantage to Nobility and an implicite Agreement between the Pope and Kings he was graced with a Cardinals Hat Afterwards being approved by Philip for his Government of Portugal where he had gotten Repute by his careful Obedience and Affability towards the Subjects and therefore now was not thouâ—ht unworthy to be bound to the King in a nearer Tye according to the Custom of People agreeing in Affection To this purpose that he might with the greater Honour undeâ—take and enter upon this Government belonging to the House of Austria great store of Provisions were made both for Peace and War He had a safe Journey from Spain into Italy and thence through Savoy and Burgundy as far as Lutzenburg and the Borders of the Netherlands Souldiers both of Horse and Foot were on all hands drawn together not onely as a Defence for the whole but as a Supplement to the old exhausted Militia which he as soon as he came to the Army he reduced into a few Regiments or Brigades partly filld them with old Souldiers wisely desiring to find true Valour among them rather than great Name and an outward shew lest he should by an unnecessary multitude of Officers both trouble the Souldiers and burden the Treasury And therefore he removed from being Governours and Colonels all those Netherlandish Noblemen who seldom coming at their charges scarcely made use of any thing besides the name and profit arising therefrom putting others in their places who by long obedience had deserved to command He appointed also other things worthy of imitation as That none should carry an Ensign unless he had thrice received pay Moneys also were looked after because a new Sedition was feared and the old Sores began again to rankle for prevention whereof for the future the Spaniard promised every Moneth eleven hundred thousand Florens but the same should not proceed beyond the first Autumn The Archduke Albert brought along with him a great Mass of uncoyned Silver by which means the damage of money to be returned by Writings or Bill of Exchange would be much advanced and because being coyned in the Netherlands it would bear the greater price Besides otherwise the many hazards of long Journies were now prevented the same at present being defended with a strong Guard he brought with him also and boasted it as a gâ—eat Pledge of his clemency the Prince of Aurange whose name was Philip William who at the first beginning of the troubles in the Netherlands had been carryed thence where being honourably kept in the Spanish Court had now first received his Liberty for being firmly grounded in the Catholike Religion and obliged by that benefit if he should go to his younger Brother and the Provinces where his Fathers Memory was yet fâ—â—â— it was hoped he would either become a Moderator for Peace or be the cause of Discord among the Enemies Nor truly was Albertus himself look'd upon by the Hollanders with aâ— Evil Eye being known to most of the Sea-men for his libeâ—â— Clemency when being all seized in Portugal he dismissed them to this very end as was believed in hope that theâ— would spread abroad his Fame But above all he was most beloved before all others because by his coming Ibarra and Fontayne were removed from their maligned Greatness and sent into Spain But the absence of those was supplyed with many more as Francisco Mendoza Admiral of the Arragenian Sea a chief man both in Counsel and Actions of Warre Gonsalvo Carilia Girolam Zapata and Baptista Taxis persons with other Names but of the same Nature and Disposition with the former whereby dissembled Goodness was more feared than the remaining Evils The States of the United Provinces fearing lest the Vulgar should be chang'd by the speech and presence of the Prince of Aurange writ to him congratulating his Freedom from a Captivity of Twenty Eight years continuance But that it was not safe for him to come within their Jurisdiction being all in Arms unless he were publikely invited nor could they as present Affairs then stood come to him However they hoped that he who had so throughly tryed the Spanish Cruelty would not seek to subvert their Liberty founded by his Fathers Counsels and cemented with his Bloud Whereto he answer'd as concerning his Father dissemblingly but to the rest friendly to wit That he was come thither to be an Author of nothing but what might conduce to the benefit of both Parties whereupon he hoped he should meritedly expect their best Wishes Being then debarred thereof for the time to come he afâ—â—â—ed nothing complaining That the Hollanders suspected 〈◊〉 and the Spaniards hated him for his Alliance wherefore he 〈◊〉 not take up Arms chiefly as being desirous of a private life 〈◊〉 partly also out of respect to his Brothers Honour But Prince Maurice and his Sister who was marryed to Count Hohenlo before he came into the Dutchy of Cleves sent to him by particular Messengers both Gifts and Money each offering to clear themselves concerning the Domestick Administrations of those great Possessions in their Power But the States publickly desiring to avoid all imminent Snares laid to catch them give Order for strict Watches upon the Ways their chief Care was against the Jesuits lest any Seditious Doctrine should be blown among the people But Albertus not â—elying upon these Inventions although desirous of peace yet so he might be ready for War to which purpose he made ready an Army of 15 Thousand besides his Garriâ—on Fayer a Town in Vermandois surrounded both with War and Want there was no reason or possibility to maintain unless by continual Additions of little Forces which must be put in by stealth because all about it lay the Enemies Towns with a great Body of Horse beside the dampness of the fields By how much the Besiegers Fortifications were greater by so much more they terrified all that endeavour'd to approach it with the greater danger Wherfore to withdraw
Captain of one Troop being commanded to lead up his taking the Command in evill part had intermingled them all in the Fight being indeed of themselves more ready for pillage then obedience yet flocking at last to their Commander in Chief they especially who were moved either with the sense or reverence of Duty or Reputation they escaped the danger and the Enemies once more put to flight were equally afflicted with their own slaughters and the narrowness of the wayes having all this while scarce sullyed the Victory with the loss of ten of the Conquerours The Foot came in onely to part of the Soyl. After this Fight here were buried above two thousand of the Enemies there were five hundred taken Prisoners and a great number of Ensigns some dyed of their wounds Next day the Castle of Turnhoult well encompassed with Trenches was surrendred The Foot being returned into Garrisons and the Horse Commanded forthwith to depart least the Enemy should rally any of his Forces and in the night set upon them wearied with the pursuit Thence the Prince Maurice tryumphing among the joyful gratulations of the People he hanged up in the Counsel-House at the Hagne eight and thirty Foot-Colours taken from the Enemy and one Cornet of Horse which had been Drakes Nor was the Reputation of the Victory any thing lessened by this that Count Warras himself being at the very first struck down to the ground his breathless Corps was sent together with Letters to Albertus who returned great thanks for the same and when of late a Horseman or Trooper belonging to the Prince being hanged by the Enemy had been vindicated by the like punishment of a Spaniard the Arch-Duke for the future promised faithfully to observe the Laws of Arms himself being naturally a great stranger to all cruelty This was the first Experiment Prince Maurice who had now for ten years been General received of him by Letters Nor did there grow a Confidence in the Souldier onely against the Enemy from the Event but likewise it made him more cautious of what might happen in regard he had seen that the Discipline of the Army was not sufficiently supported against sudden accidents and the War proved dubious upon any slight turning of mens minds and that there was so much danger even in the obtaining of Victory But Albertus being at once oppressed with the want of Money and so great a slaughter of his men fell to Consultation night and day but yet was hardly able to procure a remedy to either of these mischiefs He was exhausted also before not by payment of debts but giving of Gratuities so that at the one Siege of Hulst he gave away more in Rewards then the Duke of Parma spent in three years by which means from that time there had been a failer of payment of the Souldiers Wages Thus he who before by extraordinary Gifts had allured many to come over from their own party to him was now very much weakened by the desertions of his own men The Germans being a People very greedy for money of whoâ— he had Commanded to be levyed both Horse and Foâ—â— either denyed him their help or else as soon as they 〈◊〉 away again Divers Cities and fiâ—st of â—ll Ipre for fear of Sedition refused Garrisons And hâ— as much â—s he coulâ— endeavouring to meet and stop ouâ— wâ—n had put to pâ—â—ge and pawned most of his own Houshold-stuff and desired the Cities that they would lend him some Montes which they of Bruxells took the boldness to deny And he would also have Covenanted with them of Fuckâ—e but the uncertainty of their credit and the example of the late Spanish Edict terrified them the remaining 〈◊〉 of Winter and the beginning of the Spring were passed over between Sâ—atagems and sudden actions while there was no Army abroad while small parties undertake great attempts Ferdinando Tellius Portocarrera Goveâ—ned Dorlens for the Spaniard from which Town Amiens was not far distanâ— the Metropolis of Picardy and reckoned among the greatest Cities of France very rich and well Scituate as well for War as Provisions and Trade and watered by the old River Samar This City was subject to Henry King of France but turning out their Garrison and committing the Custody of the City to the Magistrates under the pretence of Priviledges they usurped more carelâ—sly the righâ— of liberty haâ—eâ— by their Princes and dangerous as to the Enemy Whereof Ferdinando receiving Intelligence by the Advice of some Exiles but especially of a certain Monk after he had by Spyes and Scouts learned the Scituation of places received Souldiers from Albertus for perfecting the Design First of all eighteen nimble and ingenious men as soon as ever the entrance into the City was open were in the twiâ—light sent in and after them others in the habits of Boors carrying Apples and part of them drove a Cart loaden with Hay by which the Percullises the stayes that held them up being cut as is usual in time of danger might be supported against a fall The Keepers of the Passage were easily killed either with the Weapons that were hid before or those that were gotten by the first slaughter and by the speedy running in of those who lay hid in certain places near the City a way was made for the following Companies By chance in that very Punctillio of time for it was Lent a certain man in a Sermon to the People laying before them their sins and altogether ignorant of the design said they were worthy to fall into the power of the Spaniards and so they did For although the City was both strong and populous inhabited by no less then fourteen thousand men yet did it not long resist whether from the ambiguity of their Allegiance to the King or being grown voyd of Valour from their former security or wanting of Government is uncertain but this is sure that the Count St. Paul the Governour of the Place hearing the Tumult fled out of the Town another way Things thus secured the Garrison was augmented all things that adjoyned to the City burned the Citizens disarmed and spoiled yielded a great booty as well to the Souldiery as the Commanders especially the Arch-Duke because the King a little before had sent in thither a great number of Artillery and all other Furniture for War Albertus sent a Messenger to King Philip with the news of this good success affirming that it was one and that the chiefest of the Cities Scituate on the River Samar and formerly possessed by the Dukes of Burgundy untill the French extorted them from their Heyr a fatherless Virgin and therefore now what was gotten by War he should endeavour still to retain if at any time thereafter a Peace should happen to be concluded This produced a great damage to the French but not without some benefit For the Citizens of Amiens being used hardly by the Spaniard made even those in France that were of the Catholick Religion more obedient
their Captains or Companions so that Mendosa himself could hardly so interpose as to pacific the Walloons and Spaniards fallen together by the ears in a sudden tumult but that they would even before the Generals Tent have encounters even to blood-shed and spoil their Captains even in his sight Besides the Noblemen differed in Counsel out of envy one to another Lewis Velasco General of the Ordnance undertook to drive Prince Maurice out of his Station and boasted that after he had so done he would harasse all along the Rivers Issell and Rhine and further that he would magnificently and like a Souldier pierce into the very bowels of the Hollanders Country Count Heremberg passing to the right hand marched a safer way as far as the Eemes taking easie possession of a Country where there were no Forces to resist him or else as if because he had known the Country he had as it were come thither to challenge the Prince to fight and because he did not meer him studied nothing but revenge in their daily spoils And this might be believed the Reason why his Son being at that time in the Army was called the Transamatian Count. Of all which things the Prince being informed as well by intercepted Letters as by Intelligence of some Souldiers that were come over from them to him admonished the City of Embden of the danger wishing them to be very vigilant in their own defence Now began grievous complaints every day to be made at the Duke of Cleves Court the Rulers of Moers envying the Spaniard and with doleful outcryes beseeching the Governours or Officers of the Army to intreat Mendosa on their behalf that he would let them have some ease and respite though not in peace and the enjoyment of their own which because they had lost by their sluggishness and cowardise they were ready forthwith to leave their Families desert their Country and freely go with them being stronger then themselves onely they requested that their Wives and Children might be permitted to leave that antient Seat of their Fathers that they might not be slaves to the vilest of the Spaniards and be unworthily vexed with contumelious words and scornful behaviour whereas otherwise they would not enjoy their liberty though to that purpose they lived in banishment which things were very grievously taken by those that hoped better things or else had been of Counsel with the Spaniards for they who had the chief Authority being hated by the Protestants did voluntarily call in the Spanish Forces to keep in awe the dissentors They who were more simply honest would take a Journey to the Rhine alledging that in a short time those miseries would be over and in the interim they must be excused as being customary among Souldiers for the revenging of small evils is but a provocation to greater That in a short time the whole World would be inslamed into a general War if they should run to Arms upon every slight offence of their Neighbours and some take part upon one side and some on another Hereto were added Albertus his Letters wherein he answered with much humanity Sybilla the Duke of Cleves Sister setting forth the necessity that compelled him at the present to do so many injuries but for the future protesting that as soon as the Rebels were conquered that peace and security should be restored to the Duke her Brother equally with himself But notwithstanding all these fair speeches his Souldiers growing every day worse and worse the Nobility Governours and Deputies of Cities were commanded to meet in the City of Cleves The Dukes name was onely used for a shew for as well his own as others miseries were concealed from him least his disease should be increased thereby But his Sister Sybilla being a Woman of a Masculine Spirit and Prudence sometimes spoke to them all otherwhiles to some particular persons not for encreasing the Princes Revenues nor to dispute about settlement of their Borders but to stand up in defence of their liberty and Consciences which were at once in danger wherefore they should awake and while they had time seek for remedies they should go and consult together for the common good and thus oftentimes with tears in her eyes she wrought pity and compassion in her hearers Whereupon laying aside all private animosities and discords it was decreed That the chief of the Cities being stengthened with Souldiers that should be speedily raised they should on all hands go to get what strength they could together for their defence All Germany is divided into ten parts which they call Circles five Superiour and five Inferiour The first of the three inferiour contains three Bishopricks whose Bishops are three of the seven Electors of the Empire and have under their dominions three free Cities Mentz Tryus and Colen within this also is the Palatinate whose Prince is another of the Electors besides divers other less dominions The second is Westfalia which we have described before wherein are the Princes of Cleves Frizeland beyond the Eemes and Walda with many Bishopricks The third and fourth contained Saxony And in that part that comprehends Misnia and Lusatia are the Duke of Saxony and Marquess of Brandenburgh two more of the Electors the Duke of Pomerania Anhalt and many other Princes and some Cityes herein are the Archbishops of Breme and Madgebâ—rg and five other lesser Bishops Besides the Dukes of Holsatia Brunswick Londari and Luneburg and many Cities by the Baltick Sea In the last which is called Burgundy is the Bishop of Besancon And to his Jurisdiction Duke Charles appointed that part of the Netherlands under his obedience Every Division hath a selected Governour who with some assistants dispatcheth all affairs of inferiour quality but calls a Council to determine the more weighty At that time Simon Count of Luppe had the charge of Westfalia whom then the Lords of Cleves desired to demand Moers from Mendosa and in case it should be refused that he would call a Council of the five inferiour divisions at Dortmund and in the mean time retaining the Souldiers that should go to Hungary with the Turkish tributes prevent a danger at home rather then a fear at so great a distance Not were they that were sent to the Emperor more backward to importune him with prayers and in like manner were sollicited all the Bishops resident about the Rhine as also the Count Palatine the Landgrave of Hessen and the Duke of Brunswick who all for fear the same evil should at one time or another creep towards them were ready to be drawn into a league of defence And the Colonians were dehorted that they should no more serve the Spaniards with provisions least thereby they seemed to encourage them in their design of common ruine Some also were commanded to go to Prince Maurice and to return him thanks that he had hitherto maintained the war with so little damage to the borderers and to desire him to proceed to convince the enemyes
the Kings Deputies interposed denuntiations how often have the People of Cleves been commanded that they should not give passage to the Enemy contrary to the Articles made at Venlo and yet by their Cities Arms and Traffick the Enemies effrontery hath been increased when at the same time the Duke of Parma must restore Buricke throw down the Fort against Rees and suffer them to be quiet in the midst of War so that the Isle of Gravewaert might be taken from the Hollander And yet that was not performed which cost the King the loss of his possession beyond the Rhine so that he was fain afterwards to take a longer Journey to require his own and if it were with the damage of those by whose fault is happened it was no great matter And certainly the Bishop of Colen would be much to blame if he be too much moved at the complaints of the People of Munster or any others but rather He and every Bishop else that yet enjoy their Ecclesiastical Dignities should give thanks to Philip who when Truxius made an impious War against the Germane Decrees not one Germane resisting him from whence some took occasion to assault the Priesthood neglected all his Affairs at the Bishops Request and restored first Nuys then Bâ—nne onely desiring that his might be reimbursed to him The like he did by Bercke also being taken from the Rebels and while Albertus was busied elâ—ewhere lost again yet lately while there was any hopes of restoring the City to its right Lord without force he gave them a long time to treat thereof in point of honour If they would rightly consider these things they would be better advised than by an improvident commiseration of small inconveniences to stir up greater mischiefs of which perhaps they would too late repent And if the peace should be disturbed they who infringed the same ought to make satisfaction with their heads but the King the Arch-dukes and Mendosa ought to be blameless The like defence was made by those that were sent to the Emperour and particular Princes to molifie them with promise also that the Souldiers should depart before April The Vnited States having so often in vain made tryal of Embassies had hitherto abstained from any in this case as supposing that it was permitted to the Spaniard that he might with freedom do what he list and harrass Germany at his pleasure yet they make some defences for themselves being angry that they who came to rip up matters should compare them in the ballance with Enemies calling to mind all the places they had restored and such as the Spaniard retained that the offences of the borders were sought by those by them tolerated repeating all from the beginning of the Commotions in Cleves to Truxius his War That their Justice was testified by many who admired it when not long since they quitted Embden and of later time Emmeric That it many times happened that one place or other lying fit for the Enemy was to be first taken which they esteemed no oppression for that it is absolutely necessary for the preservation of Subjects against the Spanish Insolencies not otherwise to be avoided which also was done by a modest Souldier whose pay was certain and Discipline strict It might be probable some faults of a few ouâ—-runners might be committed and yet escape both knowledge and punishment But they never lead an Army into the Territories of others by publick Conduct and Authority they never made Seditions on purpose to rob the Country nor did they ever inforce a Form of Religion upon People with whom they had nothing to do That they promised to take care of Gravewaert lest the Geldrians should refuse any arbiters That there were many other things which either made their cause plausible or detect the Spaniard of covetousness under the false name of pretended piety but having been spoken of before needed not to be here repeated In brief That they would no longer suffer such a slavish sort of men to insult over free Nations While these things were arguing pro and con before the Deputies of the five Countries at the meeting of the Rhine and Moselle the Counsels relating to War went but slowly on nor were some wanting that esteemed it convenient at that time to joyn their Forces with the Hollanders being men well experienced in Military Affairs But the greater part thinking it sufficient to receive back their own refusing to engage Germany into a long War many of whom so dreading either the hatred or displeasure of the Emperour and the great mens power that when there was any debate concerning the fore-mentioned injuries received they solicitously avoyded to mention the name of the Spanish King or People But the States laboured most earnestly to gain to themselves Associates from whose dissentions as they reaped disadvantage so from their good successes they might gain the power of making peace at pleasure The principal Authours for bringing this Expedition to maturity were the Count Palatine one of the severe Electors the Landgrave of Hessen and the Duke of Brunswicke who undertaking the Affairs in their own Names and with their own Forces which they had raised to a great number the last Winner but a contention arising between Hessen and Brunswicke concerning the chief Command in the War hindered it the Palatine also desirous of rest and peace received for himself the defence of the inner parts and the charge of all publick Assemblies The Westfalian Romanists making use of this division nothing being more hateful to them then to see the Protestant Princes in Arms by offering a three months Tribute equal to that given to the Turk that their Governour might be made General of the War they obtained their aym averting it to be just and consonant to the Germane Customs that whensoever any injury is suffered in whatever Country a War is to be maintained for obtaining satisfaction the Command was always given to them for their ayd The States passed this Winter in great care and fear in regard the Rivers were twice shut up with Frost but yet without loss or damage for Prince Maurice and Count William dividing their Forces He took care of all on this side Issell from Arnheym and this resided at Meppell for the Guard of the further parts continual Messengers with Intelligence passing between them At this time several plots were detected against Breda Nimmeghen and Devinter Which did but increase the care and cost in the defence thereof Now also were the Mauribian Souldiers more then once Conquerours over their Enemies and by the slaughter and plunder of a certain Garrison recompenced the honour of those Soldiers that were hang'd in the Territory of Juliers or Gulicke though it is confessed to be the worst Custom of all Martial Discipline that for neglect of the publick execution of the Law permits Captains to take their own private revenge The Town of Emmeric which we mentioned to be freed by Prince Maurice was now
dealing to turn their Friendship into a kind of Domination Nor could any Peace or Leagues be hoped for in that New World which is divided from its better part not so much by Scituation as Manners and secluded on every side by its own Ocean as if condemned by Nature to the most odious barbarism These were at that time the Discourses concerning America Surely it concerned those who were desirous of finishing the Warr that these hopes should not be settled too deep in the Opinions of the people Nor was it a hard matter to put a stop to the begun Project of the New Company by the emulation of the Cities earnestly drawing to themselves the ordering of the Ships and some interceding that the Liberty of fetching Salt out of America should not be restrained by any Law Therefore this debate being set apart no less difficulties were observed to hinder those that were desirous of making peace for although the Enemies Design might chiefly be discovered yet the Governours of the Confederate Cities from a received Opinion in the Prince of Aurange's time abhorred the very name of Peace And to men of this perswasion much appeared that would be lost if the Enemy should openly profess himself contented with a Peace whereby he could not regain the dominion he lost by Warr for that which of old was accounted a part of Prudence to break off all hope of reconciliation had no other Basis than this That onely such a Peace could be expected as would bring along with it an insulting Lord. On the other side That it pertained both to the Security and Honour of the Commonwealth if the Enemy could be drawn to a confession of their Liberty But the War yet growing hot and new Causes of Indignation daily arising either Victory made them fierce or some slaughter drew them to the desire of revenge so that minds prepossessed or byassed with affection could not considerately ponder the Reasons that induced to peace But if any Remission or Cessation should be granted of Arms there would not be wanting some favourers of peace which being otherwise acceptable in it self would agree principally with the mind of the HOLLANDERS that were earnest of Traffick and also the people that lay next the â—nemy would not easily suffer themselves having once tasted the Sweets of Peace to be carryed back to Arms. It is a very hard thing to find the beginning of so great a â—â—ter in that Commonwealth wherein no Affair of any great Concern is undertaken without the Advice of the Provin◠〈◊〉 and a Relation of what is done or to be done to the several Cities which circuit that business which without doubt was involved in great Dissentions could not bear They that were in the General Assembly of the United States would not take upon them the Envy of so suddain a Mutaâ— unless Prince Maurice who was the General of the War and famous as well by his great Merits as the Nobility of his Extract should become the great Author of Temporary Agreement But He having attained so much Honour by War that scarcely any ever attain'd the like and not despising the most effectual substance of Fame and thinking with himself that all Peace with the Spaniard was mingled with Treachery yet was perswaded by Oldenbarnevelt whose Authority underpropped by his Providence chiefly and 30 years Fidelity supported these Consultations of Peace that as would not refuse to Treat with the Enemy For the King of Brittain would sit by onely as a Spectator of so great a War and the French King by their Alliance aimed at greater Matters of which there were no obscure Demonstrations If â—e Confederate States could find a way to lye open for them 〈◊〉 Peace they that supposed it advantageous to their Affairs that the Spanish Forces should be wasted in the War of Holland might be brought to promise certain Aids without any other account Therefore Wittenhorst and Gevard having receiv'd Letters from Albertus and Isabella whereby it might appear they were intrusted they were admitted into the Assembly of the United States where they publickly repeated what they had privately before spoken highly extolling the Commodities of Peace before the uncertain Events of War But because the Legates had mention'd the Arch-Dukes Right and Claim The States thought fit to answer That it was openly known to all who had any insight in the Belgick Affairs that the Arch-Dukes could be helped by no pretence of Right against the Confederate Provinces but such as must be hoped to be gained by Conquest In truth when of old divers of the Provinces after the Confirmation of their Liberty by an inviolable Decree were united into one Body they had sought to reduce them by Arms being Members separated from that Body by the best and highest Right the Equity of whose Cause many Kings and Princes had approved by making Leagues with them Therefore they all Resolved to persist in that Opinion which they had lately declared to the Emperour That a safe pinâ— and just Peace could not be expected with them who under the vain pretence of Right would infringe the Authority of a must Reverend Decree The Mischiefs of War would fall on both Parts but ought to be imputed to them that would unjustly seek what belonged to others not those that valiantly defended their own Wittenhorst being dismissed with this Answer afterwards writ to the States that he had found it to be the Arch Dukes pleasure that in the making an Agreement they desired to gain nothing but that all things should remain in the same condition they were But for the more ready carrying oâ— of this business the Principal of the Order of Franciscans of that Country by Name Francis Naya born at Antwerp but by Kinred a Zelander was made choyse of his Father sometimes followed the Prince of Aurange Himself was of a voluble and fluent Tongue and though he was not ignorant in Court-Affairs for he had been in Spain and lived at Bruxells conversant in matters of greatest importance being of an open and free disposition like the Netherlanders that you will hardly suspect guilty of fraud and by his Profession of life armed against bashfulness neither greatly fearing a repulse or contumely This Man being sent from Bruxells came privately to Riswicke the next Village to the Hague making tryall by discreet Persons what were the main difficulties that â—ostructed the business from thence being brought to the Prince he expounded some things as he saw convenient in Wittenhorsts Letters and there understanding perfectly that there was no hopes of beginning a Treaty unless the Arch Dukes did first really own and acknowledge their Liberty returning to Bruxells soon after he brought Letters from Albertus and Isabella Signed the thirteenth of March to this effect That they were weary of the cruell War and were ready to make a perpetual Peace with the United States as free People whom they so accounted and against whom they would make no pretence of claym
but if they liked not such a Peace they would if they thought good make a Truce for twelve fifteen or twenty years or else would make a Cessation of Arms upon equall tearms whereby as well a confident security as Commerce should be confirmed with this among the rest that what they now possessed they should for the future retain unless common utility induced them at any time to exchange some Towns or Regions That the Legates they would send to this Treaty should be Netherlanders by Nation to meet whom the States should send the like number 〈◊〉 whose appointment they left the nomination both of time and place for their meeting And that these things might the more fairly proceed They were pleased if they would consent thereto that there should be a Cessation of Arms both by Sea and Land as well among the Netherlanders as the Spaniards during eight months desiring the States to declare their Resolution concerning â—e said Treaty before the first of September The bringing of these Letters which they themselves a little before had drawn those things therein being changed which in a former Copy brought by the same Naya had been disliked could not but please the Hollanders the altered â—oints were these That by the Truce each should enjoy what they now had but if a peace were made then each should retain what should be agreed Also that the Hollander should wholly abstain from going to or Trading in the Indies but in regard they judged themselves wholly Masters at Sea and at land more powerful in their Cavallery they thought not fit any further to forbid Hostility for eight Moneths then that during that time no Cities should be besieged or taken no Countries invaded nor any new Fortifications built And it was added that the King of Spain within three months should ratifie the Covenants agreed to by the Arch Dukes with the repeated recognition of the Hollanders liberty Nay he Promised before the four and twentieth of April that he would bring it to pass that those Covenants should be signed by the Arch Dukes Albertus and Isabella so as the States would do the same Concerning this sudden business the Assembly of the States thought fit to write to the several Provinces that so the Commons might receive the same with more acceptation which they did to this effect That they advise well of the Judgment of the Prince and Senate in that they had accepted the Condition which Albertus and Isabella had offered for a Cessation of Arms that they might have leisure to transact with the Kings of France and Brittain and other Princes and afterwards to consider among themselves what was fit to be done as to the rest What then remained but that they should all give thanks to God that he had hitherto so prospered their War and now had inclined their Enemies minds to the confession of the truth But upon the appointed day of Humiliation when now the rumour growing common made mens affections increase the Ministers that preached as every ones fancy sed him turned the whole Series of their Sermons either to the applause of peace or despiteful rayling against the adverse parties However the States about the four and twenty of April sent Instruments of those things lately agreed upon to Antwerp by Didâ—â— Verdusio And Naya produced the Writing as it had been â—â—ised at the Hague onely with the addition of the Arch Dukes hands commanding the same to be firm and authentick But Verdusio requiring a more solemn Instrument that â—hould be equal to that he brought Naya presently obeyed and brought such a one from Bruxells together with a gold Chain to Verdusio intreating him at the same time that because some things contained in that Agreement seemed to be of a dubious interpretation that he would suffer him a return with himself to the States to advise upon the â—â—e The Arch Duke Albertus was really so inclinable to peace that he would not suffer any Hostility to be begun on 〈◊〉 part insomuch that He commanded all his Governours which was clearly beyond the Agreements that the Souldiers sould be kept within their Garrisons and that all â—â—â—men and Fishermen that were prisoners at Dunkirk should â—e set at liberty And Verdusio having written to the States concerning Raya's Request and receiving no positive answer taking for granted what was not forbidden returned to the Hague with him in his company And now they that 〈◊〉 not withstood the first motions of peace begun to repent themselves of their silence fearing that would really become 〈◊〉 which they had hitherto supposed to be but fained Therefore some of them question by whose order the Monke 〈◊〉 his foot on their ground being enemies to him and his 〈◊〉 Others accused Verdusio that he had undertaken an â—hit of so high concernment by private advice whereby 〈◊〉 plainly appeared that Naya was not likely to obtain so â—â—ily what in his own daring Imaginations he had already â—â—â—ceived granted While these things were doing in these parts in the 〈◊〉 while the Hollanders obtained a famous Victory at 〈◊〉 which made the Enemies more desirous of peace and 〈◊〉 more fervent to War When the last year the War of Spain went more slowly on not without some blemish of their antient Navall Honour it was thought fit another Fleet should be sent thither as well for recovering their fame as at the earnest Request of the Indian Company who were afraid lest the whole Strength of Spain should at once fall upon their Ships Jacob Hemskerke a man well skilled in Sea Affairs was chosen Admirall who had formerly accompanied William Barent in the like Voyage when most froward Fortune hindered them from making a more narrow Inquisition into the Secrets of the North besides he had been twice at the Indies from whence of late he brought a most rich Ship which he had taken in War At this time six and twenty Ships were committed to his charge fitted for War and four others for carrying Provisions with Command to do what should seem most beneficial Nor did he scruple to promise that he would so behave himself as to merit the thanks of his Country either by death or life and how full fraught he went out with confidence may from hence easily be understood that he would have no other pay than the eighth part of that booty which should exceed the sum of five hundred thousand florens He was not so covetous of money of which he had enough as of glory but not discovering that his inclination by any ostentation because composing both his habit and countenance into a reserved civility he did under that mask the greatness of a Military mind At the beginning of the Spring a little before the first Covenants were made between the Arch Dukes and the States going to Sea when he came to the Coasts of Spain he resolved to invade the mouth of the River Tagus that the most Noble City of Lisbone might be a witness of
Interpretation that the former Grants might obliquely be avoided thereby and they being a Free People and such over whom neither King Philip nor the Archdukes had any Authority would of their own accord consult of their Domestique Peace and not suffer their Affairs to be ordered at the pleasure of others That there was now a fit occasion given them not to enter into any further Treaty yet they would offer so much towards the desired concord that they would by Letters signify the whole matter to the particular Councels of every Province and desire their Judgments thereupon only with this Protestation That they would admit of nothing that might be prejudicial to their Liberty And that the Archdukes should within six weeks time know what was their result That if they thought fit to hearken to such Proposals of Peace as they should offer then within ten dayes after such Ambassadors as they heretofore promised to send should come to the Hague where also their Deputies should be present but upon this confidence nevertheless That neither the King nor the Archdukes should offer any Proposition that might intrench upon the States ordering their own Affairs within themselves And the States appointed the Hague for the place of meeting left it should appear unseemly for the Ambassadors of other Kings to remove from place to place and also because the power of managing the Affairs being divided amongst many with more ease and wisdome all things might be consulted of When Naya and Verreike doubted whether upon this answer they should leave the Kings Letters with the States or carry them away with them the States declaring they cared not whether of them they did Naya went to Bruxells to be advised from whence he brought this answer That the writing should remain with them so as they would give an acknowledgment that they had received the same for thereby the Arch-Dukes would be free from their promise to the King and finally that they should restore the same if the League came to no effect Which things being absolutely refused by the States and the Archdukes once more advised with Naya without any contract soon after delivered the Letters These deliberations being related to all the several Provincial Assemblies many doubted that it was not safe to admit a treacherous Enemy into the very bosom of their Dominions what would he do there but search into the affections and strength of the People and learn what was atâ—â—imble either by money or Arms by force or purchase They feared also lest they among themselves who desired peace running as it were headlong and without Counsel 〈◊〉 acquire the same should by little and little be drawn to accept of unjust and dishonourable Conditions Therefore when the Deputies returned into the Common Council past of all they oblige themselves each to other by mutual consent that they would if the Treaty came on in the very last Article have their liberty established by fit words publickly attesting the same in such manner as should be sufficient to satisfie the Embassadors of other Kings admitted into the Council And that they would not admit of any Conditions relating either to profane or sacred matters that â—ight undermine their liberty On the other side if the Enemy should still persist they would declare to all mankind that it was his fault why Peace was not setled and that recollecting their Forces and invoking the ayd of their neighbour friends and Princes They would resume their Arms from which they doubted not but Justice would give a successful Issue to their cause Prince Maurice and the Zelanders further insisted that the very words for Confirmation of their liberty should then be contrived and forthwith sent to Albertus whereto if he would not consent then to let him know that they would proceed no further in the Treaty This sentence seemed very hard to some who desired the Enemy might be hearkened to At this time a new year approached at the beginning whereof the time for the Cessation of Arms was to expire nor did the Arch Dukes desire its prolongation expecting to have had an Address made to them to that purpose whereupon the States write that they trusted to the Arch Dukes Promises with the same Resolution they had engaged to Naya and Verreike expecting a Treaty And to that purpose they were ready to send seven or eight from them if they would please to send the like number or fewer of theirs whom they would endeavour equally to fit as formerly had been discovered with Command and Instructions from them as they hoped the Arch Dukes and King Philip would do the like to wit that the said Commissioner should with all possible speed expedite the business and that they would consider whether it were convenient to the matter in hand whether they would lengthen the Cessation of Arms for a Month or six weeks That they would be pleased it should be for the longer time if so the Arch Dukes thought fit to consent That the States would have the Legates to be such as the Arch Dukes were for the future hoped to be The meaning whereof was that only Netherlanders should be sent For the Arch Dukes first Letters whereby the States were moved to a Treaty clearly contained the same Nor was it a matter of small advantage to the Hollanders that the conclusions of peace should be weighed together by the principal men of their so wearily allyed Neighbours among whom as there was less fraud and craft and one common design of interest equal with them though not for liberty yet against forein oppression and tyranny which being foreseen by the Arch Dukes they on the other hand were as violent to the contrary and from the very beginning the Netherlandish Nobles had privily fostered the same design until it should as of necessity seem to be thrown not only upon them but the Commons also And lately Naya and Verreike when they were at the Hague were delayed some speeches being cast abroad whether the States would endure any forein Commissioners when the Spaniards Affairs were no less in Agitation than those of the Arch Duke But then their design failed of its effect yet at this time the Governours of Holland who were desirous of peace when either by conjecture or some private intimation that it was likely that Spinola himself the General of the War together with a Spanish Senator should be sent of whom Spinola was by some private means known to be inclinable to peace and esteeming it of little advantage by much discourse to the Counsel to breed further jealousies in suspicious minds they earnestly endeavoured that the States Letters should be written to Naya and Verreike wherein they should be desired That they would certainly inform them of the number and names of the Commissioners that so a fitting care might be taken for their Provisions and Entertainment In these Letters was a Schedule inclosed carelesly as if is had been a matter of no moment signifying That
they had desired one or another might be admitted into the Legation besides Natives being well pleased in that point to submit to the Arch Dukes however the States did not â—â—it to intercede that no Spaniards especially any of the principall Officers of the War might come to the Treaty These words were ambiguously interpreted for that as the Hollanders seemed only to admit of one stranger so the Arch Dukes supposed and so believed that two were not prohibited and consequently that the General of the War who was no Spaniard would not be refused The name also of Natives might be extended to the Burgundians who were adjoyning to the Netherlands and under the same Government left Richardotte should be excluded who for his many Counsels and long continuance in the Court was esteemed a principal Person fit for the managing this so great Affair and therefore thought not to be absent At this time there returned out of Denmark Jacob Bowles of Amsterdam Nicholas Jacob Symon Horn and James Groote of Middleburg who had been sent thither to salute the King and to request his Advice and Counsel And not long after there came from Denmark as Embassadors James Utefeild a Senator sprung from a Noble Stock and a Man of great prudence and Jonas Charis from the Marquess of Brandenburg came Hierome Discue and soon after from the Count Palatine Hippolitus Mountayne famous for several Books by him set forth and honoured for many well perform'd Embassies But the Emperour Rodolphus sent Letters superscribed to the States of Holland and Zeland and other the Vnited Provinces wherein he called to mind the pains taken by himself and his Father in hearing their complaints and indeavouring to procure their peace But now it was arrived to his ears that they were about to make peace with King Philip and Albertus but that they would first have their Common-wealth declared free That he much admired he was not consulted with in an Affair of such consequence in regard all the Netherlands were a Fee and part of the Germane Empire They should therefore look to it that they should not without his License begin any thing that might be prohibited by the Laws of a feodary Whereto it seemed good to the States to return this Answer That they could not conceive that Albertus would have concealed his Counsels from his Brother or Philip from his Kinsman nevertheless they were not intended to do any thing of whose beginning they would not have given Caesar an account yet they had not forgotten those many Complaints which being oppressed with a most rigid and unjust Dominion they had put up to the Emperour and the Germane Dyets as well before the Arch Duke Matthias had undertaken their Cause and Government as after the same was departed from the Netherlands as also how little or no Relief they obtained thereby 'T is true anon after there were some Discourses of Peace in the City of Colen before the Legates of the Empire but when the Enemy from that very occasion took cause of making a more sharp War They were compelled to apply the last Remedy to that Disease which otherwise would become incurable to wit That by publick Decree they would take from Philip that Principality which he having received well guarded with Laws which he swore to defend had so many wayes violated and infringed Having by this means obtained their liberty and defended the same by Arms foreign Kings in no manner disputed their Right That the shedding of blood and evills of War wherewith they were frequently afflicted might be attributed to the Emperour and those who being torn from them by a League were ruled by Albertus The States having always concluded that they could hope for no good Issue unless the Common-wealth still retained its present Estate And now at last both the Arch Duke Albertus and King Philip were drawn to give their consent to that point that they would have their liberty unquestioned as might be seen by both their Letters Copies whereof were transmitted And now they rested confident that not only Caesar but all Germany out of their antient good will towards them would freely give their assistance 〈◊〉 these so pious endeavours of ending a War Concerning their being Feodary to the Emperour it was passed over in silence for that to refell it would have bred contention and to confess it had been dishonourable King Philip and Albertus to whom the Emperour had written in like manner concerning his Rights returned a like Answer protesting that they endeavoured nothing in prejudice of anothers Right but passing over in silence the debate of right However indeed the Family of Egmond had for a long time possessed Gelderland in despight of the Emperours yet the antient Princes thereof had been accounted under the fealty and Patronage of the Empire being at first named Guardians afterwards Counts and last of all Dukes And the Bishops of Vtrecht who also ruled Over-Issell and to whom Charles the Fifth succeeded in all their temporal Jurisdictions took an Oath of Fealty to the Emperours as is evident from Antiquity But the Frizons with the Inhabitants beyond the Lecke at first by the assistance of Arms and some small Tributes were subject to the French afterwards to the German Emperours but in all things else they retained their liberty which they boast to be granted and confirmed to them by Charlemayne and since often by others and at length by Sigismund as is evident and that their Government hath continued mixt being partly Aristocratical partly Democratical for the space of seven hundred years sometimes one being chosen who under the name of Podestate hath the perpetual Authority of a Prince or else is limited to a certain time After this the Emperour Maximilian attempted to put upon them Saxon Governours but they were never able to attain the intire Possession although the Common-wealth were torn with faction until being wearied with the contest they turned over all their Right to Charles the Fifth Prince of the Low Countries Charles the bald King of France is believed to have set a Prince over Holland to whom Zeland was connexed and that that Prince was sprung from the Aquitain Race or else was one of the chief among the Native Nobility But the Instruments that were the Authors of that Opinion granted both the Dominion and all Right thereof to Thierry as Hereditary without any mention of a connected Fee and this only in that part which formerly belonged to the Church of Egmond according to the Evil Custom of that Age inriching Princes out of Things consecrated to Divine Uses Not long after the Empire being divided between France and Germany the Germanes prevailed about the Rhine But there is extant a Charter of Otho the Third which grants to the Earl of Holland to possess as his own Free-hold what before he enjoy'd but by a kind of Tenant-Right But in a short time after Wars arose between the Emperours and Earls the one demanding the
so do other places 319 320 Namur and Lisle refuse Spanish Garrisons 325 Nassau Philip of Nassau slain 392 Netherlanders Letters to King Philip concerning his Daughters Marriage with Albertus 529 530 Netherlands turned over to Albertus and Isabella the causes and Aâ—cles thereof declared by King Philip. 562 563 564 Several Opinions concerning his 〈◊〉 564 565 Netherlanders set 〈◊〉 to their obedience 567 568 Their desires to the Arch-Dukes 651 652 Newport a Town in Flanders besieged by Prince Maurice 667 Nassau Count Ernests worsted 〈◊〉 fight by Albertus at Leffingen Bridge 670 671 Newport Battel the beginning and end thereof and Victory gotten by Prince Maurice 678 679 ad 680 The number of the slain and names of the prisoners 685 686 Netherland States summoned to meet at Bruxells and the Arch-Dukes Speech to them 688 Notte Colonel succeeds Dorpe in the Government of Ostend 760 Nassau John his death and Character 856 857 Naya Francis who he is employed by the Arch-Dukes about making peace with the Hollanders 878 His desires to the States and their Answer 889 890 Netherlands under the Arch-Dukes their bounds 892 Naya appointed to rende at Delf and why 893 He hath a private meeting with Cornplius Asten Secretary to the States and the effect thereof 983 984 Nassau Adolphus slain and how 949. O. OAth imposed by the Regent on the Commander and why and who took the same 4â— Ocean breaks over its bounds with a great distruction 5◠〈◊〉 Issell Doway and other places submit to the Duke of Parma upon Condition and the heads of the same 105 106 Oâ—denard besieged stormed and taken by Parma 127 Oath imposed by the Confederate States when why and on whom 1◠〈◊〉 Michael his Ship burned and â—ow becomes a booty to the English 2â—1 â—arson Garrisoned by the Prince 291 Delivered to the Spaniard 316 323 â—al an Irish Title abjured by whom and why 403 Ostend the Siege thereof threatned but no more blocked up by Albertus 50â— â—sen 〈◊〉 by Prince Maurice 519 Ostend taken also by the same and dismantled 519 〈◊〉 and Mulsem fortified and why and by whom Orseo besieged 592 593 〈◊〉 blocked up with Form by the Spaniards 6â— Besieged by Albertus with a large descriptiâ— of the Town and the whole Siege from the beginning to the end with the Surrender thereof upon honourâ— Conditions and the names of the several Governments during the time 698 699 700 701 ad 705.708 ad 710.713 ad 717.760 ad 762.774 ad 777 Oldeâ—zpole besieged by Spinola and yielded 800 801 〈◊〉 French Colonel killed 812 〈◊〉 Burnâ—velt perswades to peace 877 In suspected and layes down his Offices in the Common-wealth had â—on desire takes them up again 944 945 P. POpe when he attained his heighth of Power and how and by what degrees 14 Philip the second King of Spain departs out of the Netherlands 21.23 〈◊〉 to consent to the States Request for removal of the Souldier 22 〈◊〉 great affection to the Netherlanders but quite contrary 29 Send his Wife Elizabeth with the Duke of Alva to a Conference at â—ajon with the French King and his Mother 30 Displeased with several of the great Men and why 32 Disappointed of rising Forces and how 36 Popes Authority denyed and by whom 38 Publike Commotions first begin in the Low-Countries and why and by whom 37 Philip talks of going into the Netherland 43 Hâ—s churlish answer to the Emperours Message by his Brother to him 52 53 His name used in all Cases by the Union 70 75 Peace Treaty of Peace at Breda between whom and the refuse thereof 76 77 Philip dischargeth his Creditors without payment 82 Approves the Peace made at Gaunt 85 Desired to make peace with the Hollanders and by whom and why 90 Parma the Duke of Parma succeeds Don John in the Government of the Netherlands his Character 103 104 He besiegeth Maestricht and takes it 104 110 111 Peace Treaty at Colen and the result thereof 104 105.110 Portugall Kingdom claimed by King Philip and Conquered by Alva to his use 114 115 Parma Duke receives Recruits from the King 1â—8 170 He pitcheth his Camp between Gaunt and Bruges 141 Takes Dendremuâ—d and Vâ—lvorde 148 Plicentia a Castle in Italy delivered to Parma by the Spaniard and why 161 Parma made a Knight of the Golden Fleece 162 He wins divers Towns and Forts to the Spaniard 172 Peace Treaty of peace between England and Spain and the heads thereof 184.186 187 Provinces under the Spanish obedience which and how many and which under the United States 188.193 Pope sets out Bulls against Q. Elizabeth and exposeth it to Conquest 205 Parma's Councel and the Marquess of Santa Cruz rejected 206 Parma collects above 30000 men with other Provisions to help the Spanish Fleet. 207. He is kept close in Dunkirk 209. Wants Seamen and why 210 Piementel Didaco with his Ship taken in Zeland 214 Parma blamed envied and hated by the Spaniards and why 231 232. He falls sick and goes to the Spaw 232 Philip of Spains pretence to the Kingdom of France 240 Parma receives gracious Letters from Spain 253. He takes a new Journey into France 254. Frees Paris from a Siege 260 The many troubles attending his return 261. Discontented at his loss before Knolsenburg He goes to the Spaw waters 273. He marcheth into France with an Army 282. Returns thence into the Netherlands having first received a wound 283. While he intends another Journey into France he dyeth 298 The causes of his death and his Character 299.300 Philip King his Declaration against the French King 348 Peace desired by all and a Treaty to that purpose between whom and what Commissioners 368. Their Speech to Prince Maurice and his Answer 369 370 371 The Treaty broken off and why with several opinions thereon 371 372 373 Philip King of Spain in great distress for money and why 454 He dischargeth all his Creditors without payments and the â—ssue thereof 455.456 Peace concludeâ— between England and France and the heads thereof as also the like with the Hollanders 461 462 463 Poland the ingrateful Speech of the Polish Embassador and upon what occasion with the States Answer thereto 492 493 Peace Reasons why the Hollanders refused peace 494 495 496 Padilia sent from Spain with a Fleet to invade Brittain being broken by Tempests and returning is removed from his Command 501 502 Philip King of Spain incline to peace and why 515 Peace treated off between France and Spain at St. Quintins by whom and upon what tearms 526 527. The Treaty goes forward to which are sent English and Holland Embassadors 544 545.553 Various opinions concerning it in the English Court and what and among whom 551 552. Treaty removed to Verbin where a Peace is concluded and the heads thereof 557 558 Philip King his death and the manner thereof 575 576. His Character 576 577. His Son Philip named the 3d succeeds him 578 Priest the noble Speech of a Priest to Mendosa 611 Peace
the Netherlands and spend his Old Age quieâ—ly in Germany But besides the other cause of Diffidence his Mind that never was greedy after Wealth and in that respect unsullied and upright was greatly satisfied to perceive with what great Expence the Spaniard would gladly free himself from the Dread of him The Treaty at Colen being ended Areschet and some Priests fell off to the King from some of those Parts whence Legates had come for understanding that they must for the future else be Enemies to the King being reconciled by Letters and accepting the same Articles which they of Artoys had But all those Councils either of War or Peace which they had Registred and taken Notice of were scorned by the Spaniards and by that Nation that never likes any Forreign Thing made a meer May-Game of In that Treaty it plainly appeared how great a Difference there is between the Aims and Intentional Designs of the Prince and the People Of old time when first the Nobility here made Insurrections for fear of Forreign Lords and Tyrants the Evil was not incurable But afterwards being more obstinately oppressed they drew the Commons into Parties under pretence of Religion and the Vulgar Rout learning that they were they that kept Kings in awe or made them to be Reverenced and that they could be caught by nothing but Credulity presently imagined that Despair of Pardon was the firâ— Step to Liberty Hence they did not act indifferently or moderately but would onely do such things as were too fool to admit of Repentance and going back and by this means they arrived at that height that afterwards they would debate the Commodities of Peace but never mind the Hazards of Warre They go beyond the wonted Custom with Domestick and Intestine Arms while thence ariseth and springs the unlimitable Thirst of Rule and Revenge This makes a kind of Pleasure even in Danger and there is somewhat of Honour in the Depth of Misery But then surely there was not one general Army but the Warre was scattered here and there by small Parties and every several Nation almost had his own distinct Warriers This Fault of the Commonwealth did quickly shew it self for there not being a Soveraign Power vested in one chief City as there was in the Antient States both of the Greek and Romans and is at this day in most flourishing Dominions but an equal Power residing among many Cities itit comes to pass that what should be properly the care of every one from the Nations Industry exercised in the getting and keeping of Riches under the false Name of the Publike the Common Benefit is perverted and carryed into a wrong Channel Thus Moneys could very hardly be gotten by reason whereof the Netherlands might have been in great danger had not the Enemy been infected with the same Disease for Portugal eat up all the Kings Money as well by War as by seeking to win the Love of the Nobles For Sebastian the King being lost in the great African Battel and his Successour Henry being dead the People had Elected Anthony who was sprung from the Royal Stock to be King because they were infested by the Castilians according to the Evil Custom of Bordering Nations But Philip advancing the Propinquity of his Bloud among and before others sent thither the Duke of Alva with an Army to conquer and bring into subjection by Force those that would not submit willingly and at last by his Endeavours the Kingdom of Portugal was added to the King his Master By whom before he had lost the Netherlands so much more easie was it to win a Kingdom Nor indeed could any thing have fallen out more happily for Philip not onely because all Spain was now reduced under one Government but because the Portugeze who had by long Navigations compassed the greatest part of the World possessed the great Islands of the Mediterranean Sea and by Command or Traffike was Seated and Inhabitant on trie Coasts both of Aethiopia and the Indies By the Event hereof the Netherlanders who might hope for some Ease to themselves while the Wars in Portugal lasted besides the increase of their strength found also another greater discommodity which was That the Spaniards would now hinder all the Trade thence wherein the main Wealth of their Cities did consist for although hitherto the Ports of the Kingdom of Castile had not forbidden or denied them as if there had been no cause of Arms or War out of the Bounds of the Netherlands yet there was from the Clergy great danger and injurious detentions of Ships sometimes used by Kings even toward Strangers dis-incouraged them which the Portugezes had promised they would never do Nay more there was Provision made that they should be bound to appear in Judgment before suspected Judges or forced to any long Suits But after both Kingdoms were joyned in one and yet the Necessity of the one not at all lessened by the enjoyment of the others Trade both having the same King by various Names of Extortion and Force the Sea-men and Masters of Ships were defrauded of the greatest part of their Gain but yet not by a continual Trouble but by such Intervals and Breathings that under hope of amendment and by the unconscionable Avarice of the Merchants to get all ever some new Booty came in afresh In the mean time by reason of the want of Money there hapned many Seditions on both Sides in the Netherlands But the Spaniards had the advantage in the more easie appeasing and suppressing those on their part because in lieu of Pay they gave them Licence to do what they would and Impunity for the same However the Duke of Parma got some small Towns in Henalt which the Confederate Prâ—virces had Garrison'd and not long after surpriz'd Courtray in Flanders Altpen delivers Breda also to him the Castle on a suddain whence he easily set upon and got the rest Lanove on the other hand to whom the chief Care of the War in those Parts was committed regained from the Enemy Nienove and other places in Flanders At this time it fortuned that some eminent and brave men were taken prisoners as Egmond and Selley in Towns that were taken and contrarily Laâ— himself who was taken at an unhappy Fight in a Siege before a certain Castle and was esteemed by the Enemy of so great quality that they would not exchange him for 〈◊〉 others The English who were in Pay with and fought for the Vnited Provinces took Mechlin by Storm whose Avarice was so prophanely expressed in their Victory that they did not spare the very Sepulchres of the Dead the Stones whereof they took away and afterwards openly sold them in England Many other Counsels and Resolutions of suddâ—n Actions the more powerful Enemy diverted very few Tokens of Victory remaining to the Dutch by reason of the penury of them that fought in their Defence At this time the Duke of Parma's Mother came to her Son at Namar being
sent to take the Government wherein she had formerly been skilled being by her Sex more mild and gracious and by the use of her Age a crafty Moderatâ— for Peace But he who had cut off the Follies and Enormities of Youth to follow after Fame and Honour telling her It was no time for talk there rather wanted Men and Arms and that his Industry and Care was sufficient to win and keep the good-will both of the Souldiery and People The Lady therefore went back again and by that means did wipe away the impious Difference that otherwise might have fallen out between her self and Son But in Frizeland and the adjacent Regions the Inconstancy of Renneberg made as it were a particular War burst furiously out This Man having with great Fidelity and an undanted Courage long taken the part of the Nobles together with all the Frisons at Utrecht subscribed the League of Vnion and by a Siege compelled the refusing Groningers whom he had made hated by those that were present to swear to perform the same But after being overborn by the Authority of his Kinred who had all of their Revolted to Spain who the better to kindle the Coals of Dissention suffer'd the Country-people who inhabited round about the Country to repel the Injuries offer'd to them by the Souldiers Upon a Sign given a great Multitude of the Boors met to take their Revenge and thâ—y were the moâ—e cruel in what they did because now they fought in Defence of all the Remains Fortune had left them But Hohenlo sent thither by the Pâ—ince of Aurange after some small Fights dispersed this disordered Multitude not fit for War And the Frisons suspecting their Governours Fidelity set upon the Castles that remained and in little time made them equal with the ground The Prince of Aurange himself being constrained to go with strong Guards to re-settle Oveâ—-Issel that had likewise bin sollicited to Revolt and through Home-Discords stagger'd not Resolved what to do Then he to wit Rennebergh laying aside any further Dissimulation delivered Groninghen which he then had the possession of into the King's Power Thence wasting his Forces over the Rhine they carryed in thither with them frequent and mutual Slaughters and a terrible misery of fifteen years continuance For the regaining of this Town of Groninghen first Bartolus Entes formerly the Companion of Marques whom after the taking of many great Prizes by Sea and Land and while his Thoughts were filled with the hopes of great Matters out of these Troubles Death nipped all in the Bud a this Siege The Duke of Parma sent Schenck to relieve it who had formerly been a Souldier in these Parts to which he was now returned when he could not obtain the desired Rewards of his going away But then he employed his whole Study and Endeavour for his General for by his Verâ—â— and Judgment the Siege was broke up when the greate Commanders were all in despair thereof and all Honâ—'s men scattered and slain whom afterwards as they were reinforcing their Fortune by some of the dispersed Troops Rennebergh again utterly overthrew and having thus of comfited the Enemy be over-ran many of their Fortifications both at Passes and Rivers But when he strove â— turn all the whole Fury of the War for five Moneths upon Steenwic a City of Over-Issel he was Overthrown and Conquered by the Nassauian Commanders when considering with Regret his Misery with how great Loss of his 〈◊〉 and Repute he had reduced himself from great Wealth â— a horrid Incertainty he was seized by a Disease which quickly brought him to his End Verdugo a Spaniard succeeded him and got the better of Norris in a certain Fight be it advantaged him nothing the Fields now growing we with Autumn's Dews and Foggs Now were the poor Souldiers plagued both with Hunger and Sickness Now there lay open to the Duke of Parma a Possession large enough and worthy to be taken care of if he had pleaded to make use of so many Victories in that part but while the Forces were employed elsewhere and long scattered here and there they who then might have been forced to submit had now drawn the ambiguity of their fortune into better times In the Interim some tumults there were and they such as might almost be called a Sedition both in Brabant and also in some Cities of Over-Issel plotted in the Kings behalf by the design of that multitude which followed the Rites of the Roman Church whereupon it came to passe that all Images wheresoever they remained were taken away from publick use nay they were hardly suffered to meet in private for the exercise of their devotion for fear of Conspiracies The Warre therefore being spread abroad on every side the number of Souldiers for defence was by the States increased as much as the Tributes were decreased and fell short and which was most difficult of all the Souldier inclining to richer Pillage than his Pay neither the Country could be freed without money nor money be raised while the Country was thus beset for now the Cities began to dread their Garrisons the Captains could neither shew their Authority nor uphold any Discipline within their Castles but are like an incurable Disease while they esteem luxury and all other licentiousness as Military Gallantry By reason of which great streights this Government of many became hated by the Citizens the Prince of Aurange having ordered many things as well concerning Law as Tributes and the Souldiery which were necessary for the present State of Affairs then in the Councel of the States he moved this That because the necessities of the Warre were sudden and would not be delayed and the ayds of the Assemblies of Deputies came in so very slow they would Elect and chuse a Senate that might among themselves consult of the chief matters of State Affairs being thus setled as he saw all things incline to him by the eye of that Religion which Philip had condemned and that the valiantest of the dissenters were revolted to the other part he began to discourse to them the Reason why hitherto while they had any hopes of peace they made use of the Kings Name but now since he is grown implacable towards them as to Rebels and that it was eviden◠〈◊〉 any man was fierce and bitter against the Netherlanders thâ—â— he was looked upon in Spain with such favour that he greâ— famous and honourable thereby why would they any longer suffer the people to be led blind-fold With the voyd Region of an old Oath whence come all these troubles 〈◊〉 Commotions but from thence that our fidelity hangs ambiguous between our Country and the Prince But it is not a strange thing among wise men who will grant that all Powers are setled for the Peoples good by the peoples consent that though they are greater then each particular yet they are less than a Conjunct Universall who 〈◊〉 perverted and neglected the care of the publick for t 〈…〉