general That they might never be divided from Brabant and Holland While these Matters were argued pro contra Maximilian the Emperour much troubled thereat and also taking into commiseration the Prince of Aurarge his Condition so suddainly thrust out by violence from such great Estates and Prehemnences though that Design of his wrought no milder Temper toward those Dominions sent his Brother Charles into Spain to inform the King in his to wit the Emperours Name and the rest of the Princes of Germany That they thought it not convenient for the Publike Good that the Netherlanders should be used so harshly any longer But Philip as well as he could dissembling his Anger yet churlishly commanded to be returned for Answer That the Care of managing his own Affairs belonged properly to himself who as he knew when it was fit to shew Mercy so likewise he was not to learn when to use Severity to such who having first laid aside their Duty towards God would in a short time not fear to shake Hands with Obedience to their Prince and that it would be an Action more safe and honourable for them if they would desist to intermeddle in Affairs in which they were altogether unconcerned There were some that counselled the regaining of those Parts of Lower Germany by Warre which had been torn from the Body by the strong Hand of their Lords But the Emperour of his own Nature always loving Peace and being lately allyed to the Spaniard by a new Tye of Affinity sate down and medled no more But a few of the Germans either out of their regard to Piety Envy of the Spanish Greatness or Hatred of Alva too well known among them did aid the Prince of Aurange with Men and Money and it may be also moved with Suspition that Alva had a Design upon some Cities near the Rivers Rhene and Amasis to subject them to his Master because they had been Receptacles to many of the Netherlanders banished for their Religion Many of the Neighbouring People had bound themselves by Hostages to be true to and assist the Prince of Aurange in his Expedition and something also was given by the Netherlanders who now being compelled to inhabit abroad either the Desire of return to their Country or private Wishes of enjoying Liberty at Home prompted But many of those Promises failed in their Event so that having by the Dictates of his own Judgment and Fore-sight gathered together Six Thousand Horse and Fourteen Thousand Foot chiefly and the greatest part out of Germany where great Multitudes of Men caught with the Bait of present ready Money never thought of the future nor minded whose part they took but were ready for any that would hire them best the remainder of the said Army was made up partly of Netherlanders themselves and partly of French These Forces letting slip the first Opportunity of fighting Alva at the Passage of the Maze being then unprovided were afterward by him easily weakned and brought to nothing by not fighting getting the more noble sort of Victory Which Policy of evading Fight had before that been fortunate to him â— Italy when he stood in opposition to the Duke of Guise Therefore for three and twenty days together he lay stilâ— in the Rear of them as they marched with his Camp so circumspectly and with Prudence fortified toward the Enemy that they could never force him to fight with their Desperation Then was put in practice that Villany which will never be left off to wit that both Parties should maintain their Right by Countries living in Peace for whether a Passage was given or denied through the Lands of Cleve or Leige always the one Party would revenge it self either by robbing the Country or burning it However at last this great Army being neither admitted by one City nor relieved with any Provision in a short time mouldred away through an extream want of all things but chiefly of Pay with the slender Remains whereof the Prince of Aurange being hardly able to march into France carryed thither together with it all his Hopes where for some time finding Employment in that Forreign Warre though the cause thereof were something his for Alva had sent thither Forces also to help the King yet by the suddain making of Peace he was disappointed and not onely so but Traps laid to insnare him The Army being thus broken whereby without doubt the Nassauian Strength was much impaired and exhausted as he grew very wary how he ran into Dangers So Alva great now with Success esteeming himself a Conquerour of those People whom he had yet never felt as Enemies did ambitiously desire the Glory of his Authority thus won as he supposed by Conquest And under this Notion and Name of Conquerour he is presented with a Consecrated Sword from the Pope with an Inscription of his Deeds as Fame had reported them which being a Piece of most excellent Workmanship he placed in the beautiful Castle of Antwerp that serves to no other use than to keep under the People as the Scituation thereof averted from the River doth plainly testifie Moreover he erects a Statue in his Honour with a large Eulogy thereon to wit that by appeasing the Sedition destroying and punishing the Rebels and promoting of Justice he had restored Peace to these Provinces At this time he setled many things no lesse profitable than specious as concerning money Merchandises punishment of vices and enormities and rash divulging of Books works in themselves so good that they will never be forgotten unless by the Odium of his name who was the first settler thereof But now the Inquisition as to matters of Religion the Acts of the Councel of Trent the new Bishops and things hitherto winked at if not utterly repudiated were received willingly as it were for otherwise it was in sight that would compel them their hatred being now grown to that heighth that who over had been baptized by the Protestants according to the Rules of Christianity should yet be re-baptized though contrary to the institution and practice of the Antients Nor did this new Tribunall grow lesse furious against the old crimes of Treason to the number of whom were added all such as were but suspected to have wished good success to the late undertakings of the Prince of Aurange or to have grieved at the ill fortune and miscarriage thereof yet while these things are thus doing there was a way studied how to make their Victory seem more honourable by the report of Clemency which was this By setting out an Edict in the Kings name wherein a Pardon should be granted to all that would come in and confess their former misdeeds but still excepting and reserving to punishment all Teachers and Ministers of Religion and those which did assist or harâ— them all those whose impious villanies violated the Sacred â—cesses of Churches or holy places and all such as here Arms â— took preferment or were consenting to the confederacy of tâ—
Name of it in the Netherlands with great Regret of Spirit was abominated There were who at this time wrote to the King the whole Sum of this Discipline which he under the Name of Heresie gave hearing to with an evil Will least he should in any manner give Credit to a thing so profane and detestable however glosed over by those malitious People Here by the Industry of the Prince of Aurange were excited George Cassander and Francis Balduin of Artoyes Men well skilled in Antiquity and that perswaded to Moderation There is of this Mans extant an eloquent Oration desiring the free use of that Religion who now by being grown strong could not be esteemed a Disturber of the Peace with whose Interest such a Liberty would be consistent as well as with that of Commerce The Pope having in these inferior things to the very Jews given leave to purchase Impunity for the Exercise of their Religious Rites But all these things proving of no effect some for fear of punishment others desirous of novelty cast out ambiguous and doubtful Speeches send abroad Libels the onely Allurements of the Vulgar and as a thing indifferent there being no War to retain the Assertors of the German Religion The Romane Superstition is again thrown out of England as also by the Danes and Swedes Nor in France do Slaughters pass unrevenged where not being able to bear the cruel Natures of those who Tyrannized over them they Resolved openly to defenâ— their Safety either by Peace or Warre there being no other Mediums for their Liberty For certainly there is nothing can more strictly oblige the People to their Duty than the Prince to a moderate and just Government By making use of these Alterations the Minds of the Nobles were confirmed who already judged themselves in their own Thoughts to stand condemned in the Kings and some of them being married to Women that were Forraigners well by Countrey as by Religion as the Prince of Aurange to a Saxon and Count Horn to a Nionarian gave the Crâ—dulous King also from thence also cause of Suspition which they were not insensible of because the King had already shewed his Dislike against the new power of the Senatâ— which they had introduced and assumed And therefore that they might the better strengthen their Cause by the Assistance of the Vulgar they endeavour to quiet Religion and if they cannot firm a publike Peace at least to settle Domestike One they making the fear of the ensuing Mischiefs so much the greater by how much the rest did under valuingly sleight them they endeavour to hide these Practices under the Notion of Civil Disturbances which they also themselves were partly the cause of or else by these means they hoped to move the King however they doubted not in these Novelties of Assistance if not out of Love to them yet out of Envy to the Spanish Greatness Departing therefore from the Senate as if they had fore-seen Commotions which they were unable to help now under pretence of Solemnizing Marriages another time intermingling Festiv Societies to make them seem the more solemn they gathered together and obliged to them many either by the Ties of Bloud or the Obligations of Friendship But long it was not ere the main matter at which all these things aimed burst out for after it was perceived that there were many which looked that way while they sollicite much both the Commander and Souldier find fault that a Woman should be chief in Authority disswade the States and Governours of Cities from Cruelty and to suffer patiently Many other Noble men but all wi◠〈◊〉 any Government or Command among whom were some of the Romane Religion made a 〈◊〉 which was drawn up by one Marnye against the Inâ—sition wherein they promised to aid and assist one another â— any of them should thereby be questioned or brought into â—nger And that it might not be unknown upon what main strength they relyed among the Leaders of that Faction the most eminent was Lewis of Nassau Brother to the Prince of Aurange an open Dissentor from the Romane Profession So 〈◊〉 now it was no difficult matter to understand that although the reall and greatest Heads of the Faction did not yet appear yet to judge who they were that when time should serve would uphold them whose Interest and Authority in the mean while was a sure Safeguard to all Pretenders for the rest against the bitter Invectives and Tyranny of â—hose who by Arms would endeavour to stifle or suppress this growing Rebellion There joyned with the before-named Lewis the Counts of Herenburgh and Culemburgh and Henry Brederode of an â—ntient Family of the greatest Nobility of Holland and generally beloved of the People whose hopes were blown up too high and were vain and incertain unless more had appeared These accompanied with Four Hundred Confederates the fifth Day of April 1566. came all unarmed to the Court of â—ruxels where then the Prince of Aurange the rest scarcely intreated by the Lady Margaret the Regent to return â—hither had taken their Places and were sitting These were their Desires for so they called them That the King's Edicts concerning Religion might by the Order of the States of the Netherlands be changed and that they would acquiesce till it could be done The one of which when the Regent promise she would recommend to the King and protested the other not in her power they urged the same with an earnestneâ— rather befitting Judges or Justices who had power of Command than Petitioners who knew to 〈◊〉 â—â—rate their Zeal wâ— Temperance Then first was heard of that name of Guise â—terwards no less famous than those of Protestants and Hâ—gonets when therefore some had cast into the Teeth of the Confederates their broken and decaid Fortunes they not the king notice of the happy Fortune of that Name but wholled by Honour confirmed their Faith to the King to staâ— by him even to the hazard of their Estates Which thing being now evident to the whole World there were various Consultations both in Spain and the Netherlands Of theâ— who were attendant upon the Councels and Person of tâ— Lady Margaret some reputed those Requests or rather Demands of the Confederate Nobles to be just Others thought them onely necessary But some of the Great Ones who began to suspect the Cruelty of the King's Intentions toward them without any Dissembling demanded Pledges for the Security and to prevent the fear of suffering punishment which otherwise might happen to be the cause of a War and if these things were denied they having under the Commands most valiant People of several Nations aâ— likewise some Troops of Natives which would prove the main Props of the War would not draw a Sword in Defend of those Laws by which the Citizens being slain by each others hand should fall onely for the pleasure and advantage of the Spaniards After many several Letters sent to the King at last John Montigniac the
at hoâ—e and therefore the more desirous to augment both their Fame and Wealth by forraign Service and acquisitions Francis who was of a disposition not to be despised but altogether unrestful in spirit offered himself to be their Generall in the Warre which was said in France to be for the restoring of liberty against the wrongs and oppressions of the Court and for the settlement of Religion in peace which he did either out of hatred to his Brother who though weak and barren yet kept the Kingdom or else he was an Instrument of his Mothers subtilty for averting the feuds of parties and surely he might have gained the love of the People very much in the supporting that Cause and would upon a Peace made have had most ample possessions But he becoming the Minister of anothers cruelty in a short time soyled all his Renown by turning his Arms upon his Allyes About which 〈◊〉 Margaret of Valoyes the King of Navarres Wife that she might be clear of the Warres of her Husband and her Brother and veyling the desire of her absence with the pretence of going to the Waters at the Spaw as she passed by Cambray and Moniz taking hold of opportunity She highly commended the Duke of Anjou in those two strong places that differed not much either in Customs or Speech from the French and very little in Religion But Casimire who had at that time been a great support to the party of Navarre remitted the Agreement that privately had been made with him thereby giving the testimony of a just and Religious mind The Common-wealth like an indigested Chaos was now on every side in confusion nor was there any Symmetry in its parts while each one catches at the Government as if it were void and in the prosecuting thereof steer a severall way And truly the main use of Arms by all was against a Kingdom but some praised the Principality and Laws others admired and preferred their forces before those of the Venetian or Switzerland without any consideration of their inequality or disproportion And thus under the name of Noblemen they distracted and tore in pieces the Government or else because they fell short of others in dignity the Plâ—beyan strength also approaching stirred up the vulgar by words whereby becoming unruly and not to be led their suspicions egged them to cruelty so that nothing would content them but free liberty without any exception within and without abroad and at home there was nothing but faction and sedition Nor by this was the Warre lossened onely it was delayed and not vehement enough for the time because the Armies were ordered according to severall Opinions Amsterdam which as we told you was one of the greatest Cities in Holland and had not stood up for liberty as the rest was then much favoured because it inclined to Don John But because the Nassavians had environed and in a maner besieged that City and in regâ—d there was no hope of relief in a long time they came to Articles whereby all that were banished for Religion were restored to their Country but they should not have the exercise thereof within the Walls But when the men of the Roman Opinion who wavered in the performance of their promises seemed sometimes as if they would become enemies again the Exiles driving out the Magistrates and all those that praesided Religion enjoyed all in publick The same at divers times and for the like causes almost happened in divers other Towns of Holland as at Vtrecht and Harlâ—m taking occasion by their breach of Faith from Magistrates instructed in this that whatever they approved should never be contradicted by the City which among themselves was very conducing to concord among them but was offensive to the stomacks of their fellows who adhering to the Pope suspected that strength would suppress them John of Nassau had the Government of Gueldres the Prince of Aurange appointing him to that charge that so he might stand the more strongly guarded But in Frizeland whereof Rennerberge then was made Governour the old Dissentions of Groningen City and the Country adjacent began anew to flame for the carrying forth of their Reveâ—ues though for the maintaining their Peace questionable if not with the Governours Desire that he might the more surely Command The Commons of the City bound the Deputies of the adverse Party to themselves and the same after both Sides bad shewed their Valour in their privnte Darings came off Victor However all Prisoners taken were set at Liberty yet did Animosities remain untill they came to be intermingled in the Publike Contention although both Matthias and the Prince of Aurange interposed to settle them Rennerberg also commanded some of the Senators of Frizeland to be removed and diligently watched who had shewed themselves well pleased at the Spanish Victory and substituted others in their Room the like also he did by the Bishop of Leuwarden For these Merits and good Works he is chosen Captain particularly for the Ruling and subjecting Over-Issel for the German Souldiers hired by Don John held both Campen and Daventry both which Cities were soon after yielded But the Army staying something longer at Daventry Casimire came to them with a fresh Recruit of Eight Thousand Foot and almost as many Horse For the Queen of England instead of the Money she did promise sent Souldiers whose Number he of his own free Will increased as if he had been obliged Which the Chiefrains of the Romane Religion looked upon as very ominous and therefore they forthwith laboured by all means to intreat and win Francis of Valois to be the Head of their Sect which the Prince of Aurange as well as others saw but would seem to take no Notice thereof because they would not draw new Suspitions upon themselves Wherefore Francis by the Decree of the States is named The Defender of the Belgick Liberty And moreover Provision was made for Imbursement of all Charges by giving to him as a Reward or Gratuity of their Alliance whatever Towns the Enemy held beyond the Maze While these things are doing and the Inferiour differ about Fancies in Religion and the Great Ones quarrel about Realities in Dominion the Followers of the Innovated Religion obtain a Power very safe to themselves but hazardous to the Commonwealth for the Right of Ruling being in the hands of many there was no higher Power to restrain or keep under particular Animosities and Feuds They Petition Matthias and the Prince of Aurange who was not ignorant thereof before wherein they set forth That they never having been Servants to Tyranny but rather Marks for the Cruelty of the Spaniards who had designed the Ruine of the Commonwealth by robbing her of the best part of her Citizens were not more maligned by her Enemies abroad Though they had this most certain Pledge of their Faith that their onely hope rested in the Publike Safety for if the old Ceremonies should return as the rest of the People can expect
in that they did not follow them in the Rear as they marched off which had they done that onely Day had scatter'd and broken all the Spanish Forces But that Year might have been spent in the Besieging of Towns if the Captains Prudence and Fore-sight had provided Pioneers and such other like People as are fit to attend an Army for such Work Among all these Changes of Affairs there intervened some Discourses of Peace for some Forreign Princes being desired to propose some way to make a Peace did perswade Don John that in regard the Forces of the Netherlanders far exceeded his he might yet go off with an unblemished Reputation and let his hope hereafter wait for more happy opportunity and as to the King that he would do much more discreetly if he minded to win the love of so Valiant and Warlike a People and not rashly to cast away so large a Dominion that he would now accept of them while they were willing to come to reasonable terms that it was necessary for the obtaining thereof to wit of Peace that the League made at Gaunt should be confirmed and in that the Clause particularly that Religion should be left to every Man 's free Will That it was most just that all Prisoners should be set at liberty and among them chiefly the Prince of Aurange's Son That whosoever intended to make a Peace with the States must comprehend therein all these particulars by which means all might be reconciled To these Don John answer'd That unless the Prince of Aurange might be banished into Holland there could be no hopes to make Peace That he would grant nothing as to matter of Religion onely he seemed to incline to a Truce The truth is Peace is generally made according to the pleasure and liking of the strongest and to the Weaker every Delay in point of War is very advantageous but when he was re-inforced with Thirty Thousand Foot and Six Thousand Horse so that he believed himself in a manner as strong as the Netherlanders especially as they had Discords among themselves pitching his Camp in the Mountain Bonga which is near to Namur he broke off the Treaty all thought of Pacification being laid aside in his Commanding Breast Casimire in the mean time by a stay longer than ordinary in Gelderland being unfurnished of Money though very slowly yet at last got together a great Army By his Conjunction the Army of the Netherlanders consisted of Forty Thousand Foot and Twenty Thousand Horse with which strength it was resolved to stay for the Aids of Francis of Valois when but too late they intended to besiege Don John being full of hopes if they could but once begin it to bring it to perfection But the sins of the former Time too much greediness and Ambition after Wealth Honour and their Licentiousness in the abusing both which had before been the cause of the Netherlanders Slavery to the Spaniards was now again the main Obstacle and Diversion of the Liberty which was even in their sight and almost come to their possession For the Differences of those of Henault and Artois with them of Flanders was come to that heighth that without any Care of the Publike Good the particular People of each Province would reserve and keep all Taxes and Tributes unto their proper uses And this Example spreading it self further certain Bands of Souldiers lately grown wanton with Ease being a little defalked or delayed in their Pay left the Service of the Commonwealth by a secret complotting and contrivance of the Captains who thought they had not preferment suiting to or proportionable with their Worth and Merits These Souldiers therefore seizing Mayn a Free Town in Flanders forrage and risle all the adjoyning Country Hitherto it was hoped that this Storm would have been kept within their own Bounds when of a suddain Montigny a Man of great Authority among the Captains undertook the Government and went over to the Artoysian Faction The Gauntoys listed divers Companies to repel the Injuries offered by those But these Souldiers though at Home fierce and untractable yet unexpert in War were not of strength sufficient to hinder the Enemies depopulating the Country For they gave it out in Speech that the Priests which by Force and Sedition were thrust out of Gaunt lived in Banishment among them and that they could not reasonably deny nourishment to so great a Company of poor Supplyants either for the Sanctity of their Order or the meanness of their present Fortune but also since there was no place left for Equity and Justice to demand and regain by Arms those things whereof they were robbed by those Barbarous Spoilers Under this pretence of War for now these private Quarrels were broke out into open Hostility great Spoil was daily made until the Flandrians at the instigation of Casimire received Souldiers from him promising Pay out of his own Store for then the whole Country was even brought to Poverty It was supposed that he hoped for the Government but he was deluded therein by the Peoples Inconstancy as well as other Events of Matters But in all these Vicissitudes the Towns of Henault received Francis of Valois who knowing by whose means it came to pass gratified Lalayn the Governour of that Province for it He had with him something more than Eight Hundred Horse and Six Thousand Foot the Refuse and Remains of the French Troubles and Tumults whom after a very hard Journey and Plunders committed every where as they passed having first taken some Castles and Autumn now coming on apace he brought to the Town of Bingen This came under his Subjection by Storm and Siege but proved a very mean Reward for the Expence of his time He staid for the most part at Monts a City in Henault but but not without great Indignation that the Townsmen refused to deliver up the appointed Towns to his Souldiers to be Garrisoned and when he was desired to come to the Army by the Netherlanders he at first denied it until Casimire did the same with whose progress and success at Gaunt he was greatly offended so much that being before his Friend and afterwards his Competitor now he hated him with so much Malice as could not forbear to vent it self in contumelious Speeches Nor would he be removed from the same although both the Regent Matthias the Prince of Aurange and the Queen of England declared themselves unsatisfied in the Actions both of Casimere and the Flandrians but that he willingly suffers his Souldiers to run over to the Companie and Troops of Montigny Thus these two Captains both promising generally Aid â— the Netherlanders came both into their Dominions rather is damnifie them But not long after the Duke of Anjou departed to France and Casimere went to England both leaving this Commonwealth whereto they had no Right to her own good or evil Fate But the Netherlanders upon the departure of this great French-man though himself and other Princes in his behalf
to the War in regard it was so near Neighbour to Antwerp In the mean time also were some small Skirmishes with little Advantage to either side and not a few English turning Renegades and being contemned by the Spaniard were a good Example to teach others to be faithful to that Party under whom they first served Anon Verdugo was forced to leave Lochem a little Toâ— in Geldars not far from Zutphen which he endeavoured â— win by starving because while he was about it it was thâ—i relieved with fresh Provisions but presently won Steâ— which before had cost so many Lives without any danger by the help of Night and the Townsmens Folly At the time Philip having Valois his Opposit thought he now waâ—ed more strength and care than heretofore and therefore sends to Parma a Recruit of Spanish and Italian Souldiers nor durst any be so bold as to contradict the same notwithstanding the Artoysian Treaty and Agreements averring Thâ— in that Treaty the Obedience of the whole Netherlands was intended of which hope he being defrauded the Bond of the Obligation ceased together with the Cause The Summe of this Army upon Muster was Threescore Thousand Foot Four Thousand of whom would make good Horsemen and these Number remain or rather are increased to this very time whâ—â— Monthly Pay amounted to or rather was supposed to exceâ— Seven Hundred Thousand Florens and that the other Charge of the War came to no less than half as much That therefore Philip sent thither every year over and above the Tributes there raised above Twenty Hundred Thousand so much was consumed by the Spaniard upon the Netherlanders And that no more Money should be carryed over thither they who feared bad Success by the ill Carriage of Affairs there were believed to have hindred it On the other side the States that they might win fame to their new Commonwealth by great and noble beginnings advanced their Yearly Pensions and Tributes which were at present but Four and Twenty to Fourty Hundred Thousand with which Money they raised Souldiers and then had in Arms under the Conduct of Francis of Valois besides Netherlanders French Germans English and Scots The Forces on both sides were very strong but the greatest part of them lay in Garrisons because there being no determined Bounds they were as the Fortune of War required put into Towns which many times even joyned one to another but still kept their Opposition Hitherto Valois hoped for Succours from his Brother for the wasting of those Riches against or for which the Kings of France had for the space of Two Hundred years contested by War to suffering of much hardship yes to the loss of their Bloud and now by Conditions of Peace had made their Enemy equal to themselves But the King himself had no mind openly to denounce War nor privily to send the expected Forces although his Mother Medices had assailed and disturbed the possession of the Portugal Sea And the truth is Philip had prevented him having purchased a means to make Debate wherewith he might perturb the then peaceable Estate of France The stronger Party therefore did openly possess the King with fear advising withall That he should turn his strength against none but the Enemies of the Romane Religion another Party being politickly deceitful under pretence of more wise Counsel denyed that it was â—ther just or profitable for the King who was yet not satisfied iâ— his Successor to exhaust and consume his Treasure for the use of strangers but that he should rather leave both the Netherlanders and the Duke himself too to their poverty untill being drawn dry they would fall from their Capitulations and Contests for Government and submit themselves to the Laws as for the Spaniard though he could not be conquered by others yet he might in good time be overcome by a Neighbour Kingdom These were the Counsels but indeed the King was of his own nature averse to his Brother not that he was offended by him but rather had offended him and mindfull that he had once committed him to hard and close Custody more out of suspition than for any Crimes This cast the Duke head-long upon Counsels dangerous and full of desperation and fatall both to himself and the Netherlanders for when he perceived that they would easily set him at naught since he could not perform with them in the promised ayds and that he was burdened with an 〈◊〉 profitable Principality not forgetting that he ruled onely â— pleasure and that afterward that he was restrained and kept under by the Laws and Authorities of others which is very grievous to them that have been bred in a Kingdom having divers times desired an alteration of the same but not obtaining it he resolves to erect a peculiar power by force and to that end assigns the Towns of Flanders to be possessed and held by the most trusty Garrisons of his Captains Anwerp he takes to himself as the biggest City and that which most favoured the Prince of Aurange to whom he knew he did owe a part of his power by an implicit agreement and where the Deputies of the States were present who were the impediments of his greatness 1583. It is probable the main inciters to this rashness were not onely some secret spies that held Intelligence with the Enemy having their Faith corrupted by moâ—â—â— who offered to the Duke an unquestionable right of Dominion by a Spanish Marriage but also the Frenchmen who pâ—oposed to themselves the ransacking of Cities or greâ—â— Booty Honours which by the Laws they were cebarred â— of which covetousness there are as many Nations found guilty as the Netherlanders had Allyes or Confederates The success answered the Design where the French Garrisons were prevalent and Veward Dendremunde Dixmayâ— and Dunkirk a Sea-cost Town of Flanders excellently seated for French Trassique were taken At Bruges bâ—â— the old and new Governours were outwitted by the extraordinary and most politick ingenuity of the Magistrates wâ— desiring under pretence of consultation the Captains and Leaders to go to the Town-house there kept and detaineâ— them till they had by their Letters Commanded the Souldiers to march out from thence which they for fear of the Armed multitude without grudging did accordingly The danger of Antwerp was greater though some Signs of the bloody event burst forth and with a dissembled suspition of somewhat he did as much as he could hide the concourse of his People from the Prince of Aurange and the Governours of the Town There was the Army both of French and Switzers assembled that the Fort of Endouen being left and the Enemy fled the whole possession of Brabant might be regained To these the Duke going out under the very Walls as if to number them with his Customary Retinue onely about him he Commands the Watches immediately to be killed and the Ports to be set up and seized that so the rest of his Army might have the easier entrance And now seventeen
only this one he excepted â— that they who for the last four years had gone astray from the Roman Religion should having convenient time to senâ— their domestick Affairs be commanded to depart the City And soon after the Duke of Parma as a reward of â— Victory was by the Kings Command received into the Order of the Golden Fleece and then put on the Cognizance thereof upon that very Bridge which he had made and was a work worthy of remembrance in after Ages and in a little time following he rebuilds and fortifies the Fort or Castle which over-looks the City and had formerly in the quest of Liberty been demolished This so renouned City added as well much Honour as Strength to the Spaniards in these parts but yet not so much as many thought who imagined she would carry the greatest matters of concernment with her Which was so disproved by the Event that the Hollanders who had taken extraordinary pains and been at great charge for relief of the City yet could not escape free from the slander or at least the suspition of having betrayed the Faith of their confederate Allyance as if they should get advantage by the mischiefs which others should receive and suffer But on the contrary they layd the fault upon the Lord of Aldegund for he was Governour of the City who returned to Zeland whom he had suffered but the first invasion and guards of the Assailers yet afterwards worthily esteemed though never imployed in any part of the Commonwealth for his disposition being more fit for Peace than War he withdrew his old Age within the compass of private Solitudes and the tranquility of retired Studies And the Valour of the Souldiers by so many evills was quite worn out for they when yet there was hope of removing the Enemy from Antwerp having under the Leading of Count Hohenlo happily got Boiâ—ledno yet forthwith through fear and folly they â—led while they fall upon the Pray neither minding the Enemy nor the receiving the Port. But the Romanists assisted by the fortune of their party brought into the Conquerours hand Nicumegen a City of Guelderland with the Town of Dewsburgh and filled all these parts round about with slaughters which happen'd either through the Captains rashness or the Souldiers carelesness In all which things nothing more augmented the publick sorrow than those miserable People of Brabant and Flanders banished for Religion or because they durst not trust to the Articles granted having such malicious Interpreters thereof and in brief for want of Trade or means to get a Living scattered over Holland and the Isles who yet increased the Cities and Forces exhausted by War into a greater number which shortly proved a great Omen of their future good fortune In this interim scarce did the longing Expectation of the League concluded with England keep up their Hearts We have already related to you the Offer of their Government made to Queen Elizabeth But that prudent Lady shifted off the Envy of that Dominion so craftily obtained Nor would she in that ambiguous Estate of Affairs intangle and wrap up both her Fame and Fortunes in a strict Confederacy and Allyance It was conceived more agreeable both to Wisdom and Policy to have some strong Holos in the Netherlands set apart for Her wherein to settle some indifferent strength of Men and also to send again some Ships to the Coasts of America there to infest the Spaniard all weary him till he should be willing to incline to Peace and remove his Armies so long complained of and contested against But She promised them some Aid protesting in Writing in a Publick Declaration She did it meerly out of a Sense â— Right by which she was put in Mind of that Custom of Priâ— to defend the Oppressed and remembred therein the Anâ— Contracts and Leagues of Friendship between the Dutch and English with some short Hints of Spanish Extravagance Religion also was made mention of the Security where commended to her Case She had made good both in the Concerns of France and Scotland without any desire of what did not belong to Her The concluded Articles of the Peace were for the most part the same by which the first Alliance had been setled and that Five Thousand Foot and a Thousand Horse should be sent to fight for the Netherlanders and be paid by the Queen That the Embassador who should be Commander in Chief of those Forces with two other English-men should be received into the Senate and be present in all Councils relating either to the War or other publick Matters of State That the Netherlanders should set on a Fleet of equal Number with tho Queens and to joyn with them And that for the re-imbursing of the Charges at the end of the War the Sea-Port Towns of the Briel and Flushing of whose Government nothing was to be changed together with the Castle of Zeburgh in Walcheren were divided into the Custody of English Garrisons as Pledges not without fear for the future though their present necessity made them cast it aside Of this Auxiliary Army sent to the Dutch Robert Earl of Leicester was made Generall a great Pretender to Virtue and who hid the unhappy and hated Spirit of the Family of the Dudleys whereof he was a Branch with an acceptable and courteous Behaviour The Original of the Greatness of his Fortune began first in a Prison for the Greatness of his Stock had not exempted him from Troubles wherein the Lady Elizabeth was then also confined by the Suspitions of her Sister Queen Mary In this place he gave great Reverence to the young Lady though not in regard of the condition of her Affairs at that time From whence by obsequiousness and partaking of Misfortune a commiseration and loving kind of pity arose wherewith she behaved her self with such a Womanly Indulgence yet so that he might nor forget his more Manlike Care that his Mind was so elevated into a flattered Conceit of himself as he imagined she would chuse him for her Husband being Queen which though he could never obtain by the Emulation of those who loved him not yet was he raised even to the highest Pitch of Honour and though surrounded with Envy yet amongst the most powerful of his Enemies he passed without Affront or Molestation When he first came among the Hollanders he was followed by the Love and Affection of the People and courted with the Flattery of the Great Men for there was a certain pleasant and winning Majesty both in his Countenance and Speech and he was really looked upon as the onely Restorer of their lost and decayed Fortune He used an excellent Freedom and Liberality both in his Letters and Martiall Acts wherewith the Netherlanders were so taken that in all hast to this person though a Forraigner and among his own people not altogether esteemed a Virtuoso before any tryall of his disposition the Government of the whole Netherlands as it was in the times
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
when he saw the profuse Largesses towards the French and that his Armies sent against them were destroy'd that what he hoped for was vanish'd and his hopes punish'd with so much severity that he was thrown out of the possession of much which his Grand-Fathers enjoy'd Nor was it displeasing to King Henry to recover his own that he might once enjoy in peace that Kingdom which he had obtained by War and that he might settle by good Laws all those Things which for the space of forty years had been corrupted and run to Ruine And this way moved also all the Catholikes formerly a Faction onely averse to him but now the chief men in favour More over 〈◊〉 all places as he passed there still met him Crowds of poor People humbly supplicating him to hearken to Peace The honour of counselling and advising these two Kings fell to Alexander Medices the Popesâ—egate â—egate and Bonaventure Calatagiron a Sicilian the Chief of all the Order of Francistans who omitted not to shew to the French King That among the Allies of War the Reward of it always came to his Lot that first laid hold of Peace Yet for all these perswasions be would not hearken to a Treaty until he had Assurance given him That the Articles of the Peace should be such that he might thereby not onely claim but enjoy the whole Kingdom of France Fraught with this hope the Mounsieur's Belleur and Brularde from the French King and Mendosa Taxis Richardâ— and Mariensarde from Alterius to whom King Philip had given full power concerning this Peace met at St. Quintins where they proceeded in a very procrastinating manner In the mean while Henry that he might not seem irreligiously to break the League with England sends thither his Embassador to declare That by this slow kind of fighting France did not us formerly decay but die That all the Noble Families were exhausted by the War the People brought to Poverty the Towns lay wasted and burnt and the Fields unmanured which must needs yield to the King a sad Spectacle of Misery And the Extremity of all these Evils was aggravated by this That they wanted Remedy Wherefore unless he were furnished with an Army speedily at the Charge of his Allies so as he might therewith even at once put an end to the War What should he do when even they fought Peace who must thereby lose the Reward ef their Arms and Valour however he would endeavour that whatever Peace â—e made both the Queen and the rest of his Allies should have equal benefit thereof but if they should not think fit thereof yet it with no wonder if he dealt one way with those who sought Prey and Safety from War and another with such as sought nothing but certain Ruine And that Queen Elizabeth might have the less to accuse the King's Infidelity this was added That by the League she had promised to send him 4000 Auxiliaries but 〈◊〉 of â—aâ—e by the guilt of some few Persons he was fain to be conâ— with 2000. and those also in a manner extorted from her At which the King of France had sufferedâ— while he desired to retain the Noise of her fruitless Alliance yet could not forget the Injury against the Hollanders He had no such plausible Pretence however he sent Mounsieur Buzanvale to let them know what small helps he had either from their Promises or Performances and that they had received and carryed more out of France by Pay than they expended by thâ— Charges of their Assistance Both these People were sensible of the King's Arts in this Management of his Affairs that he was weary of the War though he would not seem so But Queen Elizabeth calling to memory the great Charges she had been at in behalf of the Hollanders and considering Ireland which although at that time infested by Rebels though indeed their strength was broken yet detained there John Norris and Thomas Borrage formerly famous Captains in the Low-Countries and there also emulous of each other had destroyed the Rebels by War indeed but not by fighting Upon these Considerations therefore the Queen reâ—urned this Answer That as she had not been wanting to her Ally while he proceeded in the War so if Peace were made she would willingly be present at the hearing of the Conditions Onely the Hollanders easily perceived that they were the persons that were by Peace to be distinguished from those against whom a common War was to be waged For between the Kings this was one certain Rule leading to Peace For the future to abstain from dâ— any further Injuries and both to give and take Indempnity for alâ— former Actions Besides they well knew that if a man undertake to reconcile a Prince and People he will find that the one must enjoy his Will in all Things and the other must suffer for the Offences of both Whereupon they were not ignorant how hard a Task they should undergo if the whole strength of Spain were turned against them they thought fit to hint both at the Force and Fraud of their Enemies thereby to deter others yet themselves politikely to offer any thing And as to the King of France who was now advancing against Nants besides the Regiments of the League they offer'd as many ships as he would towards the shutting up of the Loyre and greater â—â—ds then all that if any of the Netherlanders should invade the Borders of France But behold as a prevention of all these intended Designs they themselves are attempted by new Allurements viz. King Philip had two Daughters the younger was marryed to the Duke of Savoy the Elder named Izabella Clara-Eugenia be had kept at Home thereby the better to insnare and Tantalize many with the hopes of so great a Marriage For the truth is she was looked after by the late Emperour Rudolphus Eruestus and the Duke of Guise though this last had spent the principal part of his Age in an unfruitful Coelibate but now at length is betrothed to the Arch-Duke Albertus of Austria not without the heavy displeasure of Rudolphus the Emperour as many reported that the honour of marrying with her should be refused to him having formerly so earnestly sought after it But Philip not minding that proceeded to the New Marriage promising in Dowry with her Burgundy with the Netherlands not onely that by this division the right Heir msght be provided for against her younger Brother but also for the reconciling and winning the Affections of such as had Rebelled if perhaps the Name of Austria should be more acceptable to them than that of Spain whose fresh Injuries would make the others former Benefits be remembred and well resented But all these Endeavours vere vain and to no purpose with People who would neither be perswaded out of their Fear or Liberty but weighing all the Necessaries and Pretences of that House who even by force usurped the Name of the Balgick Empire they suspected every Thing proceeding from thence But
enough of War and gotten therein sufficient Wealth were there returning to their Country to take their ease There were in it also take a Letters wherein were discover'd the Intentions and Gifts of the Cities destined and alloâ—ted to Fontain which Prince Maurice sent back to him The coming of the Spanish Souldiers was every where displeasing to the Common People as well for the Hatred of their Persons aâ— of War But the Arch-Duke glad of them their Poverty having by the sense or fear of Evil overcome all Difficulties by their Aid and the service of Herman Count Heremberg put an end to that long-continued Sedition of the Souldiers at Grave for want of their Pay although some Prisoners and Letters also did certifie that though they were pacified more were offended that among all these Turnings would yet remain faithful to their Parties This was the state of the Law Countries on both sides before the state of Affairs was theâ—e anew changed At this time between the Embassadors of France and the Arch-Duke Albertus the long-continued Treaty produced great hopes of Peace and the Queen of England had sent thither Cecil Son to the Lord Burghly and with him one Wilks who was privy to all his Secrets And therefore now the matter it self required that the Vnited States should send Embassadors to France and Queen Elizabeth desiring that they might be authorized with a full and free power together with her Embassadors to Treat of War and Peace They disapproved the Motion lest afterwards if they denyed to consent they should be over-powred by her Royall Authority Hereupon a double Embassie is appointed with a convenient Retinue one of which was to go into England The Persons were the Lords Warmâ—nde often before-mention'd and beloved by the English in remembrance of his good service in the Cadiz Expedition Min Heer Heffingen a Frizon and John Wercken of Zeland To France they sent Justine Nassau Governour of the Sea for Zeland and John Olden-Barnevâ—lt principal Counsellor and Assistant to the States of Holland a man well skill'd and industrious for the publike good of his Country and by his Authority did and obtain'd is much as by the help of Art Wit and Industry could be done or obtain'd among a free People And here among many other things which I have cause to fear this is one lest any strangers into whose hands these Histories shall come should wonder how the Names of such famous men an honourable Report of whom they have receiv'd in their own Country should come to be so seldom mention'd in my Writings But I hope the great difference between the Government of that State and the Empire of other Countries shall be a sufficient Excuse for me For where the Actions of Cities and Towns are related which are ruled either by the Senate or People if any more eminent matter of Valour oâ— Policy happen there is given a fair occasion meerly in a return of Gâ—atiâ—nce to set out the Authors or Inventors thereof Neither in Kingdoms do the great Ministers of State remain obscure But among the Hollanders all things are transacted in the Name of the Council without any mention of the Authors whom although you know yet you would seem ambitious in seeking to praise them nor would you avoid the haâ—red and displeasure of many by whom anothers Glory is look'd upon as their shame and the praise of their active Honour as a Reproof of their sluggish and dull Nature The Embassadors that went to England endeavour'd by many Arguments to make the Queen averse to a Pacification advising also That she would in some measure gratifie the French King in his desire concerning Aid and then urge him further being incouraged by Embassadors that he would of his own accord rather seek Reparation both for Old and New former and later Injuries by War than to think to appear his Domestick Discords against such a restless Nation And then bowing the Knee according to the Customs of the Court when they had returned large Thanks for so mer Benefits They added in these words All who are called fâ—om their just Arms to talk of Peace ought to consider whâ—ther the Peace that is offer'd be reall and sound or deceitful and infirm and on the other side whether the War be terrible or dubious or be not moâ—e safe than Peace for it is a vain thing to talk of the goodness of Peace where men shall never be suffer'd to enjoy it The Spâ—niard O Queen is reported to sollicite you to a Peace whose perfidy Conâ—unct with Barbarous Cruelty and whose Ambition of reaching at the Rights of others we need not accuse when his Masters openly teach that with men differing from them in point of Religion no Faith or Promise is to be kept neither ought they to partake of the Benefit either of Divine or Humane Laws Others have not fear'd to say that by the Decree of Fate the hâ—ighth of Empire is allotted to the West and that amâ—ng Christians there shall be no other visible Empire on Earth than that of Spain And though it might be to purpose to speak of the impotent Pride of the Austrian Family to other Princes and how by Trisling Leagues it hath claimed to it self that Angle as Hereditary with other the furthest Parts of the Earth that whatever lies within the Bounds of Lutope if it be not his own is accounted and looked upon as an Enemy yet it will be to little purpose to remember these things to you which have suffer'd and undergone many Hazards by him And can it be doubted but that he still hath the same Mind who hath not onely armed the People of your Kingdom to Rebellion and more than once sought to invade it by Fleets though prevented by Almighty God but also so far contemned all Honesty and Justice that he hath precured Murderers and Poysoners to do mischief to your Sacred Person Certainly it is not to be doubted for the old Grudges and the Causes thereof remain and as you continue fixed in your antient Piety so is he nothing alter'd from his wonted Avarice And now this man seems to seek to make an honourable Peace with you with a just and pious intent is it not that he may wage his Wars at his own pleasure while now he is forced to wait upon yours And therefore he presuming from the present Affairs to gain opportunity for greater Matters will lie in wait for all occasions And shall we in so great danger be caught and wrapt up into a stuggish security We know that since he cannot catch us all he endeavours by this League which he surely intends to break to â—oâ—se as many of us as he can Former Kings and People did better for though they were not at all troubled yet they never fear'd to ioyn together against increasing Empires while they had time lest at one time or other though piece-meal they might be all conquer'd For they knew that some Wars were waged onely
be content in their present estate and not seek change or alteration Observe also what a pernitious Example he induceth who however for Ambition and Dominion sake he hath voluntarily submitted himself to the Yoke commands all Kingdoms to bow to the Pope and calls not onely the People thereof whom he hires to Sedition but the very Kings themselves Rebels Certainly to this man there will never be wanting either a cause or a pretence for War but that he may sometimes want hopes next to God Almighty it lies Great Queen in your Hands and if you resolve with Us to Conquer We shall be ready to run the extreamest Hazards for our Social Fidelity and we hope you will rather maintain your wonted Constancy than neglect Advantage and by the ruine of your Friends promulgate and corroborate the Enemies strength The Consultations upon this Matter in the Queen's Court were various and both Opinions had strong Supporters to know whose Behaviour and Affections will not be from the purpose that it may appear how the Perswaders Authority bore sway in the Publike Counsels The Earl of Essex as we have elsewhere declared being a young man and burning with the desire of Glory was a Liberal Giver beyond the Ability of his Estate wholly spending himself in compassing the Love of the Nobles Commons and Souldiers having no hopes in Peace but putting great Confidence in the Friendship of the Hollanders and therefore he being General of all Forces in England was for the War with Spain affirming That it could not be put off unless at once both the Queen's Security Credit and Charges should all be hazarded On the other side the Lord Burghly from a private Person being called to the Court and advanced to the high Honour of being Lord Treasurer of England minding wholly the Care of the Treasury especially now in the declining of his Age and his Parsimony agreeing with that of the Queen being also very rich and well-grounded in Experience and so by his Authority preceding the others Favour This man with grave Words praising Christian Concord debated among all the doubtful Counsels what was the most pious and honest to be follow'd He said That a present Commodity ought to be preferr'd before the Incertainties of Suspition and that Peace would not be more profitable to the Enemy than to the English and is the strength of out Countrey so little known that it cannot be safe but at the pleasure of the Hollander when in the mean time the French out of common fear and the Hollanders themselves out of their Care of Religion are tyed with stronger Bonds against Danger by Necessity than by a League Besides the Spaniard is willing to be quiet out of a sense of his own infirmiâ—y And then Peace would follow without more ado both in Ireland and elsewhere Queen Elizabeth either really wavering in her Mind or else willing to express all other Things by her fear of Peace made Answer in a very temperate manner That from the beginning she had done nothing without the Advice of her Allies that it was acceptable to her that they had declared their Minds so freely yet there were many and great causes both for her Self and the French that moved them to desire an end of the War and to make her trust to Peace by removing or disbanding her Armies for since the Spaniards old hopes have been crossed by the Netherlanders abjuring him the loss of France and so many other slaughters and misfortunes if he should think fit to re-assume his Arms the same God that had helped them before would she doubted not assist them again to maintain their Right by the Sword but if they thought fit to continue in Arms things more certain ought to be offer'd This thing the Peers of England interpreted thus That there was no Fault more heinous than to defraud the Queen of her Rights and Duties sometimes by Cavillings otherwhiles by deceitful Supplications and Pretences of Poverty which the Wealth of the Cities in Holland and their well-stocked Treasury openly consuted Nor was it more to be endured that the English should lose the Trade of Spain for them and yet they preferr'd their own Gain before the famishing of their Enemies and so make Merchandize of the War At last this Delay was put to the Pacification that Embassadors from both should go to take notice of the French Affairs And to that purpose by the Queen were sent thither the before-mentioned Cecil and Wilks with whom the hopes of Peace was grown dead by being at the Treaty at St. Quintins for the Spaniards preferred by the Name of Allies those whom the French Peace would advantage giving out at last that they onely should be included in the Treaty who observed the Romane Rites in point of Religion The Embassadors from Holland came a little later by reason of contrary Winds The King at this time was at Angeires busie in pacifying Bretayn which is otherwise called Armorica which as yet Duke Mercury one of the Lorrain Princes the Fury of both Parties being asswaged forcibly detained having deliver'd to the Spaniards the Port of Blavette that they might with more ease land with Supplies But he seeing the King's Army prepar'd on the one hand and a Pardon offer'd in the other and knowing well that when an end is put to a War all subsequent Offences are with severity punish'd obtains for himself and his noble Conditions and an Augmentation of Honour The King at this time was happily without a Wife Margaret of Valois being divorced from him but though his Body was exercised in Military Matters yet his Mind was liable to the Darts of Love for he was absolutely taken with one Gabrielis Estraea a Noble Woman but led aside from the Embraces of her vowed Husband This Woman what with her Beauty and what with her sweet Temptations and alluring Arts had so vanquish'd the King that advancing her to the Title of a Dutchess which was then a Novelty in France so heightned her Pride that though but a Concubine she aspired beyond the Greatness and Authority of a Wife And she also was numbred among the Causes that induced the King's Mind to be inclinable to Peace that he might the more securely enjoy his pleasures with her She had a Son by the King that was four years old and at that time called Caesar whom the King with great Obtestations gave in Charge to Mercury this Woman had also by the King a Daughter very young and appoints to the said Mercury a great Allowance of Money and bestowing upon his Son the Dukedom of Vendosme and the Government of Bretaign And now the Embassadors of Holland just arrive and find the King puffed up with these Matters together with the Spanish Pacification and yet if by chance that had failed he had called a Council of the Brittons to consult about the Siege of Blavette Mounsieur Buzanvale who was well-skill'd in Affairs of that sort and one of the
King's Council was there present who went and recommended the Embassadors to the King who after he had received their Saluâ—e very pleasingly and without any pride Olden-Barnevalie in a grave and composed stile according to his Custom began First to applaud the hopes of his Alliance to urge their laâ—e made League and to require his faithful performance thereof which would be much to the advancement both of the King's Honour and Authority and advised him to take heed of the Peace that was offer'd him Adding in the Name of the States many Promises of Assistance and Money for the future both by Sea and Land which way soever the King would please to command them that the War might in some manner be again renewed against the Spaniard urging also many other things that might inflame their Minds to resolve anew to fall to Arms. And among the choice of the King's Council it was debated how much more safe and honourable would it be to make an Example to Posterity of this Enemy whose Treasury was drained and Mind perplexed with the wavering Obedience of his Subjects witnessed by his seeking for Peace as well his fear as the inconveniences he suffer'd out of this League of ours to deter for the future any from thirsting after the Dominions that are belonging to another There were present at this time the English who now more freely commemorating the many Benefits they had done him and how unworthy an Act it was to lay aside his sworn Faith for present Utility helped forward the Speech made by the Dutch sometimes by their Silence and sometimes by applauding Speeches not forbearing to demand the Money which had been lent to him The King on the other side dealt plainly confessing his Necessities to be such as would not bear slow Remedy And that he doubted for all this Noise of Peace whether the Spaniard would deliver up to him either Calais or Blavette which if he did not he assured them he would continue the War giving them Thanks that they had so freely offer'd their Assistance The States Embassadors replyed That if the King rested in that Judgment yet they hoped their coming and Offers would be advantagious to France and cause the Enemy to make larger Concessions than perhaps otherwise he would And therefore they pray'd on behalf of their Masters that if a Peace were concluded yet the Alliance might continue between them by which the Hollanders might mâ—ke use thereof to their private benefit and to the security of the French in the manâ—gery of the War in Holland The King answer'd That he would be willing not onely to continue his own Friendship with them but that they should likewise enjoy the benefit of the Friendship he was to have with others Those things at present being onely removed whereby the Commerce of several Nations was hindred and how much might be wrought thereby was learned by Experience in the future Times when the King no less intent to keep than to get Money gave so much scope to the defence of Liberty as the Kings of old would hardly have afforded to any People unless with a Design to intrench upon it The first Liberality given to him was two hundred and forty thousand Florens which after in the Years following was increased according as his Necessities required For now remembring the Monies he had received from his Allies and at what time he resolved how he might repay the same that it might not seem altogether as the payment of a Debt but as if it carryed along with it the grateful shew of a Remuneration Here the King carefully excusing his own highly applauded the Counsel of the States that they would stand upon their Defence since which few Kings could boast of they could upon occasion be on a suddain in a readiness in regard any new Necessity would forthwith put the idle Multitude into Arms. For maintaining this Friendship with the King because Levinus Calward dyed there in performing the same Francis Arsen was left in France whose Father Cornelius wrote the Chronology of the States And now it appear'd that the Spaniard had by many Arguments perswaded the French to lay down Arms being contented rather to have the English still their Enemies than to make a Peace with them upon equal Terms And this was the cause why the Holland Embassadors in France Justire Nassau and Olden Barnevelt went thence into England neglecting thereby a while their former Embassie and assuming a boldness till that time dreaded where they deliver'd themselves in Terms to this effect That if the Queen would follow the French there should be no hazards of Peace so great to the Hollanders that they would not rather hazard than singly to undergo the unsupportable Burden of the War And these Dissemblers thus used their Art as believing that the English would yet disturb the Pacification if they supposed the Hollanders could be drawn to it But they offer'd the Queen all manner of Assistance if she would Resolve to continue the War and the hope of perfecting the same with Expedition though she had hitherto for a time surceased as being moved rather to incline to Peace In this mean while at Vâ—rbin for thither was the Meeting upon the Treaty adjourned from St. Quintins by the endeavour of the Embassadors a Peace was concluded between those two eminent and great Princes of Christendom containing the same Articles which formerly had been concluded on 29 Years before between the same Philip and King Henry the Second of France onely there was a small Addition of some others which to insert here in words at length I think to be altogether unfit for him who professeth himself to write onely the Dutch Affairs However in brief take them thus That there should be a free Trade between the People That all Prisoners should be set at liberty and at their going away should be restored to what they had lost or had been detained from them That the Spaniard received into the County of Charlois should in the Name thereof owe to the French Faith and Homage That Calais and other places in Picardy and last of all Blavette as they Were then should be deliver'd up to the French all other places which the Spaniard had fortified being dismantled These were the Articles agreed to and accordingly having given Pledges on both sides they were within Three Moneths after performed But for the Oblivion of Injuries and continuance of mutual Concord for the future that if War were made upon either of them the other should neither help against him himself nor suffer any belonging to him to interest themselves and if any thing of doubt arose between them that it should be argued neither by Violence or Fraud but referred to indifferent Judges But these things were agreed more for shew than that such equal Greatness should leave any Thing out that might seem to secure Friendship Both of Them comprehended their Allies by Leagues whether Kings Princes or People especially
Philip took Care for his Daughter to whom he was about to give the Low-Countries as also for the Duke of Savoy Hereupon Areschot Mendosa and Aremberg went into France and Mareschal Biron was sent by the King to Bruxels to see Albertus take the Oath where the impotent Mind and Spirit of that great Souldier which was always beyond his Fortune was said to be corrupted into Treachery which afterwards more clearly appear'd All Things on both sides being thus done for the conclusion of the Peace which yet was repined at by some whose Valour and Hopes was nourished by other Mens Evils but all the Commons rejoyced at it not so much for that hereby much Christian Blood would be saved as for that the Law was restored to its power by which they should with security enjoy their Possessions reap the Rents and profits of their Lands and the Ways be all open for free Trading Then was the first day that France could boast of a solid Peace after it had been for 36 Years wasted with War and bathed in her own Blood then was restored to this most antient Kingdom its pristine Face of Beauty and all by the King's Care that the Governours and Magistrates being reduced to Order himself growing powerful by the Excuse of the Catholikes in regard of the Times that he might by Fear or Force compel the Professors of another Religion when in the interim the Netherlanders were left in Arms that they might not onely lose the Hopes of Peace but any interval or solace from their Neighbour's sufferings Yet the King sent back Mounsieur Buzanvale to the Hollanders by which Witness of his Friendship and secret Converse he might confirm his Peace even while there continued by publike Declaration a Forein War The business of France thus finish'd there was no less Experiment of Princely Alliance received out of England by the earnest Desire of Qu. Elizabeth which being related to the States by Sir Francis Vere when at the same time other Embassadors were sent to Albertus as if she would seem still to retain the hopes of Peace of which she said This had been the onely Delay hitherto that she desired to lay down Arms with the same Colleagues for whom at first she took them up And that nothing could be now demanded of her by the Hollanders but onely Right they having given the first cause of War it was necessary if it might be that an end should be put to it by them but if not that for the future they should give their Reasons for the continuance of it And certainly it would be a sufficient Cause for all Princes to envy and hate them that they have been and are the onely Obstructers of the Peace of Europe But God she hoped would not suffer that being deluded by ingrateful Determinations she should be a Pattern to Princes to abstain from helping such a People who bear no Reverence to their Superiours nor take care for Advantage Reputation or Safety of any but themselves The States now thought themselves at one blow almost overwhelmed both for their former and future Charge yet that the Name of an Alliance with England was of such benefit to them that they would submit to such Conditions as the Queen of England being their Superiour in strength would lay upon them Wherefore sending them who had been employ'd in both the former Embassies together with Andrew Ascel who had private Instructions which gave him power of Treating concerning the Monies due to her and concluding about the same even to the Sum of a Hundred Thousand Florens At this time there were divers occasions offer'd themselves to the Queen who already pretended great Fears whereby she was disswaded from War For James King of Scotland of whom Queen Elizabeth made no mention secretly claiming the Inheritance of the Crown Of England did not think himself able enough thereto unless he were supported by some Forein Help Not did there want some who pretending to have found some Letters written by King James that came to the Pope raised from thence great Hatred and Jealousies Moreover the Lord Burghley being grown very weak through Age and Diseases Beseeched her as she loved God to have regard to his dying Words whereby he advised Her That she would give Credit to him now going out of the World that she would without an inforcement of Necessity consult the good of her Kingdom and by the making of Peace in Earth merit the everlasting Peace of Heaven Nor did he omit to declare to her her ill Fortune in America and the fear that was conceived of the Irish Affairs affirming That the Belgick Wars were never to be ended by Conquest As soon as this man was dead and Essex for the avoiding of Envy declined to come to the Council-Table the Court soon appear'd empty of Care and Counsel in Defence of its own Right Whereto the States Embassadours being often admitted they excused themselves by reason of the Times for their not paying of the Queens old Debt due from them professing That as to what related to the Spanish Negotiation they did not intercede whereby the English if they pleased should be hindred more than the Dutch from making use of the Name of any People being in Peace unless they believed it more profitable to compass what they desire by Arms than by Commerce or Trading Neither did they desire but that the League made 18 years before when the Troubles of Antwerp affrighted the English no less than the Hollander yet never faithfully observed should so long after be changed into another form that it might now bind all those which before thought themselves free from the performance thereof Sometime was spent in debating and setling the Sum of the Debt for that the Engish reckon'd their Musters of Men and their Transportation and Wages too high while the other side averred those Musters to be untrue maintaining withall That several Naval Expeditions of the English had cost the Hollanders more than all the Money they ever borrow'd would make a Compensation for At last after Cautions entred it was agreed to the Sum of Fourscore Hundred Thousand Florens The one part of which should be paid by Three Hundred Thousand Florens Yearly during the War And at the end of the War if ought remain'd behind it should be paid by Twenty Thousand Florens Yearly The other moiety should be peaceably appointed when there was a Peace concluded and payment thereof made upon the Surrender of the cautionary Towns In the interim the English should continue their Garrisons therein to the number of One Thousand a hundred and fifty By this Reckoning also the States were to pay every Three Moneths Five Thousand and a Hundred Florens to the said Garrisons besides all other Necessaries fitting for the Souldiers And for the future the Queen's Promise of sending hem more Aid was remitted The English that were in the States Service already or hereafter should be Listed for their Service
to the United States to try their Intentions And to this purpose came Gerard Horn Count Bassigny Philip Bentingen and Henry Code a Burgo-Master of Ipre to Berghen op-Zâ—me after Newport Fight at the same time when the United States Deputies went out of Flanders and were arrived there They desired that a Meeting might be appointed in that place that so they might Treat of the Means conducing to Concord Many Things were spoken on both Sides in derestation of War and in commendation of Peace and for the general safety of the Netherlands On the behalf of the United States it was urged That nothing could be more acceptable to them than to purge the Netherlands from Forein Slavery for doing whereof they promised their best Assistance And if they would resume their Antient Liberty there should be no difference between them in point of Religion but if they did not think fit of this Proposition they could not imagine what success they could hope from this Treaty for what Peace could they expect from the Spaniards who broke Peace with them that had no thoughts of War But the Archdukes are bound to the Spaniard by Conditions dishonourable to the repute and fame of the Netherlands And the Brabanters Flandrians and other States are in like manner obliged to them of what validity therefore will any Agreement be that is made with them who live under Lords commanded by Castles and kept in awe by Souldiers so that they are not Masters of themselves The Archdukes people answered That they came to Treat of Peace not to make a defection nor would it be just that themselves should lay aside their Arms while others keep armed but whatever was agreed between the States the Princes would ratify These things being heard and spoken by the Arch-dukes people and imagining that they must utterly throw away all hopes of Peace with the Hollander so late a Conquerour fall to examine the Charge of the War and after a long debate what every Province should pay because the old form appointed in the French Wars by reason the Forces of the Provinces were altered and Arms inferred on other places could not be observed at last they agreed to lay certain Taxes upon all Chimneyes and other things and thereupon promised thirty thousand Florens Monethly for the next year but it continued for the future That every of the Garrisons should pay their own Souldiers and that no Citizen should be compelled after that to give any Souldier a gratuity That part of the Forces should be commanded and part of the places governed by Netherlanders and that the Treasury should be ordered by the States part of which the Archduke denyed absolutely other part he never performed though he gave hopes thereof by promise Many also were much offended at certain Letters brought by Henrico Gusman out of Spain wherein the King called these States His. The same endeavoured to make an inquiry in the Merchants Accounts if there had been any dealing with the Hollanders for this is usual in Spain or if any money could be spared from the India Companies but by the denyal of Antwerp this project came to nothing The Dunkerkers raged no less against the Hollanders at Sea And Albertus himself commanded That the Hollanders should be debarred as well of their Fishing Trade as their Traffique and Merchandising otherwise on purpose to drive them to penury and consequently to sedition And the Dunkerkers being exasperated with the punishment of many of their complices added their own malicious fury to this command of the Archduke And therefore they punished this simple sort of men for such generally is the Religion of Fishermen that they think it very unjust to repel force by force sometimes by burning other times boring hoâ—â—s in the bottoms of their boats now by driving nails through several parts of the mens bodies and so putting them to a long torment under both the sense and fear of death and otherwise infested the Sea with such cruelty that sometimes the Ships of War that were to guard the Fishermen were assailed and taken But when the Hollanders brought out against them a considerable strength divers of these Pirats were taken and expiated their inhumane Villanies with their heads and the rest were glad to retire into their old dens and lurking holes Their Chieftain himself named Wakeney with some Ships escaped his pursuing Enemy through the Narrow Seas by Bulloin and got to Biscay in Spain and afterwards having committed several Pyracies upon the Coast of Bretaign in France at length hated by the Spanyards and the greatest part of his Seamen consumed with want himself dyed miserably Against Spinola's Galleyes that they might be able to fight them in any weather at Dort was built a great Ship such as the Hollanders had none before and was furnished both with Men and Guns the first men put into it were hired with wages afterwards Malefactors were condemned to row therein because Christian piety would not suffer such as were Prisoners of War to be put to that slavery And the device very happily succeeded for that alone being put to Sea made many of the Enemies fly carrying only with it a smaller boat And in a short time so great was their confidence that adding only a few Cockboats and choosing a peculiar night the Holland Galleyes silently rowed up the Schelde between the Forts of Brabant and Flanders whence passing to the very walls of Antwerp at first unawares they took a ship with three tyre of Guns and seven lesser Vessels and afterwards by force and slaughter of the Defendants carryed them away The City raised with the outery and running to the Walls looked upon their own loss and to their high disgrace suffered it to be carryed away unrevenged for the Conquerors went away safe and loaden with spoil after they had founded a well known tune in praise of William Prince of Aurange not without some affection of the Citizens remembring former occurrences Towards the end of this year the Hollanders were filled with the hopes of a French War to be made by King Henry against the Duke of Savoy who being allyed to the Spaniard as having Children by his Sister to whom he was marryed was believed would undertake nothing without his knowledg The cause of the quarrel was the Marquisate of Saluzza which the Savoyard had taken from France while it languished under intestine troubles And the Pope who by the Peace of Verbin was appointed Arbiter in these and like cases undertook the hearing of the business but delayed his Judgment untill the Savoyard at the instance of the French King came personally to Paris and having underhand bribed the chief Ministers of State appeased him also with fair promises and obsequiousness but the non-performance at the day appointed made Henry proclaim War and by force to assault several Cities and Castles of Savoy In the mean time Fontaine who had sometime ruled in the Netherlands and then governed Millain gathering very
seven hours Journey in compass and six Foot deep in Water This they did with Engines driven by the Wind and against the outward Force of the Waters they raised Banks Indeed the Isles of the Hollanders were for the most part of a very low Situation but were preserved from being overflowed by exceeding great Labour and Industry Nor did the Ocean cease to vindicate it self by Breaches upon and Inundations of the Fields and Towns some whereof were long since by the same utterly overthrown and the Currents of Rivers being altered in such manner that there was hardly any where to be seen the like great Exchanges of Land and Water Gibrand Warwick returned out of India with two Ships which he had repaired in the Island of Swans which the Hollanders call Maurice's Island placing Anvils for shaping and forming their Iron-work in a naked and desart Soil Captain Peter Verhoeven went thither with 13 others He had formerly accompanied Hemskerk and had a great share in the Honour and Victory of Calpe or Gibraltar Beyond the Eâ—mes Prince Enno after Spinola's taking of Lingen stood in lost awe of the power of the United States and accordingly had given their Legueâ— more churlish Answer than ordinary They of Embdon likewise took that Opportunity â—mplaining of many Things concerning him as That he had by sinister means prohibited to be sent to the Overseers of the Treasury any Pay for the City-Garrison or other Things for support and managing the Publike Charge That he alone without any Decree of the Council had setled Taxes That he sufferâ— the Spanish Souldiers unpunished to go about the Country and 〈◊〉 it But the most heirous Fault objected against him â—â—s That when Sea-men went into Spain he had not given them letters all alike but as he had known them either follow his Parâ— or stand for their Country Whereupon it follow'd that whoever were taken and cruelly used and they were not a 〈◊〉 they accused the Prince Enno to have betrayed them by that under-hand dealing But the United States when they 〈◊〉 Christopher and John Prince Enno's Brothers were resident in the Country beyond the Eemes sent Souldiers to â—â—rd the Suburbs of Embden And to Enno himself not only Ambassadors but a Trumpeter with Letters whereby he was commanded within 8 days oâ— To revoke all Acts by him done â—â—â—ary to the Covenants and to do his endeavour for setting free all that were Prisoners in Spain Which if he refused to do They protested He would compel them to unwilling Arms which they supposed would be very grievous to him He sends into Britain to purchase the Favour of that King to whom he hoped it would easily be proved that a Prince might pick what Quarrel he pleased with his Subjects But at last he sent to â—â—rge himself with the States by his Embassadors especially concerning that Mischief done to Sea-men Which had not hapned by any Treacherous Dealing of his but after Embden had received a Garrison of the Hollanders all going from â—nce into Spain were taken as Enemies Thus the States advising them on both Sides to Peace dismissed them for the present After this Audience was given to the Embassadours of Charles King of Sweden and it was granted that he might raise and list Souldiers in any the Cities of Holland For he prosecuted the War sharply infesting the Levâ—nians while Sigismund was vexed with a New Rebellion at Home Besides these and some growing Commotions in the rest of Europe was quiet or at least without War The French King bad reconciled the Vanetians to the Pope upon these Tearms That the New Laws made against Priests should be of no force and whoever of them at any time should be apprehended for any Crime should be deliver'd up to the Pope Thus the Pope took off the Interdiction of Religion which he had laid upon them and they who by reason of thâ—se Dissentions had left the City returned thither again Onely the Venetians absolutely refused to re-admit the Jesuits Whereupon some Assassinates were hired notwithstanding Affairs were thus composed against Paulo Servita a Man who had both by his Counsels and Writings done faithful service to the Commonwealth this Man was almost slain with divers Wounds And as well they that did the Fact as they that hired them to do it fled into the Pope's Dominions The Senate declared That the said Paulo was under publike Protection and whoever could apprehend and deliver up or kill any that had been guilty of the same Crime should have a great Reward of Money And the more to intice them they should have the freedom to recall any two other that had been banished for other Crimes When there was a Difference with Fontayn Governour of Millayn concerning the Bounds of the Rhetians which Controversie he had determined to follow nor before Judges nor by a publike War by a suddain surprize retaining to that purpose the Forces raised in the time of the Vanetian Troubles The Treason being derected and explained with the punishment of such as were guilty made the â—ans more wary But the French and Venetians composed and setled the Matter being ready to be decided by open Arms. In Germany the Duke of Bavaria seeking the Rights of his Ancestors drew also under his Jurisdiction by Arms the City Danowert scituate near the River Ister being proscribed by the Emperour for a Tumult raised against the Priests and the Roman Religion And the Protestants of Germany too late after the Event were angry at what they had neglected to prevent many of them that were more slow to act murmuring among themselves in Conventicles and others exhibiting Complaints to the Emperour The King of Spain while he was not troubled with any Enemy at Sea receiving safely his Indian and American Fleets and besides raising a great Sum of Money in Spain wholly inclined his Thoughts to this That he might by little and little free himself of his great Debts as of mingling his publicke Power with his private Credit he lessned the Usury he was â—â—nt to pay to his Creditors and prolonged his own Day France also was fill'd with the hopes of a long Peace by the Birth of another Male-Child And the Rebellion of the Country People of Brittain against the Covetousness of the Nobles was in some short time repressed and at the preâ—ent Peace there was setled by granting them Pardon and for the future guarded by well-setled Laws From Ireland two Earls Tyrone and Tyr-Oneal He of 〈◊〉 famous for his Rebellion but both Fugitives first into France then into Brabant preferred the Love of the Roman Religion before any thing choosing rather Banishment than to Revenge it which King James esteeming injurious to himself set forth in a Book That they according to the received Custom of the Age too much pretended the Cause of Religion to hide the scandal of their Crimes For what care saith he could men so really barbarous take of Religion to whom Marriage was a thing
be re-united Besides the Indian Ships are fit and ready for War whereof some are always at home â—it for suddain Service and without any publick charge would be a publick Fleet But what would the Spanish Fleet nothing but at pleasure take booty from their Enemies Let the gain thereof here be shared with their Enemy and let him there also partake of their most plentiful advantage and by that meanes the Spanish Wealth now too great to let the World enjoy peace will be lessened And that it may be the better discerned what ought to be denyed to King PHILIP it is to be observed what he most earnestly demands which may be imagined the cause of his desiring peace Those antient LORDS of that poor Kingdom are beholding to India and America for the great raising of their Fortune which at this time hath made them so proud as to despise Kings for herein is concerned the cause of most neighbour Princes to whom by the loss of the Sea the Hollander would be of no use If we look upon the Enemy aright we shall find him bend all his endeavours thither that he may be able to do injuries when and where he pleaseth The Hollanders labour for this only that they may not be compelled to suffer If either Justice or power be sought they have on their side all Laws both Divine and Humane who have given to all a right of Navigation and Merchandise as Nature hath disposed to all an equal share both of Ayr and Earth Although before the Wars the Hollanders did not sail to the Indies yet that they had a right and might have done it nor can the longest possession prevail against the Authority of the Law of Nations They that would shut up the Sea and challenge Merchandise to themselves alone what other thing do they then Pyrates and Ingroffers of Provision Antiquity averred Arms to be justly taken up against them who excluded any from their Harbors how much more then against them who would drive them from the Ports belonging to others Peace without Trade is not Peace but a perpetual hostility where the right of Defence is utterly taken away And now the hitherto unspotted fidelity of the Hollanders could not be sullyed by a more no able example then if they should leave and betray the Indian Kings and People confederate with them to the Spanish cruelty If the Spaniards resolve to perform what shall be agreed on let the business now be perfected as it will be when the Hollanders are declared Free and when they have agreed then that each shall quietly enjoy what at the present he shall possess for nothing ought to be limited to Freemen and Traffick admitted in all places whereof they have Possession But that they should set so high an esteem upon Philip for yielding up a part of his Dominion there was little reason truly for the same since it was not a gift but a confession of the truth without which there was no hopes of concord It were more honourable for him to give or take Peace then while his Affairs succeeded so well to sell it which if he would not believe he should eft-soons experiment it The fruit of forty years bloudshed would be utterly lost and in vain were Arms taken up for Liberty and against that terrible bugbear of Commerce the tenth raised by Alva if now as great a slavery should be voluntarily admitted to and they suffer themselves to be deprived of the greater part of the World by their Enemies which they â—ould never have endured from any Prince These things were urged by them A few on the other side averred That this was private business and ought not to hinder the publick Peace at leastâ—ise that the cause of some Maritime people ought not to be handled alone when the evil of War extended to all Lastly where the Spanish Negotiation was short and safe it â—â—ticed Seamen by their good will to avoid long Voyages which are frequently obnoxious to diseases Upon mature consideration of the matter by the United States these things seemed to them to be just causes why they would not desert and quit the Indies yet that they â—ight not leave any thing untryed for the ending the War after much dispute they offer the Spaniards their choise either that they would make a firm Peace with freedome of Navigation or else according to the example of France and Brittain all beyond the line should be left to the decision of Arms or else to conclude a Peace here and only a Truce â—â—ere But the Spaniards would neither permit that negotiation saying that Peace and War mingled resembled a Prodigy but at last they gave hopes of a Truce in the Indies if when the time thereof was elapsed they would abstain from any further Navigations to those parts But the States that abhorred those conditions revived the Counsels of the American society lately laid aside if perchance they could work upon the Enemy by fear But they quickly understood these were but threats nor indeed did that matter proceed any further while they who were desirous of Peace among the Hollanders were afraid to be severe towards dissenters Without doubt this state of Affairs was very prejudicial to the people of the United Provinces Arms being only forbidden as uncertain whether there should be Peace or War whereupon many of the common people who got their living by War were not apt to apply themselves to any other business and so were afflicted with two evils idleness and penury and therefore the States esteemed it more convenient to hasten the end of the Treaty to this purpose they advised the Spaniards That they should on both sides propose the chief heads of what was to be insisted on They alledged it to be an unusual thing to make new Proposals before the former were concluded yet at length they consented not that they would distinctly and plainly offer the particulars but only the chief points in general and that in obscure tearms for they said there remained yet to be treated of concerning their limits the restitution of goods Forreign commerce money and those immunities which were granted to the English or others in the Netherlands as also of Religion and Neighbouring Princes Being asked when they mentioned Religion since the same was contained in King Philips Letters whether this were their meaning That they which passed up and down should not be infested under pretence of Religion or whether they would prescribe Laws to the Hollanders whereby Divine matters among them should be ordered They answered This was a matter concerning which they would advise with their Prince and after the other things were seâ—led when they came to that they would more clearly procure and produce their determination On the other side the States delivered not a few and those ambiguously contrived but eight and twenty branches or heads contained in plain words such as usual for the confirmation of Peace or taking away the injuries of War
Patrimony And although they delayed to discover what they would have comprehended under the name of Private Goods yet it appeared That under that Cloak they would hide as well Towns as whole Countreyes purchased by Princes or otherwise gained by any peculiar Title But when the Hollanders said That a great part of their future security consisted in this That the Spanish Garrisons should be drawn from the Borders of the Netherlands the Spaniards protested That it was a dishonourable thing to be required by them since they were able to defend their Territories with French and Brittish Souldiers No more did they hearken to the demand of restoring to Germany the places they possessed belonging to the Jurisdiction of Almayne and therefore Verreike was again sent to Bruxells and after his return they entred upon the debate concerning the use of Priviledges the access of ships of War to the shores the right of Fortification the choosing Magistrates for those Cities which by the Peace would fall to the share of private persons or Lords the cautions and assurances of Peace and the not resuming or falling again to War for any injuries without publick Proclamation Nor did they well agree in these things but the chief thing that offended the Spaniards was That the Hollanders desired the League might be confirmed not only by the allowance of the Archdukes but also by the consent of the Nobles and Cities under their obedience And when they were again spoken to concerning Religion they said They must of necessity wait for Naya's coming out of Spain whom the procrastinating nature of that dilatory Nation in Affairs of concernment detained longer then ordinary Under this pretence they requested That the time limited for the Treaty being about the first of August might be lengthened unto the thirteenth of September In the mean time Janinus went into France that he might inform the King what was the condition of the Commonwealth in Holland what the inclination of their minds what their ability for War and what were their hopes of Peace He at the same time consulting within himself about a Truce because both by the publick and private colloquies of the United States people he knew many of them werse to War and was sensible the Spaniard would never endure an indifferent Peace It was not a matter of small moment that the States if the War continued had desired of the Kings their Associates a great supply protesting That there remained to them no sort of Tribute untryed and yet their Treasury was unable to maintain those Forces which Prince Maurice had formerly adjudged necessary for the carrying on of the War These were indeed the designs of those that were willing to have Peace which the Prince too late hoped to avoid by contracting the charge of the War into a narrower compass At this time Don Pedro de Toledo was Ambassador in France whom King Philip had sent thither to King Henry to intreat him That he would so moderate the Hollanders Proposal that his Master might lose as little of his Royal dignity as possible Then also was King Philips daughter offered to be given in Marriage to the French Kings son but King Henry was not desirous of that affinity He himself formerly having sought a Marriage with the Family of Medices rather then with the House of Austria that abounded in Women This Embassy was suspected by some of the Hollanders but chiefly by the English And the Dowry to be given in Marriage was reported to be a right of Dominion over the Hollanders But the Spaniard soon satisfied the King of Britain with the like honour of an Embassy to him directed and performed by Don Ferdinando Giron a man eminently famous and honourable among the chief and greatest Spanish Commanders But the Danish Embassadors departed home wearied out with the tediousness of delayes and not dissembling protested They would not sit idle Spectators of that Play whose Scene was wholly laid in France And another thing much increased the cares of the States which was That Messengers comming out of France England and Germany all agreed in this point of News That the Ministers of Spain had declared That Philip never had any intent to reject or lay aside his right of Dominion but only for the obtaining of a Treaty he had given to the Hollanders the short use of a temporary Liberty But now the very inward parts of those Provinces were so well known to him that he doubted not a good issue either in Peace or War And that of a truth he would never consent to a Peace unless they abstained from the Indies and license given to the Romanist for the exercise of their Religion in their own Way Janinus returning to the Hague reported the faithful intent of the King towards them his Allyes and how he had refused Toledo's troublesome Requests and Offers but nothing further After this the Enemies Legats while Naya was yet absent but having received Letters out of Spain give account That the King did bona fide grant them their Liberty and therefore it was but just that they on their part should submit to him in the matter of the Indies and other things â—ely demanded Moreover That the King desired out of h◠〈◊〉 inclination That it might be allowed to the Romanists to worship God according to the dictates of their Conscience They should grant this for their Kindreds sake they should grant it for their Ancestors sakes lest they should with greater cruelty hate the Religion by them approved then that new Opinion of the Anabaptists born for the destruction of Empires and lastly They should grant it for their Countreyes sake lest they should drive from thence all the Inhabitants by debarring them from that which is most pleasant to mortalls The States looked upon this as an Engine intended to subvert the Foundations of the Commonwealth the same was the Opinion of the Germans and English Janinus did not had fault with the Counsel but with the Authors thereof for so great an Affair ought not to be made beneficial by the Enemy At length the States finding that these delayes were dangerous to their Affairs and not willing any longer to hearken to the Enemies unreasonable propositions resolve to set an end to the Treaty and to that end a Decree being drawn up wherein was set forth by how great and many experiments they had been terrified from Treating of a Peace with the Spaniard insomuch that when they were first sent to about it they immediately declared their minds on the other side how the Enemy and with what treachery he brought to effect his designs how every of their demands would destroy the right and power of their so often granted Liberty and lastly they repeated the whole series of the Affair as the same had been transacted The Spaniards this Decree being delivered to them require a time to deliberate thereupon In the interim the Ambassadors of France and Britain the Germans being rather
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
added the frequent Assaults takings and re-takings of Towns and Castles Marches and Re-Marches of Armies till sometimes they met to Battel Passages to and fro by Sea long Sieges and indeed all kind of Martial Discipline improved to the utmost by signal Experiment But these things being done in publike whereby each Party strengthned his own Affairs and turned all occasions into Force I shall more easily accomplish in regard I have them as nearer so more certain and consequently not to be prevented much less amended by others at a greater distance The beginnings of this War though very incertain because much unknown and dark in its occasion many famous Writers have undertaken even in the Latine Tongue to describe But in regard you cannot well understand those without some further Director I thought it not amiss to declare at large the first Causes of those Tumultuous Proceedings which intervened there from the beginning that at one short View Counsels and Policies may be compaâ—ed one with the other together with the Event produced by the same And in truth so great and famous have the Actions there done been that even Strangers have been cuâ—ious in writing thereof and therefore we certainly should be accounted most ingrate to our Countre and envious of the good of our Posterity if we should not give them a most exact Relation of those things which hapned so near them Especially since most of our Modern Writers have too frequently deluded their Readers Credulity with vain and uncertain Rumours as either Party for their own advantage published the same or else if any had Desire or Opportunity of knowing the Truth even such contented themselves to write onely a Diurnall My Design is to lay open and discuss the Peoples Commotions the Consultations of the great Ones and Governours and whence a new Soveraignty sprang where the first determined The People that â— hâ—bit the Land within the Rhene as also on both sides thereof to â—he Seâ— of â—he Morim and the River Amasius on this side called Germany on the other Old Belgium their Country but most of them are beholding to Germany as well for their Language as their Original whence it was that while the Romans strove to bring in their Arts and Commerce these jointly taking Care both of their Liberty and the Warre at once were Companions in Loss or Conquerours Neither did they ever lâ—se the Repute of good Warriors though they most shewed their Vâ—lours either in others Ayd or their own Rebellions But when the Generality of People as it were upon one Sâ—gnal made violent Incursions into the Roman Empire all this â—ract felâ— to the share of the Franks until in the Division of their Power part became the Possessions of the Kings of France and other part the Emperors of Germany claimed as their Right But both when they themselves were from thence far distant sâ—t Governors by the Names of Earls Dukes and the like to rule and defend all the Cities therein saving onely such as for the sake of Religion were given unto Bishops when Christianity began to increase and flourish Such as were sent forth to the Wars in Command were called Dukes to whom Earles or Counts were such as took Care of the Accounts of Subsidies and other Taxes for the Souldiers Pay and were chief Judges But it is a thing hardly credible how both these and those did augment their Power in a short time by these three means their own Valour and Vertue their Princes neglect and Carelessness and the Favour and Good-will of the Provincials For first they got themselves Power and Authority by doing good to all nor did they shew more Audacity and Courage in time of War than Moderation and Religion in Times of Peace In this manner strengthning themselves instead of a Lieutenantship which was all they had at first they attain to themselves a perpetual and Hereditary Dominion which was with the more Facility and Complyance granted to them because when any Wars broke out in those Parts they were the more ready to meet and undergo the Dangers and Hazards thereof in regard they defended their own Territories For in those Times the Seas were almost covered and the Shores even beset and filled with Danish and Norman Fleets Not long after taking a Priviledge either from the Fear or Favour of their Followers or the Breach and Decay of a greater Lordship though they kept the same Resemblance still in Name yet they established a Soveraign and lawful Authority even with the Peoples good-will Lands are set apart for the Princes and moderate Tributes yet enough to support and maintain their Dignity for they gave not themselves over to Covetousness and luxury or those other Crimes which in the Innocency of that Age were scarce known to the World Onely the Desire of Rule and Thirst of Dominion aged almost as Nature they could not excuse themselves from Hence it was they had perpetuall Wars either among themselves or with their Bordering Neighbors for managing whereof they never hired Forrein Souldiers but used their own People who for the safe keeping of their Borders would strive who should be foremost in the Watch and if Ambition or Honour had invited the Prince beyond they forthwith followed him with Alacrity moved thereto as well by the hopes of Praise as Reward The Conquerour bestowing in Gift on his Noblest Souldiers Lands in Fee-Farm and confirming on Cities and Citizens their Franchises Customs Laws and Magistracy the sure Guards and Defences of their Liberty Nor did their Successors take upon them the full power of Government before they had confirm'd by Oath these Grants on whom they were at first bestowed The whole Charge of the Common-Wealth was of old said upon the Shoulders of the Nobility and Governours of Towns which consisted of the Communalty to whom in some places the Clergy were added These where it was necessary met together concerring Embassies These Consulted of the great Affairs of State nor was it lawful without the general Consent of all to set a Tribute or Tax to alter the present state of Affairs nor to much as enhance or debase the value of Coyâ—â— So much Caution was there used even when they had good Princes to prevent the encroaching of Evil Ones The most Noble and Vertuous amongst the Citizens underwent and performed all publike Offices and all Strangers were kept out of the Princes Court the Senate and all other places either of Honour or Profit By the observance of these good Customs long did the Common-Wealth continue fix't on a good Basis But at length by little and little Seditions growing up wasted this flourishing and rich People untill by many Victories Affinities and Treaties most of them were glad to submit to the Burgundian Government who being sprung from a Royal House Warlike Crafty and dating to undertake any thing to Arm his Power from the Dâ—ssâ—nâ—ions of the Nobles Promises to one Threatens another and give Rewards to a Third Thus
Nobles s certainly a goodly Company of Exceptions the Liberties also of Towns and Universities and whatsoever the Kings Treasury was indebted to any man being reserved to the Kings pleasure Now having thus laid aside all fear and shame the veâ— utmost intentions and designs of the Spaniards were laid â— pen in their open boastings for the bringing to passe therof that not onely the charges of the Government but if neâ— were Warre should be maintained at the charge of theâ— Provinces and to make this good Alva commands for thâ— present the hundreth part of all the Revenues of the people to be levyed which in it self was very grievous because â— was forcibly commanded by the Souldier which ought â— have been collected according to the Custom of the Country nor did he exempt the Priests from this payment afâ—ter this be takes the twentieth part of Lands and the tenth of all other thing whatsoever sold upon every alienation affirming to the Spaniards that it was necessary thus to tax the Netherlanders that they might the rather think themselveâ— bound in equity to obey being bound by the Law and coâ—quered by Arms and not otherwise capable of Pardon It may easily be imagined that these Impositions haâ— spoyled Merchandizing and broken the connexion of most Arts and Trades by the flight of so many so that the chiefeâ— support of the People was utterly gone for the profit accrewing by buying and selling of Wares using to be dispersed into severall Channels if so great a burden should be come to be a part of the price there would be no Chapmes found to buy when in another place they might have them so much cheaper And if any durst be so bold as to find streight they were seized on by Souldiers and most exquisitely punished Nay some Provinces and Cities being somewhat stubborn and self-willed were sometimes majestically summoned and questioned both what they had done themselves and what they had suffered others to do against the Kings Edicts being objected against them and though the madness of some private persons for the common cause were not compelled to their evill deeds yet were they sentenced that they should be out of the protection of the Law excluded from all publick Counsels and for the future be governed by no other Law than that of the Kings will Nay some were punished for appealing to the King and the intercessions of the Magistrates were restrained by a mulct which they should pay out of their own Estates upon forfeiture with the severity of which examples the rest being terrified did endeavour to redeem themselves from this infinite oppression with a certain sum of money And yet for all these so many and great afflictions the wrath of God was not yet appeased towards these people for their sins but as if the cruelty and avarice of men had not been sufficient for the persecution of a Land most flourishing and opulent both in Wealth and Inhabitants the Ocean breaking over its bounds with such an overflux as the like hath scarce ever been seen before by its inundation made one great slaughter of men and foretold another For this was the time in the small Punctillio whereof the basest of servitude and the highest point of liberty being divided by both names continued equall miseries and misfortunes And now anger suggesting unto the oppressed the desire to free or revenge themselves by Arms they were taught there was no concord so firm and stable as that which is contained within the Bond of private concerns And now that Nation which had so patiently seen her Citizens burnt her Governours slain her Laws Religion and Common-wealth almost to be violently taken away and devoured first consented to take vengeance for the former and to prevent and keep off thâ—se evills that immediately hâ—ng over their heads And so in the City of Bruxels though Alva himself were present and with a strong Guard did sternly exact the tenth yet every one shut up their Shops and Ware-houses scorning to own or confess their slavery though with the perill of their Heads Now were Gibbets and Hangmen prepared for the Rebels as they were termed when news came of the Commotions in Holland which I shall presently declare to you and put a stop to their cruelty The fury and indignation of the People increasing infused new Courage into the Prince of Aurange that he might once more try the fortune of Warre though yet his Confidence flagged till his Resolution became setled by considering that part of Philips Forces were imployed against the Turk and that Spain it self was yet scarce quiet from the disturbances and incursions of the Moors if therefore he could but get Arms himself would be Captain and he hoped through their dissentions he should be able to find or make a way 1571. To that purpose he sends choyce persons to all Princes that professed themselves Reformers of Religion praying them either publickly to take his part or at least to grant him private Ayds towards the support of the common Cause The Deaâ— and Swede positively deny him as fearing to cope with an Adversary more powerful than themselves not durst the Queen of England disturb her Neighbours greatness although the Pope had given Her over to be a prey and Alva for the Genoa Merchants money detained in England for present use and under assurance of repayment beginning a difference and bringing it almost to Pledges sought long agoe a Cause of Warre against that rich Island as was suspected and now lately when there were some troubles in the North part of that Kingdom he sent some to view the Ports that might if opportunity succeeded to his desires upon such occasion be leaders and without peradventure he was a great encourager of the Endeavours of the Queen of Scots against Elizabeth the knowledge of all which things were for the present so dissembled and Spain so far obliged that the Nassavian Messengers were commanded without any delay by a certain day to depart out of the English Territories But in France they who had laid aside the Rites of the Latine Church that they might give credit to the Peace they had were admitted into the Grace and favour of the King and therefore that they might be the better able to assist the Prince of Aurange they add fresh fire to â—e old Burgundian fuel repeating the Controversie that first â—ose in the Council of Trent between these Kings for priority of place urging also against Philip the poysoning of his Wife Elizabeth whose murder ought to be revenged and that he was in Honour obliged to the like for satisfaction of those French Subjects murdered by the Spaniards in Florida a Province of America which Counsel King Charles listning to with greedy ears would have to believe that he was sensible thereof another motive wherewith they enveighed him was upon the Marriage of his Sister agreed with the King of Navarre they gave him cause to think himself deceived therein It was
yet and undisciplin'd but at Sea was not able to meet for it was their proper Sphere in which they were as it were born The Zelanders in these parts got many notable Victories thereby and by their Depredations at Sea relieving the Publike Wants And the Duke of Medina-celi being lately named Successor to Alva that he might be made plyable to Intreaty by Repentance his Fleet being happily taken wherein he was brought from Spain and himself hardly escaping refused to meddle in the Government least in so great Differences of Affairs he might reap to himself the blame and disgrace that another had merited Alva not at all moved with these Dangers was as outragious as ever and would neither look upon them as Enemies nor take notice of their strength but when at any time he got any into his power he exercised his Malice upon them as upon Rebels And now Revenge and a like Cruelty raged upon all Prisoners on both Sides without Differences so long as mutual Necessity which of old had taught People that were Enemies made them also know that to spare the shedding of Bloud was not available to the finishing of the Warre Being now thus well acquainted at Land with the use of Arms the Nassauians coutagiously kept possession of the Sea A space of Breathing is given to these of Holland and Zeland whereby they may unite the stronger while they are left to themselves and the greatest part of their Garrisons drawn off 〈◊〉 Alva to the Siege of Mons a City in Henalt which Lewis 〈◊〉 Nassau had taken by a Military Stratagem the Souldiers 〈◊〉 Valenciennes turned out of their Neighborhood to them in tâ—â— Castle being also come to the Spaniard For the Relief 〈◊〉 Nassau who defended Mons in Henault there came out oâ— France Five Hundred Horse and Five Thousand Foot thâ— King taking no notice thereof which was them looked â—â—on as a Confirmation of their private League The Priâ—â—â— of Aurange came likewise out of Germany with an Army greater than that he had in his first Expedition It was probable that this War might have spread it self far abroad with greater Terrour if the Spaniards had not intercepted the unwary French in their well-known March by Surprize whereby they took Prisoner their Captain Jenlisius the General of the whole Army and divers other Nobles for who tâ—â— Safety King Charles earnestly interceding was the last Act of this Jained Dâ—vise for suddainly a Messenger brings the Prince of Aurange the terrible News of the French Treacheries and informs him also of the Imprisonments both of Navarre and Conde and that the Confederate Power of the Faction of Guise having first seasoned it self with the Bloud of Coliniac proceeded thence over all the Kingdom whose onely Law then vvas Murder and the Hatred of the madding Vulgar doubly armed against the Followers of the new and abominated Religion This was the end of that dissembled Peace of that deplorable Marriage and of all those Delusions of their Friendship and Society Being thus deprived of his main Hope the King of Francâ— having thus broken his Promises to clear himself to Philip and regain his Friendship he pays off some of his Troops and by such Counsels and Actions getteth it The Prince is forced to Disband his Army and scarce avoiding a Mutiny with what Fortune had left him goes into Holland where being disappointed of all his Hopes and Endeavours he accepts of what they beyond his Expectaâ—n had freely cast upon him The Surrender of Mons fâ—ws not long after with which Victory flesht they insulted over Mechlin and other Cities which had either assisted the Prince of Aurange in his passage by them with Money or Provision as if they had been absolute Conquerours of them Thence the Terrour of them spreading further all those Places that we mentioned before to be seized in Frizeland and near the River Issel were by the Cowardliness of their Governours left to be new Garrisoned by the Spaniards Zutphen also is taken by Frederick the Duke of Alva's Son while they 〈…〉 to surrender where raging in Bloud after 〈…〉 all manner of Villanies and Rapeâ— upon the 〈…〉 the Town they slew all without any regard either 〈…〉 Age. Not long after Narda a Town of Holland receâ— like Barbarous usage and their Walls are pulled â—oâ— sides after the method of Revenge taken by the Antiâ— The Spaniards were wont in other Wars to do thaâ— believing these Crueltes were convenient for the accelerating and speeding their Victory when on the contrary Experience affirms that men are overcome by no means so soon as Clemeâ—cy when the other doth rather heighten mens spleen and courage when all trust and hope of Pardon being taken away they fear the Mischiefs of Peace greater and heavier than those of Warre by which means their Desperation carrying them beyond Hope their Counsels are more deliberate and their Actions valiant so that after this no City ever will be rendred until it hath suffer'd the uttermost Extremities I suppose it very convenient to take a View of all the Parts together of this growing Commonwealth when in this Tempestuous Storm there is a strong Contention begun by Warre for Liberty which then no mortal man could judge would be so long time before they ended The Hollanders onely and those of Zaeland continued still in Arms the Scituation of which People together both with their Artieâ— and Modern Names I will declare that they may the better be understood throughout the whole Series of this Discourse This was in Elder Times the most famous Isle of the Batavi in the middle between Germany and the Gaules most fitly scituated for the transmitting and carrying over of Warre The Inhabitants took both their Name and Original from the Catti on the Out-sides and Skirts thereof much frequented by the Romanes and partaking of their Civility which the rest wanted For their Skill in Horsemanship and Swimming and the Fidelity and Valour of their Auxiliary Forces most famous Nor were they less than eminent in that Warre which beginning in the Emperout Vespatians time stirred up the Gaules to seek their Liberty After which sometimes the Frankes other whiles the Saxons and lastly the Angles or English seated themselves in these Partsâ— some others the Slavonians and Varni The Rhene distinguished into two Channels one of its own Name the other called Wale and running chiefly in two great Streams to the Ocean surround this Island That on the Right-side werâ— out not far from Leyden of old but small but after obstructed with Satid brought thither by the Force of Tempestuous Weather turned his Waters into the Leck On the Left the Wale being mix'd with the Maze was kept in by Banks At this day before it comes thither by the interposition of sundry Islands and it s often overflowings it may almost pass for a Sea The Third Mouth of the Rhene which from the Right run further into the North Drusus opened for a River being
Warre The Spaniards had given this Fleet the name of the Praetorian Inquisition arrogantly thereby hindâ— with scorn at the Cause of the Warre Alva now grown old and solicitous to preserve his famâ— upon his humble Request in that behalf made to Philip is bâ— him recalled perceiving that his violent proceedings diâ— little good and that as long as his memory remained â— would be an obstacle to any other meanes that should be â— sed without any notice taken of his desire that his Son might succeed him who was partaker as well of the hatred contracted against his Father as of his actions 1574. Five years and a little more he governed here being wont to boast that in that time he had caused the execution and slaughter of eighteen thousand men His Acts especially that for the Tenth the King durst neither openly approve and confirm it nor positively repeal it He remained in the Court without any question and with Honour until after some years he was together with his Son who had committed a Rape upon a Noble Virgin thrown into Prison whence he did not get free untill the Portugall Warre required the presence of an expert and knowing Captain Lewis de Requesens was sent to succeed him in the Government of the Netherlands who insnared divers by cunning and more remiss dealings Liberall and milde beyond the Spanish guise but nothing so subtle as Alva He was noâ— quite ignorant in Military Affairs as witnessed that famous Victory obtained at the Echinades in the Honour whereof he had a great share and his bringing under of Granado and breach of promise there with his enemies when they grumbled against the Inquisition the same whereof went before him but the first thing by which he endeavoured to get the favour of the Netherlanders was the pulling down Alva's Statue About this time Middleburg by a long Famine which did almost afflict the Beâ—iegers as besieged and the Spanish Fleet being broken and vanquished in many sharp Conflicts surrendred to the Zâ—landers and regained thereby her wasted Wealth But Lewis of Nassau endeavouring to draw the Enemy off from Holland was slain near Nimmeghen together with the Troops which he brought to his Brother which did happen by the folly of the Souldiers for just as the Enemy was upon them with drawn Swords they began importunately to cry out to their Captain for money This was the end of that Captain who both for Valour and Policy might be ranked among the most prayse-worthy as also of his Brother Henry and Christopher Son of the Prince Palatine The same mischief which had been the ruine of these fell upon the Conquerour's Army for they likewise began to mutiny against their Officers and to command their pay the wages due for their blood This madness fell upon Antwerp a City of Brabant most happy in times of peace in the enjoyment of a great Trade by Merchants and the acquiring of what naturally flowes thence Wealth which is the whole work of Peace while on the contrary where Warre hath once given a liberty to all things the basest poverty cannot sometimes secure her raggs here did they insult by all meanes till by force and threats they extorted from the Citizens there four hundred thousand Florens which it was thought Don Requesens was well enough content with because he Commanded they should not be resisted or denyed And in a very short time after he granted them a generall Pardon rejoycing as it were that money was any way gotten though it was not improbable he might have had it willingly if he had but demanded it for while the States of those parts refused to pay any Taxes toward the Warre unless the Tenth might be taken away by a solemn Edict it happened that either by the Kings obstinacy or the Governours their Designs in both were frustrated Which covetousness of Reward or rather indeed over-pay is greater among the Spaniard than anâ— other Nation almost For this they will mutiny in a moâ—â— notorious manner and yet as it were by a certain Preâ—dence still stick to the King's Interest Thus by an underhand Confederacy of the Commanders they fall to plaâ— Robbery which the Souldier calls his Wages or Hire and the People name it Necessity Neither were these Subâ—ties here first used for in others Wars it had been custom aâ— with the Spaniard to use the same Trade This Violence and Injury had mightily turned the Loâ— of the People to the Prince of Aurange and thâ— at the next following Council among them made his Requests and their Desires to be as it were â— one for they began to mention a Treaty of Peace before Aldegondius who was a Prisoner but a man of great Learning and Ingenuity and withall very intimate and prevalent with the Prince of Aurange whom they would send with Lâ—ters to that purpose associated with Campigny between whom and his Brother Granvel there was a Domestical Quarrel and such an Enmity as in like Cases uses to be between Relations At last the Legates on both sides met at Brâ—da whither the Emperour sent Count Suartzburge a Kinsman of the Prince of Aurange to be a Moderator between both Parties The Prince of Aurange and they who were under his Authority had given these Instructions That they were accounted without desert Rebels and irreligious Persons by their Enemies for that they understood the Nature of their Duty both to God and their Prince That they had never taken up Arms against Philip and that the onely cause that hindred the Peace was that they were governed by Strangers And that if the Spanish Souldiers might be removed away which was very necessary both as to Matters of Religion and all other things that they would Declare themselves satisfied by the Judgment of all the States of the Netherlands Hereto it was answered That they had not well done chissing rather to stand upon their own Defence than to submit themselves That yet they should have free Pardon and Impunity so as the Disturbers of Religion might within a time limited be Banished the Country for they conceived unjust that so great a King should be denyed the Power to settle Religion which to the petty Princes of Germany was never scrupled And as to the rest that the King would willingly agree so as they would first deliver up to him the Cities and Castles as also all things with their Furniture and other Engines and Provisions of War which they now had in their Possession These Conditions were not at all pleasing as being more rigorous than they could inforce by Arms whereupon they desired a Truce that Acts of Hostility might cease and that for some years there might be a Toleration of Religion But neither could this be obtained yet Requesens by a few late Successes being more than ordinarily puffed up prolonged the Treaty that in the mean time he might the more easily get an opportunity to do them a mischief while they yet neglected and thought
and for the pacifying of those that were fallen off But no man was ever so wise whom Fortune at one time or other hath not deceived For the Prince of Aurange had before this by under-hand Policies and insinuating Intelligence gain'd the Hearts of the Brabanders declaring That he desired nothing that might singly tend to his own particular advantage but wholly minded the Publike Good And they again of their own accord consented while Requesens was busie abroad with his Forces or dissembled Lenity with intent to raise his Authority higher than he had ever abated it For the Regent himself very indiscreâ—tly commanded the Countreymen to take Arms to repress the Tumultuous Mutinies of the Souldiers which very thing was the first beginning of their Liberty in thoâ—e Parts For now the Names imposed by Alva being forgotten the Laws and the Rights of the States were cryed up by the Voyces of all Men Flanders also from hence learned Wit a People very unquiet and hardly able of old to endure their Princes when they were onely Princes These confidently denied Tribute to Don Requesens because there was exacted from them more than was necessary But as there were in that Senate some Spaniards so were there also many Netherlanders from whom the Prince of Aurange hoped that he might desire that they would rather bestow those Monies to defend their Country than betray it And this Counsel so full of sound Care did greatly help forward in that Case For this War had so extreamly drained the Spanish Wealth though very great that the King being greatly indebted was fain to take by force his Possessions from the Vsurers under the pretence of a general Discharge by common Authority of all Debts and Bonds before that time without any payment or satisfaction for the same And by chance the Turks whose Power hath ever grown greater by the Christians Discords while Philip turns all his strength against the Netherlands enjoying the Kingdom of Tunis fell violently into all the rest of Africa both by Sea and Land which the Spaniards held By means of which straits it came to pass that the Spanish Souldiers in the Low-Countries had no Pay for many Moneths who thereupon according to Custom by them long received casting off Obedience become Licentious and wish for nothing more than for Pillage Wherefore Bruxels the Metropolis of those Dominions was destined for Plunder and so had been if the common People mindful of former Villanies and almost astonished at the greatness of the imminent Danger had not betaken them to Arms and advertised the Magistrates and those who had the Management of the Laws thereof These presently summoned the Senate to whom we told you before the Administration of the Government was fallen to condemn these impudent Souldiers as Enemies to the Prince and Country which being openly done the Sedition was believed to be privily fomented by the Counsels of a few whose Wealth grew from Forreign Tyranny But when the Confederate Regiments turning out their Commanders had forcibly entred Alost a Town in that part of Flanders which of old stuck to the German Empire and was never as the rest subject to France and thence had wasted the Country round about them there being none to take Vengeance of them some of the Nobles of Brabant not by any publike Advice but struck with the Fear and Memory of the Example of Antwerp sent some who should keep together the Senate that is the Head of the Commonwealth in their Court and Session Anon least the Government should fail for want of a lawful Authority they discriminated the Innocent from such as were Suspicious restraining all whose Treachery or Sluggishness would produce the effect that no Strength should be made ready against the insulting Envy and Malice of the Spaniards And not onely so but the Natives that were Souldiers were as much as might be picked out and sent into several parts and then joyned in League with Flanders and other Cities against them as against a Common Enemy Nor did they onely think of these new Disturbances of the Publike Peace but called also to 〈◊〉 the Oppressions in Alva's time such as the Tenths Inquisition Punishments of the Guiltless Robbing them of that by Force and War which they laboured for in Times of Peace and their frequent Slaughters and Executions by colour of the Edicts And now Matters began to seem not onely to take notice of such as had traduced the Government but of the whole Spanish Nation Whereupon one Rode made himself Captain of certain Companies of Spaniards that now went out of Holland never to return thither again part of the Senate before and which then was gone over to the Souldiers usuâ—ping to themselves all Right of Government But now â—he whole Colledge as it were re-uniting The German Souldiers too joyned themselvs hoping to do what they listed 〈◊〉 thus joyned together they sacked Vtrecht by he Maze â— most noble City and not long after powering themselves out of the Castle into the City of Antwerp where for some days having beaten out the Defendants they glutted their Wrath and Avarice with the Slaughter oâ— the Townsmen the burning of Houses and an exceeding great Booty Among all which Mâ—series the Netherlanders durst not rely upon the strength and valour of their new and unexperienced Souldiers against those Weather-beaten and old ones who had also Fortifications and Castles not knowing well therefore what to do and considering that it would be too tedious to â—ove oâ—her Princes to aid them they resolved at last to accept of the next Forces which belonged to the Prince of Aurange were by him freely offered them being conscious to themselves that they should be looked upon however as guilty of the like Crimes and that they must either purge themselves together by Force or suffer together Wherefore resuming the Treaty of Peace which was broken off at Breda as is before related and as Fellow-Citizens consulting against a Common Enemy they easily agree and it was provided that for the obliterating the Memory of former Differences no one should be questioned concerning Religion nor that any Judgments should be confirmed which were given concerning the same but that all things confiscated should be restored to their Owners or if they were sold certain select Apprizers should set a value both upon Possessions and other things wrongfully detained and to restore to the one the thing it self to wit the Possessions to the other the value or price thereof that every one for the future might use what Religion he pleased and so as to those things which they of Holland and Zealand took detained in the time of the War which belonged to the King and they also agreed That what Money the Prince of Aurange had expended in his two Expeditions or so much thereof as belonged to him the rest of the Provinces should be equally contributary to the re-imbursing after the Commonwealth was freed from Forreigners according to the
Judgment of the General States of the Netherlands In the interim Trading should be incouraged both Parties should use the present Form of Jurisdiction and the Religions they already hold And that it should not be lawful for the Hollanders or their Associates to alter any thing in Religion without their own Bounds onely granting the Prince of Aurange Power of ordering the Cities belonging to his particular Government Upon these Agreements a Peace was concluded at Gaunt between the Nassauian Party and the People of Brabant Flanders Artoys Henault and other Provinces onely Lutzenburge excepted whose Governours were privately obedient and affectionate to the Name of Spaniard and the People ever most firm in their Fidelity to their Princes But the Frisons came in having imprisoned their Governour Caspar Roblese a Portugeze because he resisted them Thus thâ—owing down the Castles every where they threw off their Yoke of Slavery And because Antwerp being possessed by the Spaniards hindred the mutual Commerce of the Provinces they made great Banks of Defence near the Sceld that under their Safeguard ships might pass safely Afterwards this League was entred into again at Bruxels and the Agreement of War against the Spaniards confirmed by the Oath of the Clergy Nobility and Commons and fully assented to by the Senate And this was the onely time from whence any one might with Reason hope well of the Low-Country Affairs if they had laid aside their Feuds as well as their Arms And to speak clearly the Emulation and Ambition of the Lords was the undoubted Fountain of all their Evils and the Fault of the People was not much unlike this for such was their Frantick Zeal in their Religion that they would never stick to any Agreements or Covenants nor be contented with their present Condition and while these Vices keep their Footing there will never be Person nor Instruments wanting to undermine Liberty Therefore King Philip when these Conditions were brought to him being informed that they were approved by the general Consent of all and that they would have Forreign Aid if he should continue to deal harshly with them thought it fit to yield to Necessity and so making a Law in confirmation of the said League and Agreements in the mean while under-hand he determines to wait all Opportunities either to break or at least distract this Alliance and kept the Prince of Aurange's Son who according to the said League ought to have been set at Liberty as an Hostage for his Fathers Actions Now is Don John of Austria base Son of the Emperour Charles sent Governour into the Low-Countries that so being a young man of a sharp Wit famous for a Sea-fight against the Turks and high in the Pope's Favour he might divert his Mind from the thought of higher things And this also he pretended he did to shew his Intent for the future of maintaining the Laws when he sent one so near to him by Bloud to govern them And indeed in publike he would own nothing that might seem to intrench on the Peace though privately he commanded to follow Rode's Counsel who was as we before declared the Leader in the Spanish Sedition But not cunning enough to conceal these Matters long for the Hatred which he had drawn upon himself the impatiency of the Age together wiâ—h some intercepted Letters made publike the most secret of all their Counsels and Designs Which the Prince of Aurange consideâ—ing and earnest that Extreams might not damnitie so increasing Fortune be counselled the Netherlanders that weighing how much they had offenâ—ed Philip in the Peace they had made they should by War keep out that manifest Officer of his Wrath while yet he was without strength and upon their Borders This was gain-said by many of the prime Nobility that did not heartily love the Prince of Aurange either out of an old Grudge or for some new sprung Envy many in this Tempest of Affairs who were by Advice in ermingled in general Parties for Reverence of the Prince continued in their Arms under the pretence of Necessity to defend themselves Thus Peace being made in a Town of Lutzenburge call'd Marsa the Government was granted to Don John of Austria if he would first Disband and send away the Spanish and then all other Forreign Souldiers although the Hollanders and all that of their Party did earnestly labour the contrary All fear was now banished and an incredible joy surprized the hearts of all because the Spanish Army was by Covenant to go out of their Cities although carrying with it many barbarous spoyls and the Rapines of ten years and boasting that within the last six moneths they had killed thirty thousand Netherlanders of the meaner sort questionless when they denyed that within the same time that they had lost above threescore nor were they long gone or far some of them being stayd at Millayne and others nearer till Don John might recall them to a War prepared for them For this Austrian being received into the Government with the highest Honour possible but youthfully impatient of all delay suddenly besets the entrances of the Country and in short time breaks through them taking Namur and some other Towns on that Border and further solicites the German Bands which were not yet gone out of the Netherlands for want of their pay to render up the Cities they were in and their treachery was easie enough to be wrought on But whether they were either frighted with threats or tempted with promises the dulness of their Spirits or flexibleness of their Natures quickly broke off their design By this meanes most of Brabant was preserved the Souldiers not onely delivering the Garrisons into the power of the States but their Commanders also the Embassadors of the Provinces at the General Council used the name of the States to whom after the Power of the Regall Senate was abolished most of the business of the Common-wealth was brought And yet there was no War but the States did accuse Don John to the King and other Princes that he had publickly broken the Peace He again casts the blame upon the Prince of Aurange â—hat he would set up new Customs contrary to the Covenants of the League in the Cities which subjected to his Dominion by Contracts and Agreements Notwithstanding which Calumnies he was by all the Cities of the Netherlands looked upon with an high esteem as the Authour of their liberty and of such a noble disposition as is wont to win all mens affections He strengthned by complacence that power which he would seem to diminish so great was his prudence and moderation and because by diligent inquiries and pains and by intercepted Letters he had demonstrated that the Austrian Snares were laid first for him and his and afterwards for all the rest by breaking the Band of the League he so won the favour of all the people that he was by the Brabanders chosen to be their Governour This was taken very ill by Arscotâ— who
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
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 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
own his Brothers Cause but if he could not do that yet that he would at least assist with men and money and that he should stop all the passages from France into the Enemies Country Which if they might request they did not fear to foretell to the King thereby a future Succession in his Kingdom so that he should according to the Laws of France for many Ages not want an Heir of his Body to govern the same But these Communications were shortly after quite broken off by the badness of the following times and the death of Francis de Valois He over-lived his Honour and disgrace not above seventeen moneths brought to his end as some thoughâ— by his lusts others by poyson but most believed he dyed with grief of mind the common end almost of all who either before or after him took a pride to aggravate the miseries of unfortunate people His Fune all was not attended with any Ensigns of his Belgike Government all his actions there with himself passing in oblivion while the King his Brother avoyded to incense with such toyes whom he durst not move with realities As soon as Valois was departed from Dunkirk the French Companies left there in Garrison accepting their pay marched away not daring to trust a People whom they had so mischieved Whereupon the Duke of Parma sends his inferiour Captains to besiege the Town thus destitute both of Souldiers and Shipping and anon after comes himself with an indifferent Army to strengthen the Siege Biron was commanded to follow the Enemy and fight him But the Gauntoys out of an old grudge they bore to Valois and making a shew of tumult denyed him passage alledging that it was unjust and unreasonable to use his Forces whom they neither took for their Prince nor scarcely their friends By the stubbornness therefore of those men Dunkirk came into the Spaniards power by which meanes the Sea ever after became dangerous and troublesome for upon that shore where there were no Havens or Ports there was scarce any refuge for small foysts hence as they saw it convenient or for their profit observing the passage out the Pyrates were wont to set upon the Dutch Ships as they sailed by either to fishing or with Merchandize where England being directly opposite doth narrow and streighten the Sea and they could easily escape by flight from the great Ships of Warâ—e either by their lightness and swiftness on the open Sâ—â— or else by helps of the flats and Sands whereof that part of the Ocean is full yet this losse of so eminent a Town could not mitigate or take away their dissentions but it was necessary that Biron with his Army should be sent out of the Country though the Prince of Auraage most earnestly urged the contrary for fear least they should betray the Common-wealth to their Enemy now in heart and attended with success so much mistrust had all of the French Nay the Prince himself was scandalized for them so that at Antwerp they all 〈◊〉 to their Arms upon a lye that was divulged that the Prince had brought the French into the Castles on purpose to be near to and command the City But he to whom nothing was so unusual and bitter as to live feared of his Citizens could not bear their changed countenances and suspitious ill boding silence instead of joyfull acclamations but leaving the place having lived there six years he went to Zeland and the more assured places of the Common-wealth thereby exempt from many eminent dangers and free from their ingratitude But the Duke of Parma having gotten spare 〈◊〉 for Conquest gained by surrender and otherwise Nempâ—â— scituate on the same shore but to the right hand of Dunkirk and more inward upon the Land Dixmuyde Voorne and Berghen that are called Winow Thence in Flanders the peoples hatred so increased against the Warre daily and many so highly resented the late actions that they would even take part with the Spaniards against the French About this time there was a certain base Fellow he was generally called Hog that by Discourse and Writing began to trouble Holland who notwithstandidg his Mothers vileness and his own mishapen Form yet vainly boasted the Honour and Greatness of his Bloud as being from his own Relation Son to the Emperour Charles Hence fed up with a foolish hope by some Spaniard that Philip would acknowledge him for his Brother he withdrew some led away with Novelties and others that were not pleased with the present ordring of Affairs from their then Principles to a hope of Peace and Submission to the Austrian Family But the Conspiracy being yet green and but in the Bud was by the punishment of its Author quickly nipped Now also a War did begin in the Jurisdiction of Colen which was offered together with the Bishoprick to Ernestus of Bavaria for the Marriage of Truxiors For being Bishop of that place before and being taken exceedingly with the Love of a Noble Woman had made hast to lay aside his Vow of single Life for by the Rules of the Latine Church no Priest may marry which in the Heat of his promiscuous Lusts was easily connived at Wherefore setting Humane Decrees in opposition to Divine Laws and finding himself unfit for such Charges by Casimire and Nienar Count of Nursa both Generals for indifferent Armies keeps the Cities until by his Enemies Forces and his own Mens Treacheries most of his Garrisons were taken from him and then making a League with the Dutch he fled to the Prince of Aurange whence he revenged him as well as he could by laying wast the Country And this War brings on a greater wherewith the Spaniard was well pleased because he might thereby the more colourably involve the Frontier Towns of Germany which were old Receptacles of Netherlandish Fugitives in the same And this every day augmented the growing Fortune of the Duke of Parma especially one Tasso a Captain winning by Surprize the Town of Zutphen held by a weak and ill agreeing Garrison and that by the help onely of one common Souldier that was his Prisoner From hence all the Country between the Rivers Issel and the Rhine were daily infested and harrased by Spanish Incursions nor could they at any time be hindred in their going off and the City it self was besieged but in vain Thus did the Netherlanders at this time lose both their Forces and other Opportunities And as a further mischief many of Noblemen and Chiefs utterly despairing any Remedy privately sought their own Security from the Grace and Pardon of the King which they knew was not to be hoped for by some heinous Adventure Therefore William of Heremberge who by Marriage of the Prince of Aurange's Sister was the sole Companion of his Hopes and Dangers inconsiderately and without Reason Resolved to deliver up Gelders which he then Governed to the Conquerours But his Treachery being prevented and Promise taken for his Fidelity he was dismissed yet notwithstanding he fled to
those things which had been used by Antiquity in the Art Military or that were grown Customary by Modern Practice and Experience He diligently encouraged his Souldiers to attend all the Enemies Motions and though he sat in the Highest Seat of Power yet he would not suffer the meanest things to pass without his Care So that it was admirable to see this great and Warlike Instructor who had never had any Master by discreet Considerations establish all things for the War that Guards might be diligently kept and Cities well Fortified he causes sound men to instruct the Souldiers how readily to pitch their Camp and to use all sorts of Engines and Instruments for Assaults and in regard they were yet unexperienced in Battels Sieges and Fortifications he hath them caught to manage Horses to observe their Ranks to carry Provision and to raise Works not according to the Method of this Age. At first these Endeavours were laughed at by the Ignorance of those who are ashamed to learn what they understand not but after the Success of some Experiments they were admired because hereby they that had turned their Backs in many Fights now durst stand and look the Enemy in the Face and reduce by strength Towns that they had lost So that now all did plainly confess That as no man excelled his Father in gaining the love of the People and laying the Foundation of a Commonwealth so by the great Blessing of Heaven the Son was as famous for the increasing and defending the same But how much the manner of the War was alter'd from the first use will easily be understood in the Context of the following Work A considerable Number of Ships are sent to infest the Enemies Towns that lay by the Sea-side and to guard the Passages of Rivers Some go out as a safe Convoy for Merchants and to secure the Fishing Trade Others sail up and down to scour the Sea of Pyrates Without all doubt in this the Enemy was inferiour who had very few Ports and they incommodious and not many Ships which onely waited upon Towns The Nobility on both side either contented themselves in an unprofitable carelesness or the peaceable enjoyment of their Honours with a kind of Neutrality for Envy of the Commons on one side and of the Spaniards on the other or else out of an inveterate Stupidity because some cunning Princes changing the Execution of their Military Offices into Hereditary Possessions had taken all from them and given them as a Favour to the other Some few there were that either out of Love and Thirst of Renown or their particular Discontents did take up Arms and do Service suitable to their Births and Qualities Among the Commons the young men and such as onely knew the Evil of the present Times because they had never seen Peace were content with any condition of Affairs not being sensible of the War otherwise than by Rumors and paying Taxes and many because the Religion publikely received was not affected by them for no other cause followed the Cry But the Laws of Holland though many of them not very harsh in their Sanction did sorbid to the Catholikes even the use of their Religion in private notwithstanding the like Orders had been the cause of so many former Tumults The same also by a kind of implicite manner put them from the chief Honours But the States allowed some mean Allowance to Priests and Nuns so long as they lived quietly because in many places their Possessions were laid wast but it pleased by connivance to suffer the Meetings of other Sects The Ministers of the Publike Religion were admitted on neither side into the Council nay the whole Throng of Ecclesiastical Persons were beyond the Inspection of the Magistrates Finally if the nearest Troubles had been appeased there would have been no suddain fear of new ones On the other side There was another Party of Netherlanders whose long Experience and continual Converse among Troubles had made them now not gainsay the Causes thereof There was onely a Shadow of those Laws in use before the War nor was the Duke of Parma's Modesty alike constant to all Some Cities were kept under by Garrisons but all were cuâ—hed by the Authority of Governours And although the Bishops enjoyed the Seats the Lady Regent formerly being the Duke of Parma's Mother and Alva had setled them in and many other Things were done for the Jesuits sake yet the Inquisition and all punishments inflicted thereby were either suspended or moderated in regard of the War and respect to the Enemy because the greatest part having fled that were Disseuters the rest had learned to obey rather out of fear than punishment On both sides Traffike and Merchandizing together with the increase of Work-mens Wages did readily supply the dearne's of Victuals and other Things necessary for Man's Life and also the Prices set upon greater Commodities and the Fruits of the Field which were somewhat scarce Among the Hollanders the Merchants Trade flourished which is the Nurse of all Inferiour Manufactures Amsterdam alone equallizing the greatest Mart-Towns either of this present or of former Ages In the mean while as the Benefits of Peace were received notwithstanding the War so the Evils thereof were not quite vanished for Men's Minds were not so much naturalized to Cruelty by the use of Arms as to run into contrary Extreams For all such as fled hither for safety and had secured themselves from a necessitated Banishment by a competent Provision by the Company and Society of Forreigners and imitating the better sort of them no Check of the Laws being able to restrain them would run into a supersâ—â—ous Excess and Vanity of Clothes and Dyet until they had by this means drawn in others to the same to avoid the shame of Poverty though they were in no way able to bear the same And therefore then that old and constant simplicity of the Hollanders and their uncorrupted Frugality was changed into Luxury and Profuseness which though it might advantage the Treasure yet was I am sure very pernicious and destructive to all good Manners because as Avarice as old overgrown Evil grows into Confidence it will not let Nations Conquer'd think so as long as they can live at such heighth But the Vices of the Enemy made these seem Virtues whose more wastful and abominable Prodigality was 〈◊〉 to be curbed even by Poverty it self The End of the Annals of the Netherlands THE HISTORY OF THE Low-Countrey's Affairs WRITTEN By HUGO GROTIUS The First BOOK I Shall here begin to Declare that more setled Course of Affairs wherein Prince Maurice having attained the Chief Command of the Army drew up himself the whole Managery of all Businesses The Commonwealth had still the same Face Religion was controverted with like Animosity the War sharply maintained with equal Obstinacy and all hopes of Peace utterly laid aside so that now the Series of Things was indeed in respect of its Actions various but
in it self not at all intricate England was assaulted by Spanish Forces and France greedily thirsted after not with a covetous Eye or vain Wish onely but by the sad Threats of a Malicious War It cannot be denied but that his Treasury is exceeding great yet not sufficient to maintain so many Wars at once from hence becoming sensible of all the Evils of Poverty During this time both the Minds and Forces of the Low-Countrymen had some ease and respite Leagues and Alliances were begun with several Kingdome and in part again broken off There the Praefects and Governours often changed and at last the Regent himself Confidence not resting assured in the meanness of her Guard and Treacheries most ignoble abounding every where Whereas here by the Vigilance and Ingenuity of one Captain not onely Danger was escaped but Arms advantaged the Navall and Maritime Power increased infinitely and at once in Strength against the Enemy and in Reputation amongst others so that now it might credibly be believed that in the Equality of both Parties the War would now grow doubtful for this time made it appear that the smallest things might be waited on with humane hope and that it was never too late to be helped by a Miracle I am about to publish according to the Method of History what things have certainly been seen and heard nor am I ignorant how odious it is afresh to being in mind these things among them whose Hatred is yet raging where by the positive and impartial Assertions of Truth you may happily by the Enemy be accused of Flattery and to your own Side not seem altogether free from untruths But the Judgment and Reward of my Fidelity will proceed from Posterity And if God have in Mercy appointed any End to this grievous and bloudy War it may chance there will be some who drawing Arguments from hence may give an Account thereof with greater Security and more Eloquence In the interim let it be for the benefit of such as being far remote from the knowledge of our Troubles may know the value of their own Peace from the Evils suffer'd by others and may hence learn Documents of War whereof though not in Civil Discords they may the more fortunately make use of against a Barbarous Enemy But it is very difficult to set down Things as they were really done because the absent many times are quite forgot and the present too much praised As that most offends the Reader so this makes the Writer more blame-worthy Besides the following Age doth many times either out of forgetfulness or the potency of the Conquerour leave out or at least fall short of the exact Discovery of their Knowledg But if it be necessary for those Things to be publikely mention'd it will be advantageous to the Writer that he lived among those who may well be ashamed if they allow not to him that Liberty which they promised to all Adde also that many of the Events happen'd hereabouts and he hath the greater advantage and reason to admire the mean beginnings of this increasing Common-wealth THE Great Year according to the Account of Christendom One Thousand Five Hundred Eighty and Eight and which Astrologers had sore-told to be the last of the World was now come Certainly either that Art is vain and it must be reckon'd among the Follies of our rash Credulities that we suppose our selves able to comprehend Futurity or else it is an Errour of such who do not rightly understand the many vast Intriques of Destiny As a part of the Caelestiall Threats the Spanish Great Fleet was looked upon which while he had Peace with the Turk and saw France embroiled in a Civil War at Home he made great hast to set out For it was not enough that they who had been Conquerors of so many Kingdoms and subjected the New World so long should win a little Nation to their Empire by mutual Conflicts unless with Scandalous Language they abused the Government thereof by a Woman But the Englishmens Confidence encouraged the Low-Country men and the Bulwark of the Sea made the English-men confident to repell Force by Force for they had not yet forgotten the Names of Saxons Danes and Normans nor were insensible that whoever entred an Island seldom failed to win the possession thereof For the Kings of England because they had been troubled with Civil Wars to prevent future danger in time to come upon like occasions dismantling all Garrisons Forts and Castles had laid the Kingdom open to Forreign Invasion Then besides what signified their weak Bodies and Minds made effeminate by a long Peace and Luxury being without Leaders without Cavalry against the well-disciplin'd Power of the Spaniard and those that under the Duke of Parma's Conduct had for so many years been Victorious Thus did they threaten Revenge to such as should not assist them but the rest some Respite should be given to Now as it is the Custom of greedily ambitious and covetous men promising their Hopes a larger and more extended progress they destin'd to themselves the interdicted and excommunicated Kingdom of Scotland and Denmark intending afterwards to make use of English Forceâ— and withall of their Natural Hatred against France at such time as that Kingdom should be embrewed and even lye wallowing in her own Bloud As for the rest of Europe divided among so many Petty Princes and never like to be united or cemented by any good Correspondence or Harmony it would of course become a Prey to their Conquering Swords But men of more serious and modest Judgments could not believe they were so vain as to promise themselves so great Success though but in Imagination but rather supposed they might endeavour to try their Fortune at Sea against all Nations on the Coasts thereof and to spread abroad among all People a great though not a certain Terrour of them or else for a time to compell all Pyrates to keep within their lurking Places and themselves to bear away all commerce And the Pope whose name at this time was Sixtus the 5th had encouraged set on the Spaniard by his Bulls to Conquer England which the Simplicity of some of her former Kings had made Tributary as was said to his Triple-Crown He therefore following the Examples of many Popes his Predecessors who first by the Discords of Princes had usurped a Right over Kingdoms and then over Kings themselves exposed England to the Conquest of whoever would undertake it as if Queen Elizabeth had taken the Government thereof without any Right and detained the same by the Slaughter of the Nobles and the slavish fear of the People urging moreover besides the Crime of her Heresie the stain of Bastardy as being born in Adultery which had been endeavour'd to be concealed with the Veil of a Divorce These and many other things were mention'd in the Ball inviting all men to be assistant to such an Expedition and absolving from all Tyes her Subjects whether of Oath or
safety into the merciless Fury of a most impetuous and stormy Sea where they threw over-board their Horses Cattel and much other Goods to lighten their Ships against the insulting Waves Then the Duke of Medina Sidonia gave Order to such as came up to him that they should steer their Course between the Orcades and some other Islands in that Sea to the Ports of Biscay Himself with some few Ships that were in better case than the rest makes his way to the Great Sea the rest went not far off from Ireland some of whom by various stress of Weather brought back again were cast some upon the Coast of England some of France Many driven into Norway were then dashed in pieces against the Rocks and another part thereof by a boysterous and raging Storm was whiâ—led into the furthest part of the North and the yet unknown World The King of Scotland performed the Laws of Peace and Hospitality to all that were cast upon his Dominions Two and Thirty were cast away upon the Irish Flatts and the adjacent Sea and the men labouring to save themselves weâ— slain by the Inhabitants because they were more in number than consisted with their safety to shew mercy to the rest were followed even into their Country by the implacable Fury of Revengeful Fate where two of them were burnt iâ— the very Port or Harbour and others by like Mischances destroyed onely Thirty remained that carryed Provisions and of Ships of War out one of all that late so great Fleer bringing home the Commander in Chief Many of the Nobles and not a few of the common sort died soon after their Return either by the Diseases they contracted in so troublesome and unfortunate a Voyage or else out of grief of Mind that while they looked upon themselves as Conquerours they should be subdued by the peevishness of Fortune The greatness of their Loss appeared in this that the King was forced to shorten the time of Mourning by Edict that he might hide from the publick view the Misfortune thereof that had filled so many Noble Families with Funerall Obsequies Some of the Prisoners both in England and Holland were Ransomed others had their Liberty given them freely Many times men learn Piety from Fear and the Event of a Thing hanging in doubtful suspence makes them run to their Prayers But here Publick Thanksgivings were Ordered to be given to God for this Victory and the Queen her Self being carryed in Triumph according to the antient manner made a Speech to the People wherein she shewed That a greater benefit could never be received from the Divine and Eternal Providence of God whereby to make out how weak and vain all Humane Strength is against the Power of Heaven And the Hollanders reaped another Benefit from this common Danger because after this they had the more Friendly Society of the English who hitherto were wont to boast that they had supported those Allies onely out of meer Humanity But the Duke of Parma while the Remainders of the Shipwrackt Fleet were getting home to Spain being cast from his accustomed Felicity into a Gulph of Misery and thrown from the heighth of Confidence to the bottom of Despair rather by the impulse of others than his own Advice because he began to be hated is drawn to besiege Berâ—â—op Zome The Brabanters urged him That he should not suffer one Town whence daily Inroads were made by their Troops of Horse into their Country and laid wast their Fields to infest them and put a stop to all his Victories Although he was not well pleased to remove the Army now burthensom to exhausted Flanders to any other place least out of Shame or Fear if it should refuse it should seem there was no relying upon their Assistance But if Fortune would once more become favourable and the Design should succeed thereby a way would be made into the Isles of Zeland and so to carry the War into Holland the next way as he thought to revive those hope which he had too confidently before relyed on and lost For that Town being rarely scituated on the Borders of Brabant at a little distance overlooks Zeland not far thence is the River Schelde into which the Zome from whence the Town is so named falleth whereby the Town hath a long but somewhat inversed or winding Haven It was in a very flourishing condition by continual Commerce under the Command of a Noble Family bearing its Surname untill by the Neighborhood of Antwerp and the Mischiefs of War it decayed having been taught woful Experience both by the Enemy and those who remained there in Garrison But when it came to be annexed to the Vnited States though sometimes indanger'd by Treachery yet now was â— first â—et upon by Force and a Siege Thol an Isle and Town of Zeland is divided from the Territory of Berghen by an Arm or Branch of the Scheld which being convenient for the passage of the Forces least if it should be left to the Hollanders it might hinder the Siege Montigâ—y and Octavius of Kindred to the Count Mansfeldt were sent before to possess it who coming upon a suddain together with flying Reports given out as if the War were intended against Hosden they lead Eight Hundred Souldiers over the Fords hoping to have privily surprized the Coast or Border of Zeland but the time of the Waters slowing being not well observed for then it flowed a few men easily worsted all those Defendants endeavouring with staggering Foot-steps by reason of the Mud to go forward In the mean time the Mâ—sketiers they had left in Brabant deâ—ended themselves under the Defence and Shield of the Bank for so the place proved to them But presently by the care of George Ebâ—rard Count Solmes that was Governour of the Island and the noising abroad of the danger the multitude of his men increasing put the Enemy to flight and drove them into the Whirlpools where without possibility of help they perished the Captains themselves hardly escaped by swimming The natural Marishness of the place being very Watry and somewhat deep destroyed as some report Four Hundred Men and if any part of their Bodies being yet alive appeared above Water presently with Darts or other Things cast at them they were killed in all this Encounter there being of the adverse Side but one man kill'd which is almost miraculous to relate and from thenceforth the Island was strengthned with Castles Guards and other Military Engines of Defence Hereupon the Duke of Parma taking another Resolution that by shutting up their Haven he might straighten the Townsmen of Provision with his great Army he besieged their Works placing Guards in all places near about them and where his Men were by any means separated he made Bridges to unite the passages to each other With all which the Citizens of Berghen were nothing terrified nor were as if they had been besieged because both Souldiers and Aid with all other things necessary for Defence were
plentifully brought to them out of Zeland and the Neighbouring Cities of Holland they fought either with Horse or Foot as if it had been two Camps one against another many light Skirmishes but never without drawing bloud from the Enemy Nor was the Souldiers Valour onely exemplary but the Townsmens Labour spent in fortifying the place was notable but most laudable of all was the Concord between the Captains and the Magistrates whereby they raised Money without grumbling by extraordinary Taxes But a difference beginning among the English Commanders who had a great strength in that Garrison and every thing else besides that of Trouble was publikely setled by Prince Maurice and the Deputies of the States brought thither by a strong and safe Convoy Between the Town and the River Scheld were two Castles on the one side sufficiently defended by Bulwarks on the other by the Estuary of the Sea and for the Battery on that of the North side the Duke of Parma did though in vain endeavour by his great Guns to divide it from the Town to hinder all passage and Trade by Sea and he was induced to that Care and Charge by the hope of Treachery which the Italian Policy is often eluded by Two Spanish Captives sollicited a Cook or Victualler at whose house they were kept and an English Souldier that used to frequent the house his name was Grimston to betray the Castle which passage because it is worthy to be known I will relate They although they could well enough in their own Natures digest any kind of Lucre yet so they resolved that if they could get any thing they would rather cozen their Enemies than their Friends and with this conclusion they come to the Governour tell him of the Design and desire his Instructions which he gives them in this manner That both of them should take opportunity to go to the Duke of Parma that he might not flight their Endeavours or rather which hapned that he might under the Vizor of Observance be circumvented The Duke binds them to him by Oath and for their present Fortune loads them both with Gifts and Promises and when yet he durst hardly trust them unless themselves in the Plot incurred some personal danger it was agreed that they should be bound between two Armed Souldiers with naked Daggers in their Hands that should go to the Fort but kill them before if they perceived any Intention of Deceit Thus imagining there had been caution enough used and that having slighted their own they would not decline the Aid and Protection of Strangers Upon this Confidence therefore Three Thousand Men and among them many of great quality were drawn out to undertake the seizing of the Castle The Gate was open till fifty were entred and thus far the Event made good their Promises But then presently a Port-Cullis the Ropes that held it being cut was let down and all that were come in were kill'd or taken nor did the Spanish Keepers mind the killing of the two bound Traytors being amazed with suddain fear and dreading the Fury of present Revenge But the excluded Multitude seeing they could not make any way back though they pressed and thronged with all their might turning Despair into Valour they scaled the Bulwark running through the Trench which was now empty by reason of the Ebbe and were now past the first Palisadoes through the Breast-work within whence driven with Fire-Balls Hand-Granadoes and their Fire-works prepared by those within fore-warned of the Design and flying whither they could fell into Ambuscadoes and other Traps laid for them and so were destroy'd a great part of them were slain and they that escaped slaughter the Tide now coming in and by their ignorance of the place were smother'd in the Mud The Duke of Parma finding himself thus deceived and that the Cruelty of the Weather wore out his men by Diseases and Death when now in the latter part of Autumn the Plains were by frequent Rains turned into Pools and the Rampires ready to fall by reason of the Mire first he left his Works then deserted his Camp and a long time afflicted with the scarcity of many things but at last with the want of all but especially of fresh Water he was forced by little and little to break up his Siege which he had for six Weeks vainly continued but least it should seem that he had done nothing he left some few places fortifyed against Excursions But the Townsmen of Berghen nothing hindred thereby after that very much inriched themselves by frequent Booties taken from the Enemy and began again to re-flourish being under the peculiar Obedience of Prince Maurico for the States gave him this and other places which had follow'd the Enemies part in lieu of those paternal Inheritances of his own which the Spaniard held from him The Duke of Parma all this Winter quarter'd his men in the Village of Brabant by means whereof that Country was wasted though not so soon as Flanders At the beginning of the Spring the Lord of Cimace the Duke Areschots Son was sent by the Prince of Parma with a Selected Band of Souldiers to besiege Bonne where Schenck not having men enough to defend it but sending to the Princes of Germany for Aid laying before them the danger of that famous City when they returned neither to himself not to Truxius any Forces to resist the Enemy it being their Interest that under the pretence of War in the Netherlands the Spanish Power should not invade all that was near them and by that means by little and little incroach upon their Right for powerful Empires are wont to take first one thing then another till at length they seize the whole their being now no Remedy to help themselves but by sending him present Supplies and out of the common fear to associate and joyn their Powers concluding thus That if they would defend and protect him he would preserve and keep Bonne for them But this Rhetorical Demand was answer'd with a Souldier-like Resolution in the Name of the Germans â— such Tearms as he little expected But We say they shal not embroyl our selves in other mens Quarrels for your sake having been better instructed by the many improspering Aids so often into France The Differences of the Provinces are ambiguous among themselves but would prove certainly very dangerous to any Forreigners that should interlope Some of our Number have never medled with the Netherlands the benefit whereof they are well satisfied in not willing to be rewarded as the King of France was for sending his Brother thither and Katharine of Medices for aiding Antonio And now when the same Spaniards seek Amity and a League shall we go to incense Philip who himself being a part of us by his great Possessions in Germany restored to their Seats the German Bishops Nay rather it behoves us to submit to his Potency with the desire of Peace than exasperate his Fury to the Triall of a Warre
own him But when he declared himself a Catholike the face of Affairs were on a sudden very much changed for the fault of the defection from and aversion to the Kings Name and Title was wholly call on the other yet was not Philip terrified by this example but that he now assisted the Duke of Guise his Brother who made use of a double pretence of Piety not in private but in the view of the whole World not that he so loved him but that he might keep involved in discords that Kingdom which lying between him and the Low-Countries had formerly been very dangerous and troublesome to him and if his designs were crowned with success he would commit the same to some one of his own Allyance with a fiduciary Power And the Reason by him pretended for this was because he marryed Isabella the Daughter of Henry the Second King of France by whom he had a Daughter a Person most fit to govern that Kingdom either in regard to her Fathers Merits or her Mothers Blood and so much the rather because the Dukedom of Bretaigne as severall other Principalities of France were known to have been fortunately ruled by a Woman's hand On the other side the Duke of Savoy the Spaniard's Son in Law enlarged his Borders to the very opening of the Alps The Queen of England being informed by a particular Envoy that the Duke of Parma had sent Lamot into France with an Army both of Horse and Foot forthwith ordered a supply of mony to the King of France together with four thousand English Souldiers Neither were the States of the United Provinces backwards in granting him Assistance for first they sent Ships with Provisions and all other necessary Munitions for War then adding thereto mony far more liberally than the present exigencies of their Affairs would permit and this only in hope of a future benefit It was certainly a noble and an honourable act and that raised an emulation towards their moderated Liberty that they having so newly erected themselves into a Commonwealth should yet by their Riches support and help a Kingdom the success thereof proving no less advantagious to the French than distructive to their Enemies while the Walloons Country to whom formerly they committed their cause lying open and exposed to the mischief of War was equally damnifyed whether assaulted by the French or their own Souldiers Afterwards the Spanish Forces France putting a stop to their victorious times lay open to the Hollander who for eight years together increased their Treasury enlarged their bounds and augmented their Armies untill the Bourbonian by his own vertue and valour waded through all the threatning billows raised against him by his obstinate adversaries and himself at last becoming a Catholike brought under his subjection all parties rather laying aside his Arms than the memory of that Pristine League It seems here very convenient now we are relating the French Affairs to search as far as humane Reason can direct us how the Belgick troubles having the like beginnings should yet have so different a Progress For a Peace being setled formerly between King Philip and the King of France these two Princes seemed to be of one mind having concluded a mutual League to extirpate all Religions which had begun or increased either by impunity or War But the French Peers hating the Guisian Potency that they might not become contemptible as the Netherlanders to the Spaniards took occasion to draw the multitude now contending about Religion into Tumults and Arms but the Events were most unlike for there the Subjects obedience was preserved entire and consequently the Roman Catholique Religion carryed the day but so only as to keep under not oppress the other But here the old Form of Government is altered the differing Rites grow insociable neither allowing the other and so between Servitude and liberty become divided The cause whereof I suppose may be that the Guises or Lorraines being by themselves in private but weak did afterwards receive from abroad such small help as might indeed follow but not force their Fortune So that the main of their strength either consisted under the pretence of the Kings name or the affections of the vulgar which are mean supports and of no duration where there is any experiment of utility on the other side And the Kings of France have within themselves the whole strength of that one People so that they diminish their own Authority by tyrannizing and wholly loose what is spent in revenge And the very Commons though highly offended with the differences in Religion yet when once they became sensible of the miseries of War were not so desirous of revenge as Peace Hence proceeded those Edicts of Peace so often hastned so often withstood by the now divided affections of the People who might rather be said to lay aside War than to make and observe a Peace for being weary of a long War they were driven to force and treachery by the impulse of others not their own obstinacy and being always accustomed to a Kingly Government they might have been composed before if the one King famously knowing in the Arts both of War and Peace had tempered himself and his Laws according to the strength and prevalence of parties They who were newly gotten into power being ignorant how to use the time nourished discords by variety of evill deeds while they of a more active Spirit or such whose Riot incapacitated them either got or lost all and this was the only hindrance of Peace But on the other side the Spaniards having a King that wished the same things in hatred to the Belgick liberty and who was now grown old in the enjoyment of his Territories by the keeping abroad so great Forces never feared the Netherlandish Solitudes especially having Presidents both in Italy and America that where they could not subject into Provinces they should settle Colonies But the French were highly offended with the pride avarice and cruelty of this forraign Nation the very Catholikes themselves who had never faltered in point of Religion disliking their Customs some of whom having been before circumvented and deluded with the hope of better things becoming an example to the rest that they would with all violence exercise their malice as mistrusting the breach of Peace under that notion to hide their revenge Thus a War no less cruel than civill Wars use to be continued but still looked as forraign But Count William in Frizeland straitned the City of Groning not able to resist the greatness of his endeavours by scarcity and death having wasted all their Provision about the Country he got also Reide a Peninsula of a very convenient Scituation between the River Eâ—mes and the Bay of Dullart The City being suspected for this mischief cast it upon Verdugo because he had refused a Garrison from thence being both recruited this with a new addition of Foot and Nassau with more Horse sometimes with mutual fear sometimes taking opportunities
were committed to his Sâ— Charles with order to put them into Garrisons left any of them by the want of their appointed strength should incâ—r any danger As soon as Prince Maurice throughly understood these things he sent some even as far as Germany to take possession of the places they had left All those Fornifications were taken wherewith the Spaniard had beset the Banks and passages of Journies and the Works they had erected in that peaceable Country by the Rhine and the Maes were all defaced and overthrown Another part of the Army made inrodes into Brabant and Flanders being near to them and brought thence booty even out of the middle of the Country and not only the Dorps and Villages but the weaker Towns were assaulted woâ— and wasted Thus in Autumn he easily recovered what ever had been conquered by or yielded to Mansfoldt the former year by the side of the Maes or about Breda and utterly subverted all that was unnecessary Besides these he annexed his paternal Town of Steeneberg famous of old for a Harbour for it lies just upon a turning of the Merowe Now the French War raged destructively both at Sea and Land the Governours of the Norman Coasts having fought luckily against the King of France's Enemies in a Sea-fight nor was any Policy omitted to facilitate the Victory The Prince of Orange his men assaulted Dunkirk both with Ships from Sea and scaling Ladders at Land and the Spaniards invaded Lochem by treachery but both by fore-knowledge prevented their fate There was a great rumour this year of the Germans preparing for a War to vindicate and revenge their Borders violated by the incroaching of their Neighbours Now they who began to meet in parties to take to either side interpreted all things to applause or contempt every one as his Conscience or hatred to the Enemy led him For the Spaniards having gotten the furthest part of Frizeland wasted both Villages and the whole Country beyond the Rhine Nor were the Garrison Souldiers of Gelderland which lay about the Dukedoms of Cleues and Juilliers any moderater but robbing that Country lying beyond them they brought all the prey they got into the Castles Cities where they were not questionable for the same Then the Hollanders Horsemen imitâ—ted the same licentiousness when ever having worsted the Enemy they followed the pursuit Thus being circumvented now with hope of Peace anon with the cruelty of War they summoned a Dyet where after tedious delays as it is indeed the custom of that Nation by protracting Counsels sometimes even with threats they rather delayed the remedies than removed the evills At last an Embassie was agreed upon and Decreed 〈◊〉 to expostulate the Wrongs and then to command them â— desist from War and all Acts of Hostility unless within the Borders of the particular Adversaries And to this purpose they very carefully and judiciously debated the Point with the Duke of Parma at the time he was going upon the French Expedition Whereto he answer'd very sharply being accustomed otherwise to shift off all Complaints of that naâ— to wit either by rejecting them absolutely or answering them ambiguously But this was the effect of his present Reply That there had been many antient Differences continued among the Provinces by reason of former Losses upon their Borders and that now it was not in the General 's power to set a form of War but as they endured casuall Fires Innundations of Waters and other Evils either of Nature or Fate so they had better â— bear with the present necessities of the Times than to begin a Quarell with the impatient undergoing thereof But if former Enemies would depart thence with all Strangers then he also would restore what property belonged to the Germans always provided that the Money which was expended in the War of Colen a secured to the King In the interim they should consider that there were a necessity that they must suffer certainly the old Religion best merited their Patience for whose onely sake he was sâ— for into Germany What is the Example grown dubious by increased Liberty whom to regard best Of old these Warlike People have been wont to observe all the Motions of their Neighbours and to have a care of their own strength that they might cast down any Neighbour Paince that were weaker much more now when they dare so much against a Powerfull King You ought rather to pray to God that whoever is in the fault of the War may being either overcome in Battel or conquered with Repentance be forced to return to their first Obedience and Duty and that thâ— would not be long a doing if by the deniall and cutting off all Trading and Provision they were couped up within their own narrow Limits With this Answer being dispatched they go to the Confederate Provinces with greater Confidence and more malapert Demands For first they required the delivery of the Island of Gravewaerdt together with all other things which they possessed on their Borders And after that the Passages of the Rhine be free and without Guards and Forts and neither the Rhine nor the Ems being both German Rivers to be thereafter encombred with the Terrour of Fleets nor the Payment of Tributes To this the States answer'd That they hoped they should make their Endeavours appear more just and should truly lay the blame of disturbing the Peace upon the Enemy which they without Reason aspersed them withall And so beginning with the Causes arising from the Inquisition and the grievous punishment inflicted by it they proceeded with their throwing off Bishops and at large demonstrated the Murther of the Nobles the Oppressions of the Commons and the other Miseries of Slavery By these Injuries say they being necessitated to take Arms we seek no other thing by this so tedious and dangerous War but to free our Bloud and Relations oâ— Wives and Daughters Bodies from Barbarous Cruelty and Bestiall Abuse and Muckery This onely is the hope this the end of all our Fighting and we hope our Poverty will be no more spighted or envyed than the strong Commonwealth of Switzerland which is terrible to its Neighbours It is more reason to fear and more just to resist those great Robbers of the whole World whom neither the vast Solitudes of America the Slaughters of People both in Granata and the Netherlands nor the Servitude of Portugal and a great part of Italy is able to satisfie And as both among Beasts and Fishes the greater and more ravenous sort live upon Prey so inferiour States are always obnoxious to the Hatred and Fury of greater Empires Is it a thing unknown by whose Design chiefly the English were sollicited to Sedition Who made Ireland Rebell and caused the French oppose their lawfull King It behaves you therefore to be wary for even among you the Spaniard hath such as hired by him are ready 〈◊〉 advise or act what suits best to his Advantage Nay they 〈◊〉 hath their sight are yet
out of fear compelled to obey them â— may be observed among the Indians who reverence them as they do Evil Spirits that they may not hurt them He to wit Paâ—a without blame undermines by Treachery the Cities of Cleâ—â— Others are voluntarily delivered as a Pledge of Friendship by him whose due they were as the Revenue of his Ecclesiastical Proâ—tions as is said which now are really become trusty Recepâ—cles of Villany and so many Dens for Robbery Nay the most opulent and wealthy Prince when his Souldiers want Money pâ—â—ts out you for their Pay Masters and whole Regiments of Souldiers as well as others are made fat with German Tributes We at this time onely strive for this that we may not suffer an unlike Fortune in a like Cause We certainly if ever â— People labour to keep our Souldiery unblameable and peaceable towards all our Neighbours by our constant Pay to them Our Subjects bear us Witness and the Legal Punishments inflicted on â— that are guilty that as far as War is to be Governed we striveâ— preserve the Peace of all that do not disturb us Onely herein â— hope you will pardon us if sometimes the Souldier takes may upon him than the Officers or Magistrates We have hitherto maintained the antient Estimation of Holland even in the Mischiefs of War among the most remote Nations much less shal we the antient Companions and Followers of the Romane Prowess and so near allied in Bloud to the Germans by any Perfidy violate that Great Parent which always furnished us with Captains instructed us in Vertue and shewed us the Example of Liberty As for Gravewaerdt the chief Government of it long before the War and Charges of a Disputed Right belonged to Gelderland as standing in that Jurisdiction We hold it not to injure others but to defend our Selvss and our Borders And for the rest of the Towns and Castles although being taken from the Enemy they lost their Priviledge of Peace yet we shall willingly yield them that as Force first began from the Spaniard so with us Right shall be both a beginning and Example The Burden laid upon Trade that passeth our Borders is nothing so heavy to our Neighbouring Nations as to our own People they have necessitated by War though they be no other than such as are frequently demanded and taken by most Potent Princes And to remove our Guards of Shipping when the Enemy lies all about the Rivers is not consistent in Policy with Safety but they are rather Safeguards to all such as pass that way and likewise defend you as well as our Selves About this time there came also an Embassie both from Colen and Leige Bojoarus was Bishop of both places Wherefore the States not medling with the cause of Truxius his Quarrel they complained of many things against the Bishop whose unasatiable Avarice took Confidence onely from the Spanish Greatness assisting him However they assured to Colonian's Safety and Peace if as standing in the middle they would onely converse with Parties as Neuters But the Condition of them of Leige was far different having both done and suffer'd by connivence many Acts of Hostility Against them also was objected the punishment of such as were innocent under colour of vindicating Religion and afterwards when the rest of the Netherlands were possessed by the Spaniards intermixedly they so openly set out for them Winter-quarters and raised Summer Provisions that if we may not plainly say it was a Voluntary Act yet we may well say it was not Compulsory And therefore to hope for Peace where they had so deserved and in the interim upon Order to send away their Prisoners there was little Reason It would not be amiss or any ways absurd to dive further into these Matters that both the Reason of War against the adjoyning Cities and what Peace they may expect may be understood And indeed after this there was Freedom taken both for Rapine and Injuries as every Province inclined hither or thither out of fear of Danger or sometimes out of Design They hardly ever took a Voyage free from Arms and Force while both endeavouring to get away by that very means drew on the Enemy Thus in several renewed Embassies there was nothing but the same over again heard at spoken But the Hollander yielded up several strong Holds as desired but in truth because they were so far distant that they could not easily be maintained or defended and that they might thereby heap upon the Spaniard Envy if not bring upon him a War because he would perform none of those things which before he had agreed to And there were some in the German Dyet who would have nothing but Force and Arms used against them for neglect of performing their Promise But the other Princes and Bishops who continued all in one Society of the Catholike Religion or were otherwise obliged to one another broke the strength of that Design to use Force by procrastinating Consultations and the hope of a Pacification with the Netherlands And now some were sent from the Confederate States to complain that they were betrayed by the Treachery of their Enemies and the careless Sloth and Neglect of their Friends They having given away from themselves the Rewards of their Pains and Charge in the War for as yet Truxius did not appear while Philip yet unquestion'd kept possession of all the Cities near the Rhine Nor could they obtain of the Emperour any whit the less every year to forbear to assist the Spaniard with Arms though he saw them averse to the desired Peace At the end of the year the Duke of Parma returning from France was afflicted and vexed with many things though he brought with him the Honour of having freed Paris from a cruel Siege and bringing his Army Home safe from among so many dangerous and mortal Enemies For both himself and his Army were hated by the French Commons and the Cities would not receive Garrisons of his Men for fear of Forreign Servitude so that here all Philip's hopes were blasted and he found there was no relying on such uncertain Friendship Another of his Vexations was That by the Enemies Excursions most of the Fortifications through the whole Netherlands had been Reduced That Verdugo in Frizeland onely taking the small Castle of Ementell had in all other Maâ—ters of War been unfortunate and the Souldiers at that present were ready to Mutiny And the Townsmen of Venâ—e a place in Gelderland near the Maes startled him for they being perplexed with the tedious Evils of a double Garrison first by the help of the German Souldiers drove out the Italians and afterwards taking more courage became too strong for them and turned them out Besides another Sedition grew more violent among the selected men hastned through Germany by Mansfeldt to hinder Prince Maurice his Progress because he had provided for the new raised men part of their wages and debarred the rest from any This Mansfeldt was an old Commander
become liable to the same batred with the Souldiery that they alone among all hazards may not go free distributing their Affections at their pleasure but should behold the fortune of both Parties in one anothers bloud But if the Enemy could not be withstood in all places yet certainly it were better that the whole Country should lye wast and be altogether uninhabited than as it is now to lye open to the Enemies Invasion and yield them Contribution and other means of Treachery to know all is done That now all the Regiments were weakned and corrupted as it were by a Contract of Sluggishness while every one laying aside Arms seeks by Obligation of others to confirm his own safety Hence it proceeds that they are ready to flee at the thought of a Battel and chuse rather the Trade of a City than to indure the first shock of their Enemy The Romans who were the perfect Exemplars of Military Disciplines always took care that no Souldier should have 〈◊〉 Employment than that of his Arms How oft it hath been 〈◊〉 that even the stoutest Minds have been worn out of Courage â— the hope of Safety when on the other side the most time â—dants have by Desperation become Valiant The Souldier â—der his Colours should be taught that there is no third thing â—tween Death and Victory to be admitted among them 〈◊〉 Peace mix'd with War is nothing else but a hindrance of pâ— Peace and a means to yield daily nourishment to War Wâ— words being deliver'd in a fierce Tone drew many to 〈◊〉 with him by his Authority and the pretence of his well-bâ— Counsel On the other side some few who had Experieâ— of those things and did mind the Duke of Alva's Seveâ— how it was repressed averred That all things were not câ—venient at all times that the Customs of this Age were far 〈◊〉 for such a Discipline especially now when no man will take 〈◊〉 Oath unless he be allured thereto by Reward and the easie â—s eâ—vice of the War That such Rigour is not the way to Peacâ— Concord nor is the War with the Bordering Neighbours so â—tal that it must needs be managed with the utter Reine of 〈◊〉 and Depopulation of the Country but as in the frequent Differences of Neighbours and Companions all hope of Reconciliation 〈◊〉 to be thrown away so in civil Discords there is a moderation be used as being all under the pleasure of Fortune Nor 〈◊〉 the Rule both of Commanders and Souldiers be wanting if 〈◊〉 Dispute may be argued by Examples who would never executeâ— Severity of War upon any but in the heat of Battel And the â—ring of Corn releasing Captives without Ransome hath for aâ— Ages made their Clemency adde a Lustre to their Fame aâ— Prosperity Discourses thus bandied pro and con at last it hapned beâ— as it doth too often in many Businesses that the majoâ— carryed from the better And therefore Count Maâ— made it a Law That all Prisoners taken in War should be condemned to some corporall punishment and so should all that assisted the Enemy by payment of Contribution The United States as they were necessitated set forth an Edict to the same purpose That within a certain time this Cruelty of the Spaniards with bitter Invectives might be resented And now the Villages and Fields were Forraged with wandring Incursions the Souldiers so soon as taken were hanged and many Examples of strange Fortune were shew'd upon all First of all the Priests and Nobility intreat the Removal of this miserable Destruction from their Possessions in regard they could not always be provided to resist a suddain violence upon their Fields lying open to be invaded But the Souldiery decreased and such as remained fearfully endeavoured by all means to shun any meeting with the Enemy if they could but hear one anothers Voices at a distance Beside they cryed out That they sold their Lives but for a little Money and yet could never have that when it was due but whether they had or no they were sure to be drawn out to fight and must venture all manner of Wounds and the Victory it self yielded them little advantage If at any time by the Averseness of Fortune a Souldier sell into the Enemies hands while he was suffering death by the Executioner's hand he was laughed at because he had not fled in time The Captains and Tribunes trembled in silence to think that the more fortunate they had been the greater was their hazard These things made them admire Antiquity in the Obedience of the present Times and at last made them return to their old Custom to redeem their Lands with Tribute to make Exchange of Prisoners and that he who Ransom'd himself should for the same give a Months Pay Which for the future was punctually observed and if 〈◊〉 one violated these priviledges the same severity was 〈◊〉 to him by the Enemy Thus with an equall terrour and punishments of some innocent persons the Laws of 〈◊〉 were re-established In the Winter some Horse and a few Foot under the Command of Philip of Nassau were sent out to constrain â—zenburg and the outside skirts of the Netherlands to 〈◊〉 Tribute and they wanted but a little of winning the Toâ— of St. Vit the fault of missing it being wholly in the Scoâ— who brought word that on that side which they intended 〈◊〉 fall upon they had onely two Gates to hinder them when as they found a third after the two other were beaten down After they had continued abroad full fourteen dayes a â—raging the Enemies Garrisons all the while as occasion oâ—fered picquering with them when either taking away 〈◊〉 burning whatever came in their way they returned safe 〈◊〉 their Quarters and loaden with spoyl The Condition oâ— the Borders at this time was most miserable for a select â—ty of Count Mansfeldts men wasted and took away whatever the Nassavians had left the noyse of the French Wâ— being also at the same time rumoured which by triviall diâ—cords threw both Lorrain and Strasburg into a vast abysâ— of mischiefs Hence arose innumerable Complaints but theâ— got very little remedy or redress As soon as the conveniency of the season permitted the Hollanders being the chief of the Union turned their mind from forreign business to domestick cares They concluded that without doubt it was very necessary to take Gertruydeâ—burg for that one Town being torn from their Body 〈◊〉 much torment Holland Therefore while it was yet Winter they hastned to prepare all things fit to that future intend least either the Enemy should prevent them or the Frizâ— should draw their Forces that way But now the Fortifications not so well proved of late in the former frustrated Siege of the place were defended by a stout number of Souldiers to wit fifteen Ensigns of Walloons and Germans and the continued care of their Officers And the Winterly Waters and frequent shoures had more than ordinary augmented the continual moysture of the Fields
Against all which there â—as onely hope in celerity while the flower of the Enemies Army was yet detained upon the Borders of France The â—se out of Brabant were commanded to environ the Town and that their store might be diminished to stop all provisions going to them for succour And forthwith the Prince having prepared all things for for War carried thither in Ships all his Foot-forces which in truth could not be called many for the Frizons had their own men and Prince Maurice in vain desired Count William to come thither to him with ayd A great Lake lies before the Town and washes indeed the greater part of it spreading it self backward from the mouth of the Maes since the year one thousand four hundred twenty and one at which time the Sea in a most impetuous manner broke through all its boundaries and drowned seventy and two Villages This they call it Merow by one common name with the Channel of the Wael and it is probable that it first received that name from some of the antient Kings of France is washed on the right side by the River Dungen springing out of the fields thereabout adjacent The Land on the other side of the Bank is in the Jurisdiction of Holland although for that it is doubtful the Brabander lay a claim to it It is part of the possessions of Nassau by right of pledge The Prince of Aurange after the Peace made at Gaunt fortified it as an entry or inlet into Brabant There were famous Pools that abounded with Fish but now the Fish is almost all gone being driven thence either by Fords and shallow Sands continually encreasing or else by the voyce and thunder of War about them and the daily mischiefs done them by men In the Bank which contains the water for the rest onely hiding the water with a thin film of Earth cannot be wrought to any thing are many turnings and coverts which lead to the Works of the Town lying beyond the Trench But the Northerly blasts of the Spring by tempest upon the Lake had broken down that part of the Bank it being weakened before by digging And again the same way for there remained no other the Darts and Shot out of the Castle which the Enemy yet held on the neighbouring Bank of Dungen infested all that attempted it This was difficult in the access but a kind of hurdles being made and covered with Loam were put there that they might cover and be as a Trench for such as should assault the place And out of the Isle of Dungen which is hard by were made many Shot and at the same time Count Hohenlo least fresh men should be sent out of the Town to supply the Castle invades the narrow and strait passage a happy adventure whereupon it was surrendred In these labours and fortifying the Camp almost a month was spent before Mansfeldt approached He sent part of his Troops before to Turnehout but Prince Maurice his Horse voluntarily made an incursion upon them while yet they were but coming together into a Body for they being of no use among the Marshes the Prince had quartered them in Town so as they could well infest the Enemies marche And Count Mansfeldts Son Charles being safe returned from the Enemy was in danger among his own men for being called out of France by hasty Messengers where he had first taken Noyon as is before mentioned and afterwards Vallery as he required a Centurion of a Spanish Band being then in the Borders of Artoys who had been found guilty of a Rape to be brought forth to punishment he scarcely escaped the fury and madness of the rest himself being struck at with the Souldiers Weapons under his Command they also casting off their Knapsacks as if they had been going to fight These tumultuary licentiousnesses were customary in forreign places with them in regard there was wages due to them for a â—s eâ— moneths Mansfeldt being a German and having a regard to his own Honour and his Fathers greatness which be perceived envyed was much vexed wherefore leaving them in the Town of St. Paul which they had set upon and gotten himself with some trusty Regiments slipping away castle to the Army and augmented its number which the Commandeâ—s marched withâ—ll but very slowly it s own multitude hindering its speed For having 12000 Foot and about 3000 Horse their Confidence was suâ—h that they believed immediately to over-run their Enemy who was not all so strong as they for Prince Maurice had not much above 5000. Wherefore from this action Honour was to be gained to the new Governour and they hoped from hence is to purchase glory to the one so to strike terrour into the other Neither did any suspect the immense largeness of the Fields in regard there were such incertain bogs and so many Moores scattered up and down among them and they were so inclosed that as the place yielded not room for the Armies to fight so the Fords and shallowes afforded no place for stratagems or Ambuscadoes Wherefore observing I suppose the face of the Siege and in what manner the War was managed he thought fit only to venture with a few because the other part of the Camp did not merit the like fame either in the danger or event and truly this first example of his was given with a very true consideration in praising the policy of the Antients who ever made use of all things to the purpose rather than for ostentation The Prince had pitched his two Camps in several Fields that had easie ascents that he himself might defend the left side of the River and other places near to the City towards the West the other part towards the East Hohenlo had the charge of the whole Leaguer every Regiment having his proper Station and Tents between which were the Ways and Markets was like a City and was on every side fortified with a strong incurvated Rampire wheâ—eon were planted many Cannon This could not be much weakned at a distance and the Enemy could not come near to fight without great hazard and damage Near the Trench that ran before it wherein there was a double Rowe of Palizadoes headed with Iron least the falling off of the Water should leave them bare or on the other side by a too great increase should overflow the Works There were Seluces and Engines fitted on purpose to let out the Water Dungen being also fitted with two Bridges by which means there was a very near way to the Camp and a Cross-way being made over the Marishy places with Cawseys where they were cover'd before with the Hurdles and Baskets stuffed and cover'd with Mud and Loam all that passed that way were secured on one side And then whatsoever part of the Fields had been more wet than was convenient it soon became firm by the throwing in of Faggots Bavins and other like Stuff and if any where they were hindred by Estuaries and the force of the Waters were
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
of Authority was equally ridiculous both to his own Souldiers and his Enemies they had changed an old feeble man for a person of great Nobility and therefore they gloried at once of that Honour and their restored Laws that according to the antient Custom one was sent to govern them that was of Royal Blood and by Kinred allyed to the King They remembred that Alva and Requescuse had stirred up the War by their forraign Authority And the Duke of Parma though otherwise we I enough liked was maligned for his Country sake That Don John who had attained Royal Blood by all wayes both of Birth and Vertue wanted rather the moderation than the affection of the Nobles and People But that now there was truly come the off-spring of Emperours with a German uprightness neither infected with hatred or malice and consequently more prone to concord He had governed in behalf of his Brother the Emperour both the Panâ—â—nia's or Hungary beloved by the Subjects for his mildness in the taking care of them and the blandishments of his leisure time not much provoking the Enemy nor himself by them often provoked Not averse from fighting when the Barbarians urged him by disturbing his peace and it may seem that he was the rather chosen as one who might compose the Netherlandish Affairs the Citizens being even tyred with War and the King well knowing that it would be in the Conquerours power to make what Laws he pleased for the settlement of peace This Duke Ernestus was of such gravity in Conversation that the Netherlanders interpreted it to pride But which is proper to his Countrymen being not Superiour in his Affairs he was easily ruled either by Counsel or Command With this mediocrity of disposition he had so pleased Philip that he intended to have married him to his Daughter and strongly argued in the French Counsel by Embassadors 〈◊〉 confer upon him the Kingdom of France fearing perchance that if he should marry her to any Frenchman and at any time after his Issue male should fail that Spain by accessâ—â—â— to the Crown of France would become a Province thereâ—â— But Providence provided otherwise in that affair 〈◊〉 brought Henry of Burbon through divers variety of Fortune and setled him in the Kingdom for he being grieved â— himself that being born to a Kingdom he should onely â— depelled for the oretext of Religion Many of the Princes protesting they resisted him for 〈◊〉 other causes and by that means alone could not submit their Fortunes to him seeing his Forces almost consumed and 〈◊〉 other things that were the main supports of his hope He â—â—gan to grow unsetled in his mind between some of his Friends applauding his noble constancy and others persuading for most advantage At length either that he believed nothing more sacred than the Peace of a Kingdom or that he had embraced his former kind of living more out of Form than Judgement he was Reconciled to the Church of Rome which thing was not of so much disadvantage to the Spaniard but that for many years after be continued his hatted and War against him neither till of late by the strong endeavours of Anmarle were the Cities of Picardy adjoyning to the Borders of the Netherlands reduced unto his obedience Nay at Rome a great while he incensed Pope Clement and the most powerfull in the conclave by threats and force least they should open or propose a way for the Kings Repentance and Reconciliation calling him a Renegado from Religion and a dissembler of novel Piety But at the first being had in suspicion by both Parties as well that he departed from as that he came over to afterwards by a sweet and well-constituted moderation by giving to these the chiefest Power to those Safety in the Exercise of their Religion and some Honour he exceeded both their 〈◊〉 and made a Harmony between them among whom before there was nothing but Discord So that now all were pleased except a few ignorant how great a benefit they had receiv'd whom no Felicity could ever please no Revenge saâ— In short Trade and Commerce beginning in this Cessation of Arms and the People well pleas'd with this Quiet it came to pass that the strongest and most potent Cities with the Metropolis of them all Paris and the chief Heads of the Faction and Revolt submitted to him caused either by private â—â—scords among themselves or the fear of a Forreign Authority The Spaniard hereupon when the Duke de Mayn came to â—â—xels were of opinion to restrain him as one that was averse to their Design but the Regent Ernestus having more regard to his Fame hindred it although it were known he was the chief Instigator of the chief Leader of the Faction to go in to the King and merit thereby his Pardon yet there were some who detain'd by their own Covetousness or the Spaniard's Policy did all they could to hinder Peace delaying by the same the performance of their Expectations Picardy chiefly and the parts thereabouts near Henalt and Artots were molested and perturbed by the Spanish Forces And the first Spring Charles Mansfeldt who made War in those parts had forced Capelle a free City there having assaulted the Rampires when the Trench was dry to surrender before King Henry could send thither any Succours Shortly after the King himself being conducted with some Troops to Laudune staying upon those Confines Towards the end of Summer Mansfeldt being driven away who had indeavour'd to raise the Siege the Town came again into the King's Power The Confederate States about this time had given a Summe of Money to King Henry upon condition That he should turn his Force upon the Netherlands But that Queen Elizabeth would not hear of who fore-saw that together with the War all use of him and respect to him would cease This Defection of the King from the New-Religion was variously reported both in England and Holland so as hardly any thing had bin further examined and discoursed with more variety of Language and freeness of Judgment Others look'd upon it with Hatred and Detestation The Catholikes hereby conceiv'd a hope that in time that other differing Religion Rites though at present receiv'd in publike might at last reunite and that as France had follow'd the Rule of German so the rest would follow the Pattern of France But all Leagues and Alliances with Neighbors were by the King inviolably observ'd And now the States being 〈◊〉 by what private Policies the Enemy gain'd upon them ordered very diligent Care to be taken That no sort of Writing that might prove dangerous to the Publike might be foisted 〈◊〉 the People And that Masters which instructed Youth in Leaning should not instill into their Minds evill Opinions Which done they turned all their Counsel to the carrying on of the war while the Enemy would seem to seek after a peace And because Ernestus having recruited the Army was reported to have enhanced the Fame and Terrour of his
when the Darkness of the Night was turned into Light by the burning of Houses fir'd by the Enemy throwing and shooting Fire-Works into the Town And as the People gather'd together in Heaps and Multitudes to save their Houses and Estates either were themselves burned in the Houses or else maimed and mangled with the Besiegers Bullets At last what should they now being between Hope and Despair avoid or what should they defend since all places were equally fill'd with Horrour and Lamentations But for all this the Priests and such as the Spaniard had obliged to him by Pension attribute to this obstinate stubbornness of their peculiar Faction the name of Constansy Nay more at this time some out of the Garrison that lay in the Suburbs passing the Trench in little Boats took the confidence to enter the City These on the one side calling them in those on the other forbidding them from whence there arose a most violent Sedition wherein at the beginning there was some bloud spilled but soon after it abated for fear of the Enemy abroad The Prince that by the prosecution of the War vigorously he might at some time force to thoughts of Peace began to undermine the greatest of all their Forts within the Trench wherein there remain'd some marks of the Fort or Castle raised there by the Duke of Alva and that he might the better conceal the Policy by some other more apparent Design he seems to threaten the taking by storm of the Bulwarks already batter'd and shaken But when the Assailants saw the vast concourse of the Townsmen to the place as if afraid to come on they retired at which instant the Gunpowder that was hid in the Mine being set on fire the torn up Ground threw the dispersed Multitude into the adjacent Ditches and Trenches and cast some at a greater distance into the very Camp or Leaguer Others of them were swallow'd alive into the gaping Chasma of the disbowel'd Earth Then might have been seen some Souldiers Scots by Nation whose Hast and Valour carryed them towards the City together with such as fled but hindred from entring it because the Planks that made the Bridge passable were broken however they maintain'd the place opposing great Bags fill'd with Sand against all Shot and Darts thrown at them And now all the whole Army burned with a desire of doing somewhat more earnestly requiring the Slaughter and Ruine of the City which they said must be won by force That this was the City by whose wickedness all places beyond the Rhine for 14 Years together had either been exhausted by War or at least spoil'd Wherefoâ—e now they ought to require in the punishment thereof satisfaction for the Ruine of so many Castles the laying wast of so many Fields and the Bloud shed in so many cruel Battels That this might be an Example unto the rest that they should resist until they were subdued and malapertly with insulting Answers scorn Messages and Offers of Peace For what could be more glorious for a General than to take the benefit of his Victory upon a Rebellious City Triumphing in the Sâ—aughter and Spoils of all that relate to him But if he should prefer the publike good before the Injuries offer'd to his Bloud or the Revenge of his Ancestors yet this City was not to be preserv'd having always been injurious to the Neighbours untractable against the Laws and perfidious to Liberty against which having for some time opposed it had almost brought Ruine and at last if it should be subjected would yet be infamous These Things were publikely urged as every one had before-hand in his Imagination divided the Spoil of this most opulent City But the Prince and the Senators who were present with him thought it more convenient for carrying on the Remainder of the War that the Souldier should be restrained from his licentiousness and cruelty against the Citizens Thus Embassies and Prayers prevailed within the Agreement were included several Degrees of Things nay the very Priests who had departed out of the City and all that belonged to them consented to the League and that they together with their Companions would by an equal Right be admitted within those Articles Thus they accepted a Garrison while they were accustomed to this New Government and Count William of Nassau was made their Governour being before the Governour of Frizeland Both the Forreign Souldiers and those that belonged to the City marched out safe the Seventh of the Calends of August that is July the 26. The Prince entring the City restored the Protestant Religion casting out all Images and as he had concluded appointed MAgistrates especially chusing them out of those who bad before been banish'd for their Religion the Laws for the future being in force Concerning the Discords of the Natives which formerly being disputed by Arms and Fighting were not yet appeased there was a Settlement made by the States of the Confederate Vnion And in the interim Otho Hartius and Hierome Comannus came from Bruxels to the Hague as if they had been sent upon private Business to the Lord of Cimace's Wife who flying from the Severity of her Husband lived here as it were in Banishment among the Hollanders They did not Treat of Peace as a Business of so high a Nature did deserve but onely cursorily seemed to bring Letters from Ernestus wherein were discover'd the Charges and Burdens of War and the great Commodities of Antient Commerce and Obedience That there were never any Discords had continued perpetually but some few had been decided by War but the greater part thereof setled by Peace Wherefore If they had hitherto been terrified by any Treacherous Dealings yet he hoped they would not blame the well-known Reputation of the House of Austria or have him in suspition 〈◊〉 desiring to be the Author of Peace Nay that he left his own Country and his Brother's House with to other hope than that he might restore a true and sincere Harmony and Concord among Christian Nations That it would be seem the States interchangeably on their part not to hazard the prosperous estate thereof their Affairs and the ambignous condition of their Adversaries upon the Danger and Fortune of an uncertain Warre but rather take advantage from the present Times wherein they may rather prescribe than receive the Terms of a Peace Hereunto the States being now more firmly setled answer'd as to their Cause magnificently That it was for Religion and the Laws which in the time of the Emperour Maximilian the Arch-Duke Matthias the Brother of Ernestus had by the Sword protected That since that by the implacable Malice of the Spaniards having been forced to Arms they have not been ignorant of the various Chances of Warre but God had appeared for them even gasping under the Burden of Oppression And now being raised by qreat Alliances and their own Valour they had rather chuse that to wit War to be a Judge of the Event than an Enemy so often found
Commonwealth being now degraded from that was put afterwards to write the Annals of his Country and had therefore an Annual Pension not so much for any great hopes of his Labour as that the Leisure of the Man being of a great Ingenuity and well Learned but of an active and restless Spirit might seem to be employ'd in some Noble Affair The Fourth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES AT the beginning of the Year Ernestus called a Council at Bruxels wherein he discoursed before hand of the great Things he was wont to undertake which at a glance were excellent Matters as if he had intended to confirm their Antient Laws and Customs But power was not given to the States according to the Old Custom of judging concerning the Weal-publike Onely the Bishops and Nobles were summon'd to meet because the Nobility are an Ornament and Authority to Soveraignty and the Clergy are bound to be faithful by the Tye of Religion The Commons are staggering and unconstant being greedy of any kind of Peace and therefore except in the case of Tributes are not to be hearkned to As soon as he had gravely declared the great pains he had taken for the making Peace in all other Things he desired their Counsel Whereupon Areschot a Noble-man of the first Rank in the Netherlands is Reported to have made a Speech in these words Our Fore-Fathers in precedent times not in any manner byassed with Hatred but onely because they were commanded took up Arms against most valiant Nations but chiefly the French nor were they ever frighted at the Dangers or started at the Evils that follow Warre while they fought in Defence of their Princes Greatness And therefore they brought to pass the most difficult Matters by their Valour and Wisdom But now our Arms and Counsels are at little use our Miseries and Calamities are the things wherewith we are best acquainted And this War which is nick-named Civil certainly cannot be believed such especially in the contemplation of the Mortall Jars between Fellow-Citizens and Countrey-men What then Do we desire Peace Certainly it had behoved us long since to have cared for that while those things we would have had preserved had yet remained in being before our Cities were burned our Fields wasted and a generall want had surprized our Families which is like for ought I see otherwise to lye upon them even to Futurity But if yet after thirty years continual slaughters we have not deserved rest yet at least free us from another War Must we go against the French first let us secure our Backs from the Hollanders But if it seem more convenient to take Vengeance on those first and that surely is very necessary let us not blow up our hopes with too much self-conceitedness lest while we court what belongs to another we endanger what is our own But you will say Peace is now offered to us I answer It is so indeed But pray consider what cause of War hath the French And how do the Hollanders drive of Peace No surely I rather believe they are sensibly displeased as well at ours as their own sufferings They cry out let the Forreign Souldiers be all sent away for they are full of cruelty and pride and utterly discordant to our Customs who have no shew of Modesty nor more Fidelity or Conscience than to serve their occasions We say these things are spoken maliciously and by Enemies true yet those things we suffer by them is little else than what Enemies use Ask the people of Artois Inquire of those of Henalt and other Provinces near thereby to whom the Proprietors impute the Dearth of such Fertile Countries They will tell you 't is true the French took away a little but the Spaniards robb'd us of all and the like may be said of all other Forreigners who however they disagree among themselves yet unite to ruine the Netherlanders Thus under the Names of War and Sedition we 〈◊〉 made a Prey but the Injury done to us leaves not off here but we must be delivered to the Rule of Forreigners so stupid 〈◊〉 we our selves accounted by them while our voluntary patience â—kes us become their Laughing-stock whose Lusts and Pleasure if they still prevail above our Complaints and it be thought 〈◊〉 to incourage wickedness by conniving at it we shall at last be forced to do that which the necessity thereof will sufficiently excuse both to the Christian World and to our Soveraign the best of Kings While he was yet speaking the chief of every Degree once round about him with a general Consent and rejoycing That there was one found amongst them that durst publikely speak the Troubles of their Minds But the Spaniards were even mad against him with Fury for divers of them were present Fontain had avoided to be at the Assembly because he was out of hope to be preferred before Areschot and his Pride was too great to follow him So really did he thirst after a real potency that he would not slight the appearances thereof I have observed this very Areschot through all the storms of this War to have adhered to the Spaniard with great candor of heart being such as bearing an unspotted Fidelity to his Prince yet would not make his Honour subservient to the Lusts and Pride of Strangers and being sensible of his own Authority was accustomed ever to use his freedom without check mocking at the King's Ministers because their Arrogance was hated by all but himself was never feared beyond words Wherefore now secured by the greatness of his old Age he cast out those Words which were looked upon as Oracles so highly did they please the Peoples minds Without doubt the Netherlander's Hatred to the Spaniards was never greater since the Peace made at Gaunt and some believed that the Hollanders as much as they could heighthen'd it if as formerly under the old Prince of Aurange So now the Government was not in many hands but one Single Person managed the whole Frame of Authority and all the Secrets of Leagues and Amity The too great power of the Spaniards and the Reciprocal Hatred for the difference of their several Customs were the first causes that inflamed the Netherlander's miseries Fontayne given much to sleep and gluttony and also being taken in the very act of Adultery at Antwerp was Reported to have very narrowly escaped Ruine Stephen Ibarra was a Man of a more approved Ingenuity and Diligence but all his good Qualities were sullied by Pride which also was the cause of an irreconcilable difference between him and Charles Mansfeldt insomuch that Charles had very nigh kill'd Stephen And the Spanish Souldiers took hold of this Pretence to cry out They would be commanded by no other Officers than those of their own Nation Christopher More was a good Counsellour and together with Idiaques ruled Spain but he uâ—urped also the Right of Domestick Power Yet Didaco Ibarra a man of so bold a Spirit that he complained
to the King by Letters of the small Authority the Spaniards had with Ernestus which he supposed the chief cause of all the present Evils Taxis was more subtle to pâ—y into Dangers and did perswade to win the Netherlandish Nobles with great Pretension of Honour but to keep the ordering of the King's Treasure still in the hands of the Spaniards whereby as with a private Knot tie unto himself all other Matters Ernestus having heard out Areschot and being in his own Nature full of delay and knowing that he could by that means best pâ—event their Violence answer'd He would advise with the King to whom he would also be an Intercessor for attaining such things as related to the Peace This hope supported their Minds although their Evils were not yet remov'd For after both the Kings of Spain and France had proclaimed War the lesser Towns of Lutzenburg being possessed which could not resist the Storm the Count de Bulloin wasted all round about nay and ranged even to places far distant with Fire and Sword But yet the Enemy met with four Troops belonging to Philip of Nassaw which they either killed or put to flight being circumvented by Ambushes and the overflowing of the Rivers and afterwards in a greater Battel of Horse the Victors prosecuted their good Fortune Against the more potent Cities Policy was rather used than Force yet the Success was not therefore answerable There was Chance which really might have increased more Parties to the War and made it break out in all the Borders if there had not been more difficulty in keeping than acquiring of which this is compassed often by Boldness and Temerity but that must be maintained with Care and many excellent Policies Hoye is a Town of the Bishoprick of Leige which Authors believe to be the Remains of a greater and more Cities spoiled of old by the Incursions of the Barbarians and the Scituation perswades this from the running of the River Maes through it which a Stream breaks into that runs with more violence than scantiness of Water maketh shew of this Brook gives Name to the place The Soil that is all about it is very rugged by reason of Iron Mines and answers to the Nature of the People It hath an Arched Bridg the Rising Bank on the right side is over-looked by a large Castle seated upon a little Hill It is a choice place of Recess for the Bishops in regard of its pleasantness and no less difficult to be Assaulted because of its steep Ascent But while it was assured both by Peace and Right those few that by there in Garrison and spent their time in Riot and Idleness and did their Souldiery Duty as a Work of Supererogation and by the like neglect all the Buildings Erected upon the Rock were equal to the Foundation of the Castle One of these Houses by the consent of the Owner Heraugier the Inventor of such Stratagems who was Governour of Breda by him taken commanded to be fill'd with Thirty Souldiers who in the Night by the help of the Window and Ladders going out and first using silence then by continual beating of Drums and Shouting hindring the Prospect they took the Keepers of the Castle and bound them in help of whom while it was yet but the Dawning of the Day their Captain came with six hundred Horse and one Thousand five hundred Foot But the Townsmen though at the beginning of the Tumult they ran to their Arms when they saw so many Souldiers at their Gates and others over their heads affrighted with that double Terrour losing their Courage they submitted Then Heraugier placing therein a Garrison sent his Horse abroad into the Fields and the Country within the Maes which were subject to the Spaniard to collect Tribute This Exploit of War committed against a Prince who was at Peace and however he did not affect the Hollanders yet in regard there had been no Hostility declared against him according to the Custom of War might with more facility be answer'd to the Spaniards than excused to him Not was it altogether unlike that of Bonne and Berck which being formerly taken in War should be retained now that the whole Archbishoprick of Colen was in peace When therefore Bojoarus the Bishop of Leige and Colen had sent to examine the matter and it was answer'd by the States That it was rather out of present Necessity than any Right they claimed neither would they do any Damage to his Government or Subjects but onely having taken a Town from the publike Enemy they were ready to restore it when Arms were laid down on both sides And that Bojoarus did not deal justly with them in suffering the Spaniard to enjoy it and thereupon the Conditions were refused wherewith they were sollicited to Rendition being in themselves very reasonable but that the conveniency of the place perswaded the contrary for that Castle was a great Safeguard to their Journey that the Holland and French Forces might the more securely meet and in that Town they intended to place those Italians which had formerly deserted the War being far from the Borders of Holland and in a rich Country where they might have their fill of Plunder As soon as the Bishop saw himself slighted or at least deluded with Procrastiuation gathering together some New Souldiers whereto were added fifteen hundred Foot seven hundred Horse and fifteen pieces of Artillery under the Leading of Lamot he besieged the place on both sides for the King's Commanders voluntatily gave their Assistance their Interest being no less concerned than the Bishops lest thereby the Hollanders should come to possess all the parts have the Maes and so connect the Country Nor did the Spaniard's want an honest pretence because the Country of Leige was fiduciary to the Princes of Brabant by severall Leagues of Philip Duke of Burgundy and Philip the First of Austria The Town was easily gained by Scaling Ladders and Breaches for it was but meanly fortified and all in it that resisted were slain The greatest part fled into the Neighbouring Castle But from the next Hill which the Hollanders had neglected to possess being higher than the Foundation of the Castle it was sorely batter'd and below it was undermined For there was present a great Number of the Native Inhabitants who being accustom'd to dig for Mettal in the Iron Mines were very skilful in the Art of undermining Heraugier judged that the Garrison might have held the place longer and with the hopes thereof he had gather'd together Forces for their Relief But fearing at length lest his Journey should be hindred by the overflowings of the Rivers although there were in the Castle Subterfuges and Seluces to prevent the inraging of the Enemy at the Siege the Castle was surrendred being observed by many that he was better at suddain Enterprizes than the patient enduring of tedious Hazard He complained That the Succours promised both from the French General and the Italians at Sichem 〈◊〉 fell short
of his hopes in answering the Event and that the Wall wherein they put their greatest trust for defence was not as it was supposed solid but made up of two Walls which gaped 〈◊〉 in the middle and that the innermost parts of the Castle were by the Enemies Battery laid quite open The Souldiers that marched out that they might not be abused by the Bishop's men were protected by the Spanish Commanders with so much honour that some of them drew their Swords for their Enemies against their Companions in Arms For Heraugier had Covenanted with them not immeritedly fearing lost the Laws of Arms should not be observed by the Leigâ—ois The Bishop was not content to have punish'd those whom he thought guilty of the Stratagem but he took from the City its Auâ— Liberty as suspecting it to be unfaithful to him Nor did he leave off to seek Revenge against Heraugier himself objecting to him Cowardliness and sending a Transcript of soâ—e Letters to the States wherein he had irreverently spoken against them Prince Maurice and such as with him were conscious of the taking of Hoye defended him chiefly among the rest being thus brought in question The possession of this Forreign City was not kept long it being regained the 41 day after it was taken and the benefit of the Fact was lost though the Envy thereof remained And by chance it had hapned that the same day wherein afterwards a Messenger arrived with the News of the Rendition of the place contrary to all men's Expectation the States believing the strength and security of the place had given a rough Answer to the Bishop's Legate to wit That they would deliver Hoye when the Enemy surrendred Berck But the Spaniards added to the possession of Berck that also of Hoye and when they once had it kept it until their Wages were pâ—id and the Enemy removed from those parts and then they thought they might with safety enough deliver it Herein Philip sought the Fame of Piety protesting That he would rather bestow out of his own upon the Church of Leige the most antient in the Low-Countries then that he would under any pretence whatsoever take ought away that was its proper right Four hundred of them that marched out of Hoye with Heraugier were slain by fourscore Horse of the Enemies while being loaden with prey and too covetous to preserve the same they hindred themselves In like manner were they justly punished who going out of the Garrisons in Over-Issell to plunder the Territory of Munster were in the night by the Enemy surprized Among all these Affairs King Henry that he might compell the Enemy lying about Picardy to look to his own business at home commanded his Generall the Count de Bulloine with as great an Army as he could make to enter into that Burgundy which obeyeth the Spaniard by the name of a County taking opportunity from the conveniency thereof because there was the greatest passage for Traffique both â—t of Italy and Germany The first Onsets were very violent with great terrour taking the Towns and killing every where all such as came to resist which at the best made but a tumultuary croud of the People of that Country who had not through the whole course of their lives known what War was so that it might rather be termed a Butchery or Massacre than a War or Fight Yet did not all this make the Spaniard remove his Forces out of France towards the Netherlands but upon knowledge of the danger Velasco Constable of Castele which is an hereditary nâ—me of dignity who then governed Millayne for the Spaniard with a Select number of Horse and Foot drawn out of the Transalpine Garrisons marched over those Mountains of Alpes in the deep of Winter while their tops were covered with Snow and in the passage took some Cities resting at the River Sâ—one where staying for a great Recruit of Horse and other choyce Souldiers of Germany and Spoleto in Italy and hereby giving no opportunity of sight the French Forces began to moulder away Among these hazards and flying Messengers Ernestus his sickness grown more violent by the Winter weather begin to get the upper hand and besides he knew he had incurred the Spaniards hatred yet had not given any satisfaction to the Netherlanders and that his Enemies accused him to the King as a guilt stuck upon him as well his endeavours of War as Peace with the thoughts whereof his grief so encreased that soon after worn away with a lingring Fever and Flux of blood he dyed His death was suspected as it is generally of all Princes but was without any troubles or commotions attending it the hope of peace subjecting the idle and the tedious labour of a multiplyed War employing the rest The Physitians looking with great circumspection into the true cause of his death upon the dissection of his Body delivered their Opinions That there was a Worm in his Reigns then living which gnawed all the parts lying near it The Vacant Government was by Philips Orders supplyed by the Senate among whom the chief management of War and Peace and all other business Foreign and Domestick rested in Fontayne by the name of President for Ernestus a little before his death had by writing committed that charge to him pro tempore by the advice of the other Spaniards and shortly after the King confirmed it Nor was he unfit for so great a place of Honour although otherwise vitious enough as the Affairs of the Netherlands managed by his care witnessed as well as those of other places But the Low-Country Noblemen that could hardly bear him while his power was fat less and but derivative from that of another now received and carryed with envy and disdain the Ensigns of Honour which they took from his hand crying out that certainly their Fore-fathers were Prophets when speaking of this their own Country they foretold that they should in time become a Province to the Spaniard That after Alva and Requesens or which is later Reda for a short time and as it were for a shew they had their own Laws but the same arrogance of the Spaniard quickly returned That now the whole power of peace was in strangers who being equally vicious with their former Lords yet came not near to them in Honour and Dignity Thus every one murmured to himself and some of the more couragious stuck not to speak out to others viz. That it was very grievous and ignominious to all people to be subject to strangers nor is the hatred of Kings so â—itâ— that when the Governments of many several people is to be bestowed they will give to others the Command of them who are willing to be in servitude Therefore Charles Mansfeldt out of a sense of Military Honour finding himself to have been taken notice of with an eye of Enmity as one who had contested first with the Duke of Parma then with Ibarra and now with Fontayne and that he was laid
or lust That it was not possible for the Vnited States to enter into Articles with that Enemy whom they were forced to abandon and renounce for their King and indeed such Covenants would not be called a peace but a yielding The malice of that Tyrannizing people is implacable and there is no question to be made how he would use his power is peace who stretcheth it so in time of War That time and the â—icissitude of Affairs would bring many things to passe which were but vain to hope for at present But how should they ever give credit to him who thought it lawful to set to sale the Heads of his most merited Enemies That they would not rip up old sores or 〈◊〉 into President former transactions since all men remembred his Father the Prince of Aurange and himself When Liesveldt acknowledging himself to owe the Prince of Aurange all Honour and respect began further to say that is performance of Netherlandish Lords to him neither they 〈◊〉 the Spaniards were consenting to those Counsels The Prince forewarned of his intent putting his hand into Liesveldts bosom he pulled out the Writings whereby Fontayne gave him license to come thus by an evident demonstration confuting specious words Thus the Embassey was dismissed because they had not power of treating unless in the Kings Name This form of new answer was variously descanted upon not onely by the Tongues of the vulgar but of the more prudent sort part of whom got both Honour and Wealth by the War and the other part wished for peace onely because they earnestly desired it The Spaniards and such as followed them thought it was a sufficient offence against the Majesty of the King if he to whom the care was committed since these disastors sitting at the Helm were called to treat upon their own accounts should pardon them What was the Event say they of such Embassies to the Union but onely to make them more intollerably proud for having but from mean success gotten courage they take the confidence not onely themselves to shake off all Reverence and Obedience but they instruct other Provinces to do the like to enter into Treaties and do any thing without the King yes they should go again and hear the rebellious Hollanders proposing Laws whereby they would make themselves Conquerours of King Philip And if it were hitherto doubted yet now certainly it was manifest that they despised nay hated Peace And according to the Example of Switzerland waiting if any others would throw off their Allegiance to their Princeâ— Government that they might grasp within their own fifts There is but one kind of peace to be had with them and that they must be compelled and beaten into by Arms and certainly that would not be long about if the Netherlanders have no less courage for duty and obedience then is in the Union to maintain the contrary But others and they of the moderator sort would by no means that peace so far promâ—â—ed should now be lost for what marvel is it say they if the Hollanders had rather yield to the rest of their Brethren of the Netherlands than the King whom they conscious to themselves of their guilt towards him dreads as a terrible revenger That nothing was demanded contrary to Religion or Soveraignty and the very particular concerning forreign Souldiers was consonant to the desires of all and is well advantagious to the War as necessary for the Peace That the Embassadors might be appointed and instructed by the Kings Order whose name soever was used in the sending them and that the Netherlanders Fidelity was not so untryed as to suppose they would annihilate that Power by Articles for which they had so long maintained a War That the Prince might far better connive at and bear many things then absolutely grant them And if at last expectation was not answered it was lawful for the King to recede a little from the extremity of right for publick advantage That be ought to cast an Eye of pitty upon their misery and how many people lay even at the last gasp ready to expire That the fortune of the War had been various which had been waged on this side by doing on the other by suffering damage Out Enemies have Pastures Manufactures and the Fishing-Trade to maintain their vast number And besides whit is infinitely more then that not onely Rivers and great floods besides their efflux and return thither as to their Head but the boundless Ocean is traversed for advantage Hence is that multitude of strangers and that whole Nations are included with their narrow bounds They who rightly know them say 't is necessary for them to have War But on the other side of the Hispaniolized Netherlands are robbed of the Stock of their Fields have a dry shore and dangerous to Shipping yet are their burdens and the scarcity of all things hardly to be remedied or made amends for by any gain Moreover all places are made wast and exhausted and whatever remains is never free from discords and trouble It might be disputed indeed whether Peace can be made the same needs not be questioned as to War At last after all this there was another fear added lest the People of the United Provinces vexed with the endless toyl of their miseries should choose a new Prince wherein 't was uncertain whether they would admit a forreign Power or content themselves with the Vertues and Valour of some Domestick there was yet some hope that a vacancy in the Common-wealth should not be admitted but if they once pitched upon a Prince the War would either be inexplicable or peace if ever gotten attained with loss and infamy In these varieties of Judgment and Discourses some there were that applauded a Truce averring That the Hollander's Affairs stood hither too upright by their Vnanimity and Concord and that their Concord was supported by Fear These being once removed the Vices of Equality would quickly succeed and Emulation of Cities which they could hardly restrain even among all the dangers of War In the interim with people covetous of Wealth there must be a Traffick of Minds and the great ones being corrupted the Commons according to their Nature beginning once to love would quickly cease to hate Neither would they be willingly brought under the Burthen and Hazards of Warre again if they were but once mollified by the immunity of some smal time of peace In brief the Word would quickly pass for Kings The Hollanders being thus brought under among whom is the chief strength Councel and obstinacy It will be easte for Philip to determine in what manner to order his Forces against the laceâ—ated and torn Body of France and the Womanlike Kingdom of Britaine when that should onely support the War with consumed Wealth and this fight only for fear This Counsel was confirmed by Lipsius with many examples out of antient History However Taxis believeâ— the greatest damage would accrue to the Netherlands under the
Kings obedience by a Truce Thus in variety of Opinions all things were destined otherwise than they happened according to the Custom of Fortune who being a great Enemy to humane Prudence for the most part keepeth secret 〈◊〉 future Events But lest the People all their hopes of Peace being utterly cut off should run into Sedition Rumours weâ—â— scattered abroad that the Treaty was prolonged that thereby the Authority of Forreign Princes might intervene And to that purpose the Emperour sent Letters soon after superscribed to the States of Holland which they received and 〈◊〉 in their General Assembly whereto they returned this Answer That they wished for Peace with their Neighbours but had often declared why they could have no peace with the Spaniards nor had any thing happened which should cause them to alter their mind unless after the Kings sending poyson and assassines to destroy them they should therefore give credit to the Authour of such monstrous and barbarous actions And together with these Letters they sent others to the Emperour written by Taxis to Philip and by them intercepted wherein as he confessed it necessary for the Netherland States to make a Composition with the United States as it were upon equall tearms so that he would refer all things to Fontaynes pleasure setting forth may Evasions and first of a disswading that neither the Spanish Souldiers should be sent away nor the Germans admitted as Moderators of Peace In these parts this year Philip Count Hohenlo and George Eberhard Count Solmes were solemnly marryed and their Mariages celebrated with Playes Feasting and publick Gifts Hohenloes Wife was Mary Count Solmes's Sabina this the Daughter of Lamoral Count Egmonde that of the Prince of Aurange both famous and well approved Matches 〈◊〉 well in regard of the great Merits of the Bridegrooms as of the great Birth and Nobility of the Brides both whose 〈◊〉 as was yet fresh in memory became Sacrifices for the liberty of their Country Among all the mischiefs of Civil War this War one that the value of money was mightily inhansed and every Nation had converted the use of raising the same even into a matter of 〈◊〉 which some were of Opinion to restore to an equal Standard according to the Trades and Commodities of the Provinces But of a sudden even they who forbad that growing licentiousness failed and give over the attempt And there remain strong Arguments of an unsetled Society better against the Enemy than their consent and vanquished Laâ—â— agree among themselves And besides some Commotions among their Neighbours had made them attentive who unless they were shut out by right even loved to be involved in a Neighbouring War and making factions for the Spaniards had openly declared their mindes and design in claiming the Principalities of Cleves and Juilliers as by the Minority and tender age of the former Prince so by the sicknesse of his Son and Successor The Government hereof was snatched at on the one side by the Wife a Woman of very insolent and shameless Conditions of the Family of Baden and supported by the Austrian greatness On the other side by some Noblemen of the Country of Germany as the Princes of Brandenburg and Newburg who by their Wives the Sisters of the Duke took to themselves the hope of so great an Inheritance but altogether without the Emperours knowledge or consent who when a male line is extinct supposeth the right of bestowing those Principalities to be a new reverted to him These latter were favour'd by all the Protestants in those Regions and by some Catholike also who feated the Austria Families Pride ever grievous to the Subjects besides the vast Burthens of Tributes with other Charges These therefore using the Name of the States of Juilliers and Monts they set free the Duke who had been so inhumanely kept and handled that the grief thereof was believed to be no small meâ—â— of increasing his Disease and removed the Wife from the Guardianship as one that endeavour'd mischief In this iâ—teâ—im Count Suartzenburge hitherto a Follower of the Spaniards was observed to List Souldiers in those Quarters to go as himself gave out to the Turkish Warre but others câ—â—ceited it was to strengthen the Austrian Faction it not being probable that Forces which were to be used in the further part of Hungary should be raised in the most distant part of Germany as if they were purposely to be wasted and conâ—â—med by a long March after they had long been in pay to 〈◊〉 purpose But the Reverence of the German Empire was the onely Obstacle that kept the Souldiers of Holland within compass and restrained their Incursions into the seatter'd and unprovided Country At this time the Elector of Brâ—â—denburgh began to seek the Friendship and Alliance of the Vnited States The same also did the Nobles of those Regions desiring the Loan of a Sum of Money for a short time which would soon and easily be paid when they had draâ— to themselves both the Government and Treasury Some of the Hollanders would have speeded this for by that means they should have peace with all those beyond the Rhine and by the same Bond their Armies and the French could quickly 〈◊〉 joyned Others more prudently averred That so specioâ—â— a pretence for War ought not to be given to so potent 〈◊〉 Enemy in those Dukedoms That there come to take part not onely those who affect the Spaniard in Cleves but the Neighbouring Bishops and Priests also when of Money would be as well wanting to those that craved help as â—o themselves nor could it possibly be defended by their Forces it being so far distant from them and so scatter'd Wherefore they must wait till their Minds and Forces grew meet to undertake such a business At this time also the City of Emblen had no less Troubles a rich place scituate beyond the River Ems into whose Mouth runs a little Rivulet It is part of that Frized which of old contained the Cauchi an intermingled and broken Sâ—ore possessed part by the Hollanders part by the Danes from whence that Region is now called East-Frizeland because the antient Frizons on this Eemes lye against it towards the West Their Nature and Customs were like the rest of the 〈◊〉 and as to their Liberty being left both by the French Kings and the Emperours of Germany when they could not bear Rule they were content with any kind of Obedience All publike Affairs were taken care of by Contentions of the people divided and sometime in common of 〈◊〉 whole Nation Judgments were given by some choice 〈◊〉 as well in their greater as in their lesser Assemblies Among these all such as possessed Lands or Farms were â—â—â—ul and he who possessed most had most honour and for that was onely accounted noble But these when they had â—â—lded Castles and strong Holds became not onely to themselves but to others a Succour and Refuge both in Domestick and Foreign Wars yea and kept always in
large opening capable of Ships of the greatest Burthen and very safe by the interposition of several Islands among which its passage is somewhat incurvated and this would make it easie for the Spaniard to raise a new War in Frizeland and to set forth a Navy to Sea which hitherto in these parts he could never attain to The Vnited States who foresaw as well the Danger as the Envy if they should be resisted dispatch'd away an Embassie with so much policy as should neither cause the Earl to lay aside all fear of them nor the People too confidently hâ—pe their Alliance They commended Peace to boâ—h and if it seem'd convenient they might according to Law decide the matter for their taking up Arms was but a greater cause of Suspition That now they were Enemies to neither party but if further Contentions did arise they would declare themselves such in particular to them that began the War But when News was hastned by speedy Messengers relating That Enno the Son of Edsard had levyed Souldiers and was fortisying Port-Knocken over against Delphezyle straightway the number of Ships which were wont to guard the Eemes was increased and a Regiment of Frizons commanded to match toward the City for the defence thereof and to drive from the Bank those new Undertakers And the City also overjoy'd as if thereby secure deliver'd both it self and its Fortunes to the protection and warlike defence of the Vnited Provinces Neither at that time did any thing advantage Edsard more than to make them Arbitrators of the Quarrel by whose power all things were managed He offer'd them also a League and Alliance in Arms fearing lest the City might anticipate him of that favour But it will not be amiss to commemorate what manner of peace the Arbiters sent by the States to Dâ—lphzyle made and the chief Heads or Articles thereof That as they judged in the Affairs of Embden so Posterity may judge of them The Heads of the said Agrâ—…ment were these That Religion should not be a Net for any one That within the City the same Religious Rites should be used as were accustomed but without the City the Earl was at liberty to use his own Religion That in all Religious Meetings onely matters of Divinity should be handled some one super-intending the same if the Senate please to nominate him as is usual in the Palatinate and among the Hollanders that under pretence thereof no disturbance might be made That the said Religious Assemblies should nominate and ordain all Ministers for Preaching but the Prince's approbation to be required therein that the Possâ—ssions belonging late to Religious persons should be equally divided between the Earl and the People That four of the Burgomasters and nine of the chief Assistants by Lot should have the chief Authority the other by order every year being changed and altered none continuing in power above two years lest they seek to gain the Soveraignty That the Senate should name two in the places of any departing of which the Earl to choose one although he used before according to his own will to create what Magistrates he pleased That all business either relating to the City or Sea should be ordered by these As the incorporating the City into Guilds and Fraternities for the better distinguishing the pâ—ople the keeping the Kâ—yes of the Gates and giving the Watch word to the Guaâ—ds They had likewise the power of giving Judgment in Civil Affairs as also to punish with Death as they saw cause They that were guilty of more heinous Crimes being Strangers were punished by judges appointed by the Prince That the Senate it self which consisteâ— of fourty men should by its own choice and suffrages supply it self and such as were admitted into honourable places should take an Oath of Allegiance to the Prince and likewise for the good Administration of Justice in the City That such Laws and Tributes should be confirmed onely as were agreeable with the antient and municipal Law so as every City separably might have the ordering of its own Revenues But Falder being a new City added to the old and so more conformable in their Duty to the Earl should for the future enjoy the same Priviledges with Embden to take off all occasion of future Discord And that the Citizens might be the better assured of Pardon the Earl should take away the threatning Terrour of his Castle and deliver it to the City and for the future should not keep them in awe by Forts built upon the Banks of the River such as came thither with Merchandize For all which Concessions of the Prince the City would make to him a Compensation with a great Summe of Money Thus were the People's Desires gratified by Security and the Prince's by Greatness Nor did the Covenants displease either though yet they were found fault with by malitious and upstart People However it was concluded That all future Earls and Magistrates should swear to this Peace Things there being in this manner setled The States advised the Earl that he would mollifie and sweeten all jealousies and offences with clemency lest the Spaniard esteeming a counterfeit friendship before a reall fidelity should at once compel him to treacherous actions and engage him in a War with his Neighbours The Citizens of Embden likewise were commanded to apply their endeavours to the pattern of their Neighbours and not by casting off their obedience to encrease their miseries That a civil War was well redeemed with a little servitude for even they themselves the States have suffered and born the more furious natures of their Princes so long as foreign Tyranny was kept away Hereupon the Souldiers on both sides being disbanded quietness might rather be said restored than concord for the wound of dissention was not so perfectly cured but that as it often festered anew so it was fain to seek fresh Remedies This year and the subsequent time for a while all the Affairs of the United Provinces to War proved unsuccesful as if by a short contempt of their plyant fortune The whole Spring and part of the Summer was spent by them in idleness onely some few of their Souldiers warring in France but their own discords hindred the motions of their Forces in Other places though often called upon by Buzenual for Succour For the Frizon Cities being malitious to the Country-man and by the rustick likewise hated complained that the burthens common to them both were not faithfully distributed for that many things of great profit in the Country were either partially remitted or totally omitted And they of Zeland did very sharply quarrel with the Hollanders concerning the Customs for exported Merchandise and by this means a long time deferred to pay their Tribute money into the Treasury of the Union They also of Geldres and Over-Issell excusing themselves by poverty growing from the Enemies continual incursions at last the Hollanders too who bear at least two third parts of the common charge of the
inferiour Captains and little Parties But when King Philip fearing the danger had sent Velasco as we before mention'd from Millayn which he then govern'd to Burgundy with Ten Thousand Foot and fifteen hundred Horse that strength of the Enemy first brought thither Biron and after that the King himself In many light and accidental Skirmishes of Horse the French went off Victor And Velasco avoided a Pitch'd-Battel desiring to preserve the Towns In the Dutchy of Burgundy King Henry subjected to his Power the City of Dijon which in the last Civil War of France follow'd the Guisian Faction then headed by the Duke de Mayn to whom there was nothing left Fortified in that Dukedom but Chalons sur la Saone But when he began to prosecute his Victory into the Bounds of the County or Earldom the Switzers interceded him to respite his Fury because being bound at that time by Leagues to the House of Austria they were obliged to resist all Force that should be offer'd either to the Government of Millain of the County of Burgundy Whereupon King Henry took occasion by means of a Truce to withdraw his Army without any dishonour he himself being even tyred out with the Controversie and the thing it self contended for not being worth so many lives And also being sollicited by Cambray he marched that way when a sorrowful Messenger met him with the News of the loss of the City Therefore he accused his Allies That he himself being employ'd in Wars at so great a distance they had betrayed to the Enemy the Confines both of France and the Netherlands That they gave him other hopes that his Borders should not be left destitute of Aid else why should he so often have refused Conditions of Peace when offered to him And if they repented them of their League that he was yet ready to agree with the Spaniard The Hollanders excused themselves to these Taunts with the necessities of that year and furnished the King with Corn and Money and two Regiments of men the one of Scots the other of Zelanders under the Leading of Justine of Nassau wherewith being well Recruited he fell into Vermandois and careful that where he had now begun the Enemy might not break further into the Bowels of the Country the people of Soissons being subdued he shut up Fayer with a difficult and Winter-Siege But by how much the States more earnestly endeavour'd to please the King by so much more grievously they offended Queen Elizabeth for King Henry's prosperity in stead of pity had renewed in the English Nation their old Envy and the Queen was incensed with the difference of his Religion especiall for that she knew what Laws and how dangerous to the Protestants the Pope had prescribed to King Henry for the obtaining his Peace And this was the Reason that lately before upon his desiring of her four Regiments of men for whose Pay the City of Paris should ingage their Credit The Queen answer'd That it was an inconsiderate Desire proceeding from his Youth to request her to denude her Kingdom which was â—â—â—ed at by so many Treasons yet if he would deliver to her Diope Bulloin and Calais she would furnish him with some Souldiers This gave suspition to the French and besides there was added that lately in Bretaign a Province of France the English were unworthily Treated nor could be admitted to such places as they desired the Actions of their Predecessors being objected against them But Queen Elizabeth sent Letters to the Hollanders and one Thomas Budleigh objecting to them with much Regret the Aid they sent to France saying They could not want her help who could so freely gratifie others Whereto the States made this Answer That they did it not out of any ambitious counsel but meer necessity that the Enemy being drawn into many places at once they might weary him out of breath and themselves get a breathing space for they were as it were forced in regard the Queen sent Pay onely for six hundred Foot and two hundred Horse which were in the Camp where as six thousand Foot and a thousand Horse of the League required the 〈◊〉 She on the other side replyed That although this was continued within the League that at the end of the War whatever was disbursed should be repaid yet she desired very earnestly payment of what she had laid out at leastwise that they would pay for some part thereof at the present and she would take the rest by Annual Portions Adding withall Threats That if she were not obeyed herein that she should take such course as her Lenity 〈◊〉 not use to be acquainted with To these the States after the return of many Thanks Desired the Queen to cast an Eye upon the present times to observe that the War was very burthensom to them and not wholly so successful as was hoped And that of late the enlargment of their Bounds had little increased their Tributes but much augmented their trouble and charge in the defence That their Merchandizing and Fishing Trade upon which two onely they lived that was spoiled by the detention of their Ships in Spain and this oftentimes the Injuries of the English and the Dunkirkers Pyraous much impaired and the Sea also had done them very great damages by Innundations Over all which if they should now be forced to repay to England the Money due and also the Queen should openly fly from the Covenants of the League the French already beginning to stagger It was with great reason to be feared that the insinuating Designs of the Enemy and the Allurements of a dangerous Peace would prevail with the people But it was not to be avoided however but that the States must pay with their own Money the English Souldiers that lay not in the Towns put to Pledg to the Queen While these things were arguing between them some new Endeavours of the Enemy brought the Queen to be more mild towards these her Allies For the Spaniards out of French Bretaign had fallen into Cornwal wasting the Country and carrying away great Booty together with some honourable persons and also they began in the open Face of the World to assist the Rebellion in Ireland which Country was from all Antiquity possessed by many Petty Princes Natives thereof Of whom Dermack the Son of Munhard the most Potent was despoiled of his Dominion for many Acts of Tyranny by him committed Whereupon he got to him for his Son-in-law and Assistant Richard Earl of Pembrook who making War there in Ireland very successfully was recalled by an Edict of Henry the Second King of England and compell'd to transfer all his Right and hope of Principality to the King who himself in defence of hir new Acquisition went into Ireland with a great Army and made some of the Lords by Force others by Treaties and Promises to acknowledge his Authority as Supream But such was the blindness and simplicity of that Age that it was believed a great support
of future Right and Jurisdiction if the Pope's Authority and Consent were obtained and he who never bestowed gratis upon any man so much as words gave to the Kings of England the Dominion of Ireland but so as he should be a Feodary of the Church and pay to the same a certain Tribute But the following Kings refused to make any such Payment pretending That the Peers of the Kingdom of England had never consented to it At last King Henry the Eighth despising the Name of Lord for till then the Kings of England were onely call'd Lords of Ireland first took to himself the most Noble Title of King by his own power assuming that Honour which his Daughter Queen Mary afterwards chose rather to receive from the Pope But although Ireland where it is most civiliz'd hath by little and little learn'd to receive and indure both the English Laws and Governours yet it remain'd in other parts which are fuller of Woods and Bogs a Lover of its pristine and Natural Liberty For by that Name the Licentiousness almost of all which in other places is forbidden was called Among the rest the Family of Oneal is very eminent of which one first challeng'd the Principality of Ulster and soon after of all Ireland These Irish under such a Head gather'd Courage especially because England was at that time miserably torn by the Bloudy Dissentions of the two Royal Families of York and Lancaster But Henry the Eighth ruling peaceably yet with a severe Hand compelled the Heir of that Stock intitled Con Oneal to abjure the Name and Title of Oneal which was presently swallow'd up in the Honour and Dignity of the Earl of Tyrone Some believed that Matthew was Son to this Man but others suppose the same Matthew to be the Son of a Black-Smith But his Grand-Father Con exceedingly loved his Wife and therefore suffer'd to be obtruded upon him either a strange or an uncertain Issue This Man was slain by John who affirm'd himself the lawful Sonne of Con yet before his Murther had a Son call'd Hugh who was partly bred at Home partly in England and by the Favour of Queen Elizabeth had both the Earldom of Tyrone and whatever belonged to Con the afore-named John being kill'd in his Rebellion and all his Goods and Estate confiscated but under such Conditions as for the future took from him all possibility of doing a prejudice He was a Man very knowing in matters of War and being intrusted in many Affairs faithfully performed his Duty to the Queen until in the year 1588. when that most notable Spanish Fleet being beaten and scatter'd some of the Commanders therein with some Vessels were cast away upon the Coast of Ireland at which time holding private Conferences with him they stirred him up to recover the Right and Title of Oneal Yet however he might then fix his Resolution he discover'd no sign thereof at the present But others being risen in Arms mov'd thereto either out of Zeal to the Roman Religion or by the Injuries received from the English he a long time covering his Hostile Mind with the Veil of Obedience denied the guilt of any Crimes with no less Confidence than they were objected against him However without doubt it was a great failing in the English who would not when they might put into safe custody a man of so fierce a Nature whom they supposed guilty But he first casting into Prison the Children of John that he might not be impeded by any Domestick Quarrel and this year having heard that General John Norris a man famous in the Belgike War and then employ'd in French Bretaigne was called thence with the old Souldiers to appease the Irish Commotions put himself in the Head of the Rebels but yet not omitting with most humble words to desire peace and pardon throwing the cause of the Quarrel upon the cruelty of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland By this kind of Policy and by Truces he endeavour'd to protract the War until the Assistance promised from Spain might arrive And there his Devices and Intents were much forwarded by the Discords between Russel Deputy of Ireland and Norris who was appointed General of the War Their Enmity growing to that heightâ— that whatever seem'd fit to the one the other would not consent to because the first liked and for no other Reason But the Queen after the breaking forth of this Rebellion began a more fierce War Not for her Allies as before was pretended but for her own sake And therefore she sent out out Drake a person well known in the Western World with a great Fleet prepared partly at her own Charges and partly at the cost of private Men with hope to seize and take the Wealth gather'd together and laid up in Porto Ricco But the News of their coming being gotten thither before them all the Wealth being carryed thence more into the Land the Port it self was inclosed and stopp'd up by the Spaniards Wherefore Drake wasting all the other places of the Canaries going from thence to the American Streights he spoiled the Town of Nombre de Dios that lyes between two Seas where himself together with many of his men either by the untemperateness of the Air or with grief of mind that the Success of his Voyage answer'd not his Desires dyed About which time also another English-man Sir Walter Rawleigh Captain of the Queen's Guard entring the River Orenoco came to Guiana a place never conquer'd by the Spaniards of which he made a discovery from his own sight and knowledge But as to the Amazons and those whose Faces are in their Breast having onely been heard of but never seen he left the finding of them out to others I should deprive Posterity both Foreign and Domestick of the profitable and no less delightful part of the History if I should not set forth at large the Voyages at Sea whereby it is brought to pass That the Hollander's Felicity even in the midst of their Troubles hath not onely exceeded the happiness of others in peace but also of themselves For these being as it were born Sea-men have from thence raised the chief if not the sole support of their War not studying to divide the World or caring to be subject to the Bishop of Rome's Rules who hath ascribed to the Spaniard the greatest part of his Nature whereby under the Cloak of Religion he might oppress the Liberty of the whole World The antient Bounds of Merchandize and Trade for which these Nations through many Ages were famous besides a few Islands were two Narrow Straights and the Seas within them This Way towards the Sound That Way towards Hercules Pillars and the Islands of Gades There is between these a middle Coast of the Ocean where all the Profit arising to the Traders upon one side grows by their Selling or Battering the same on the other side for they the Dutch have a want of Corn nor indeed have plenty of any other
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
to depart out of France by want of all necessaries promising to assist him with great Sums of Money if he would besiege Ostend and restore it to them that Town onely being wanting upon all that Coast And Prince Maurice fearing the same went himself to view it and took care at his departure that they at present be supplyed with Souldiers enow and afterwards should be stored with Victuals and all other Things both for maintaining their Works and for War which the Scouts and Spyes relating as also that the Sea came up to the very Town with a commodious Haven and that all backward was very dangerous being full of Elluaries So that Siege was put off left being rashly begun it should wound and lacerate the Fame of his first Successes Yet because besides the Auxiliaries sent to France a great part of the Holland Souldiers was swallow'd in the English Fleet Peace was by them condemned though it mainly was contested by the Requests of the Cities and the Counsels of the Captains whither they should carry the War But while the Dukes Forces were employ'd in France Prince Maurice his Horse wasted all the utmost Skirts of Brabant and the Netherlanders with Fire and Sword and took Echtâ—â—â—ach a Town in Lutzenburg and as soon as those Retreated into Flanders the French likewise fell in there Thus had each of them continually a troublesom Enemy at his Back or Side Fusa's and Albertus Troops attending each others motions as Fortune or Opportunity presented occasions And certainly this time by much Exercise and the Care of the Commanders gave to the Hollander's establish'd Horse not onely an Example of being moâ—e active and vigilant to the greatest Attempts but also instructed them better and reduced them to a more setled Discipline For the Spanish Brigades were even inclosed and unfit for Service when on the other side all the Enemies Country lay open to the Nassania Horse as a fit Object for their Spoil The Arch-Duke when he thought fit to march out that he might not leave any thing dangerous or suspectfull to him behind removed from Tâ—â—mont all the Italians first giving them their Pay then beâ—ing all his Hopes and Counsels against Hulst because it seemed the reducing thereof would quiet Flanders and be of no small advantage also to Brabant It is a Town of no strength by reason of the Antiquity of its Building whereof Prince Maurice being Conquerour and having a long time designed to change and alter the round fashion of the Walls he had added in the interim some Fortifications to the new made Trench Soon after the Zelanders undertaking the defence and keeping thereof erecting some Forts about the adjacent Fields did seem rather to have taken Counsel for preserving the Country than the Town The chief strength of the place is a River arising not far off which being helped forward by Art that it might so passing further fall into the Hont was also brought back into the Scheldt for that same River by both Names being full of Meanders washeth all the back-part of the Territory of Hulst By which means it is on every side inaccessible as is an Island and being inâ—pendent on both Battles daily sent forth Souldiers to plunder and wast the Land of Wase and the Province of Brabant Besides they could cut their Sea-Banks to let in the Water upon their Enemies and then they that were within the River were lyable to Slaughter by the Darts and Shot of the Town During the several Governments of Ernestus and Fontayn the Flandrians had erected two Castles to stop their Excursions The Vnited States had raised more for the Defence of the Bank Two of these were annexed to the Town by an excurrent Rampire or Breast-Work which Passage as we has the mutual assistance of each to the other was hidden by the Ground which lay open between them These were not both of an equal strength for that which was called Nassau Fort was the stronger being opposite to the Hont because it served as a safeguard for the bringing Recruits either from Axele or the Isles of Zeland They that were sent by Albertus to view the place being testified with these Difficulties advised quite contrary to what was before resolved on For how was it possible say they to carry over naked Souldiers a great quantity of Provisions and a Train of Artillery which can but move slowly while those Threatning Forts stand there to resist and especially a great Fleet of the Enemies lying in the Scheldt into the very middle whereof their lesser Vessels will penetrate Certainly it was both a difficult and doubtful Attempt not did the rest seem to have any thing more of Expedition for the Soll was full of Marishes the Enemy active and vigilant and the Siege would be to little purpose in regard of their free passage with shipping Nor had they any better hopes to gain the same by Assault for that the Town would be continually supply'd with found and fresh men Besides all this the King of France having taken many of his Rebels into Mercy it was to be fear'd he would venter into all vacant places with greater Force Nor indeed could it be accounted an Honourable Action to attaque Hulst through so many Hazards But Claudius Barlot a Netherlander and the most earnest of all the Colonels rising up desired he might have the carrying over those Regiments against which the Spanish Officers had spoken That the rest of their Arguments were fill'd with nothing but vain fear whereas they ought to expect some good success to wait upon their courage and hope for an opportunity either from the errour or fear of the Enemy That the vicissitudos of War should be brought to a stay if equall Counsels should be found on both sides and a like valour in every one At present the matter being dissembled to most but some few that they might the better drâ—w the Enemy into a Condition of Security whom to remove one of the suspected places was the chief work the design â—â—â—ed not its effect For Rones by making a Bridge over the Scheldt was commanded to march with some Ensigne into Brabant meerly to affright them of Berghen or Breda whereby he compelled Prince Maurice leaving a Garrison at Hulst whereof Count Solmes was Governour to follow him diligently with the rest of his Bands Then certainly if ever at any time were the Forces of the Vnited Provinces small because for the avoiding too great charges they were contented only to maintain their own Borders but this year made them sensible of the folly of such kind of Resolves they having therein suffered so many losses and undergone so vast expencâ—s Part of their Souldiers were by agreement aboard the English Fleet the other part was gone into France to relieve Cambray and whit remained was almost taken up by their Garrisons the German Souldiers of late being dismissed and no new Regiments yet raised in their stead Prince Maurice had scarce two
thousand wherewith to follow and observe the uncertain motions of the Enemy But for supply thereof the Souldiers out of France being eighteen Companies were recalled and soon came In the interim Barlot with whom was present Prist in hope of the future Government of the Town commanded some little Boats which he caused to be brought from the next Castle in Flanders through the ditches in the night to be put into the Channel of the River Barlotts Walloon and Teslines German Regiments being about fifteen hundred of rather more loaden with their Arms and some few dayes Provisions followed them with slippery steps the place consisting of a soft Clay mingled with water At last being gotten aboard for there were no Fords they had a safe passage wrought by their own silence and the carelesness of the Holland Seamen who as they dreaded no danger so the negligent and sloathful Watch never offered to hinder or stop with their Ship-Boats which was easie to be done the Enemy while he was upon the Water It was in vain to shoot or throw Darts in this darkness of the night nor did the Guards get into the Town in time for there being a little Fortification at the Bank which thirty Souldiers were commanded to keep as there was Reason they out of a rash braâ—ado going out thence and being killed furnished the Enemy then wanting Engines and a place of safety and retreat with boâ—h suddenly after followed a Fight but it happening in the night proved more confused neither party being able to know which were Friends or Enemies yet the Germans at the very fiâ—st brunt their Colonel Tescline being killed who came along with Barlotte turned their backs and being in vain withheld ran into the encreasing Waters for it then flowed and there met a cowardly and obscure death But Barlotte with his men by much labour and valour restored their Fortune encouraging them to Honour with his words and the Assaylants being compelled to return into the Town both parts reported the number of the slain to be greater than it was each affirming themselves Conquerours Count Solmes because he had taken some Colours and they because they had some Prisoners Some Souldiers which Barlotte had left beyond the River to assist and be as a supply to the Germans being hired to swim over were rewarded with the spoyls of such as were slain Then was it if any things lying nigh was in that sudden and nocturnal attempt possessed by the Enemy that it happened for within there raâ— to and fro cross Banks to prevent the over-flowings of the Rivers in the same manner as Prince Maurice had commanded them to be kept These things as soon as they were noysed through Brabant both the Commanders by divers marches tend to one and the same place The Prince that he might drive out of the Isle this encreasing Company the other least those few who had entred should be destroyed either by the multitude of the Enemies Forces or by Famine for they had no more Provisions than what they carryed upon their shoulders there being no passage for Carts or Waggons But Prince Maurice laboured in vain to recover the lost places because Roâ—es had brought thither five Regiments from beyond the Scheldt to wit the Neopolitan Walloon and three Spanish Regiments but not without great danger and some loss with the rest of the Army Albertus himself filled the further Banks Prince Maurice remained at Cruning in the utmost Borders of Zeland sending from thence into the Town as many Souldiers as he could possible for the Zelanders earnestly conjured their Allyes that they would not be neglectful of them against whom both a valiant and victorious Army was coming and would lie upon them with all their force wasting and spoyling their Country although they would have all Provisions from Gaunt which is close at hand and Antwerp not far off Therefore Souldiers were both raised and encouraged in the Cities beyond the Rhine and in other places where hitherto they had been feared The Guard of the Borders wâ— committed to some fresh water Souldiers lately raised who besides their Oath taken as Souldiers were further obliged by half pay Besides it was decreed that there should be Drums beat up in England for the raising two thousand good Souldiers the Queen being beseeched that she would by her Authority be contributary to their Assistance in this great necessity But the King of France sought to for the same purpose that he would lay hold of this opportunity against his careless Enemy and make some speedy incursions into his Territories was backward in granting their Request from some designs of peace whereof he now began to hope In the mean time the Spanish brought in by one side and the Hollanders Horse by the other filled the whole Country about Hulst with sudden fear and slaughter The Hollanders had the greater strength and as oft as the water overflowed the Fields they passed backward and forward with their small Vessels unmolested Then between the Town and the Castle adjoyning to the Town which looketh toward the Scheldt and so to the Enemy slighting their Fortifications they laid themselves open by which mock or scorn the Enemies being provoked as they pursued them seeming to fly were cruelly shattered and beaten by the Townsmens shot and also a more compact and well ordered Sally It was manifest that these things happened for want of Cannon without which no good could be done and there was no small difficulty in the wafting them over the River the more marishy places were by little and little made firm with Faggots and other blushwood In the Estuary several Ships were bound and tyed one to another so strongly that they were as good as a Bridge and at the furthest part of the Bank served the Kings Forces like a Sconce framed into the shape of a half Moon from hence the great Artillery battered-both the Town and Castle But at that time there were two which had been brought at the first coming into the very Island and as any of the rest were brought over they were planted immediatly against the Enemy Afterwards many others were brought thither for security of the former and Rouce attempted to take from the Hulstians a Fort which was as we said to secure their Provisions and to cut off the use of the River from the Town yet make it advantagious to themselves which after it had not succeeded by several mean assaults at length with the Thunder of Cannons and the noyse of Trumpets and Drums whereby as he openly confessed he intended to strike at the same time terrour into the Enemies and infuse Courage into his own men at midnight he commanded the Italians to go and break through the middle bank possessed by the Enemy which led from the Castle to the City The darkness of the night was spent in wounds and slaughters with a confused noyse while the doubtful stroaks fall among the Croud and there is no
of November he set forth an Edict wherein declaring with many Circumlocutions the grievousness of the Usury he suffer'd insomuch that Husbandry ceased and Merchandizing was left off That the Customs of the Kingdom the Tenths of Priests granted to him by the Pope and the Tributes of several Nations were all detained by most unjust Covenants which the fear of worse Evils had extorted And in regard that ail his many Labours in behalf of Christianity would be perverted unless some speedy course were taken to supply or prevent those Necessities Wherefore without any other pretence of words he declared That whatsoever had been by him pawned or laid to pledge was absolutely free from every such Obligation So that he presently laid hold of all his Possessions leaving to the Usurers at the present nothing but hopes Adding withall this Proviso That whatsoever had been paid above lawful Interest should be deducted from the Principal In the mean while a great many were stripped of their Wealth though some under a false pretence of Poverty abused it to great advantage And this same Calamity for the like Reasons fell also upon some in the Netherlands The Arch-Duke hereby was surprized with such a want of Money that the next year he suffer'd by it most inexplicable Damage So that at last all came to his wonted course not so much for shame of the Creditors who cryed out There was no Faith left if the Royal Power would take upon it self the infringement of Covenants as because the Names of the Revenues coming in were various and where hence Money should be brought the Ways were infested with Thieves and the Charges of the War required a present Remedy But this could not be obtained before the Promises and Engagements were renewed by the Restauration of the Pawns and promise to pay every Moneth Eighteen Thousand Duckets and adde to the old Bank Four Hundred more the Third Part of which to be paid in Spain and the Residue in the Netherlands by Bill of Exchange But among the Hollanders as the Dearth and scarcity of Provision in Italy decreased so did their Revenues both publick and private For supply whereof the Hollanders besides their old Taxes lately increased an Eighth Part imposed a new one whereby they might restrain Riot and Excess daily increasing or else bring the Gain thereof to the publick Advantage There was a Rate set upon all those that sold Silk and other such like pretious Commodities for Garments But when as the Collector began to put in Execution the said Tax at first the People began to rail with scurrilous Language but afterward they fell to open force and blows They who without grudging underwent the burden of daily Provision for Extraordinaries yet strove against this as if it had bin for their Liberty But this seem'd a Reproach not a Tribute for the Contumacy of some so witstood the publick Authority that it appear'd unsafe to incline to the contrary But in Frizeland they who had the charge both of the Cities and the Country not yet agreeing while every one defends his Possessions against the payment of Tributes they made it evident with what Diseases chiefly the Common-wealth may be afflicted where there is not likewise a common profit But the chief care of the Nobles was bent to settle and confirm a League between themselves and the French and English for hitherto they had given Assistance one to the other at request and their own pleasure which had sometimes been the cause of Complaints among them and on all sides produced Threats tending to the breach of Peace But the Hollanders who had perpetual cause of War and as for the most part such Alliances overstrain the Inferiours while their Forces were at War in France or at Sea with the English lost Hulst and all the Tributes growing out of Flanders no man caring for their Griefs or Losses In the mean while the French not dissembling concerning Calais and the Succours sent too late complainad That the King's Confidence was deluded who lying at the Siege of Fayer with his own Forces fear'd the danger of no part less than of the Sea-Coast And their Courage was heightned from de Maiu and others of that Faction who had preferred the King's Pardon before the Commerce of Foreign Pride And now the great Council of the whole Kingdom of France being summon'd at Roan there appear'd the lawful Face of a Kingdom Nor was there any great aversion in King Philip from hearkning to Pacification which as it was true so that he should marry the King of France his Daughter was first onely a Spanish Device a little after strengthned with a false â—umour But Queen Elizabeth the Counts of Bulloin and Sancy being sent Embassadors to her from France at such time as Albertus had taken Calais at first shew'd her self very strange towards them as if she could very ill spare to lend them five and twenty thousand Scutes But shortly after taking a nearer view of the danger of her own accord she not onely kept the Embassadors with her but treated with them of a more setled League the Conditions and Articles whereof were then begun to be discoursed of In the interim the talk of Peace more and more increasing the King signified to the Vnited States and by that Name they being much troubled that the King had changed his Religion that he was so high in the Pope's Favour that he accepted of him to be a Moderator and Reconciler of Differences in Religion nor was it a wonder if he endeavour'd to win the Minds of the Vulgar by the pretence of Peace But if the League was confirm'd he would be ready to invade the Borders of Artois with 8000 men which was beyond the strength of his Nobility But for all this great ostentation when at the Siege of Hulst a little after such an Action would have been most acceptable the French never so much as made an offer to stir And besides Count Bulloin being return'd home and again to be sent into England for conclusion of the League was detained Three Moneths And there was at this time a Truce agreed between the Garrisons of Calais and Bulloin all which Things the French excused thus That they were not able to bring forth their Army because the French Nobility are always wont to rest themselves from all Actions Military in time of Harvest and not onely so but the Netherlandish Border also were visited with the Plague That the League was delay'd onely while it might be fully deliberated in all the French Parliaments and that the Truce was quickly broken off But the Hollanders had more to do with Queen Elizabeth who now for two years together had required them to come to an Account and re-imburce her Money enumerating the Successes of the War not without a shew of Emulation and the stately structures of their Cities And on the other side declaring her own Necessities which she could not supply with continual Veins
of Mettal as the Spaniard did but only from the Love and Benignity of her Subjects And the Irish Rebellion as it inforced the new raising of Money at Home so likewise it necessitated her to call in what she had abroad On the other side the Dutch Embassadors first rendring many Thanks beseeched her to stand to the League complaining That they had had but a short Benefit of those Things which had bin agreed 12 Years before And that the Covenants did not set down any set number of Souldiers whereupon they who as they never had stagger'd in their Fidelity nor had inclined to the War with wavering Counsels yet had bin by the uncertainty of Forces oftentimes revolved unto vain Attempts and that this was very unseasonable in the heat of War to expect that which did not begin to be a debt until there were a Peace setled as by the Agreement will appear That their Condition was not so much alter'd but that they still deserv'd rather Pity than Envy For besides the rich Cities of Brabant they had lost certain Towns at the Maes and particularly those which were most convenient both by Sea and Land for raising and collecting the Flandrian Tributes Nor had they bin at a small charge after the driving away the Spanish Fleet from England in so many Naval Expeditions of the English and to what end had they assisted France but that the War might be repelled and the Seas be kept open while the Enemy was imploy'd at Land Hereto was added the Shipwracks they had suffer'd the restriction or taking of their Ships the breaches of their Banks by the Sea and other daily Evils they had undergone by Misfortunes and Casualties Concerning these Things there was a long Argument with Bodley who was Leiger for the Queen among the Hollanders concerning the Dutch Affairs Notwithstanding all which Queen Elizabeth grew every day more obdurate till at length she was mollified by procrastination but chiefly by the Supplies they sent to her for the Cadiz Voyage But no sooner was the benefit of that Kindness consum'd but presently the same Contest was again renew'd and Sebastian Lose James Valquy and Abel Franken being sent Embassadors into England the Queen gave them this short Answer That that was not the intent of the League that the Hollanders should prolong a War against themselves on purpose to delay without measure or end the payment of those Charges by others disbursed for them And as to the Peace they hoped if it proved disadvantageous to them neither had it been profitable to her those 12 years having both for that time and hitherto eâ—hausted both her self and her people in sending them perpetual Aids and keeping the Towns deliver'd to her for a Pledge And what kind of Alliance must that be whose very Branch must depend upon the pleasure of another But if they would look upon the Laws as the Queen was pleased to do she would urge nothing further than was in them That it was truly so conceived Words of Promise upon Honour were plighted The Lord Burghly added also the Irish Rebellion and the proper fears of England were Causes just enough why the Queen might fall off from those Agreements when even private Promises are wont to be absolved upon unexpected Events Therefore this Debate of Right being in vain and but for a shew made use of the Hollanders ran back to their old Guard shewing the danger they should incur from all their Neighbouring Dominions if the strength of their Cities already weakned should be utterly dejected by such Demands and so much both of Wealth and Power by Sea added to the Spaniards But above all when the dubious state of the matter and so discordant in the setling the Account of Receipts and Disbursements had almost brought them to a Non-plus The English urged the payment at least of some part of the Debt and for the future not to seek a Remedy against growing Danger from old Covenants as by Compulsion but rather to merit new Favours by their Gratitude and Thanks for the former The Embassadors with many humble Intreaties offer'd That there should be an Annual Portion paid notwithstanding all their present streights and the residue at the end of the War which the Queen slighted as inconsiderable while in the interim a great fearspread it self arising from a Rumor that there was Hostility intended against her in Spain and that the preparations there made to that purpose were greater than ever before Hereupon the Wise of those times began seriously to consider of both Affairs and judged that the Hollanders were not so much oppressed with Poverty but that it would oblige them to the Queen in a strict Alliance especially considering the danger of so great a Loss and that the Queen might at some time want Money they might well bear unless their Counsel could put the Hollanders now tyred with importunate Demands in mind of her Power it being not to be suffer'd that her Debtors should raise themselves to a more prosperous Fortune by Foreign Amities Now the Count of Bulloyne was sent into England to conclude the long Treaty of a League between the two Kingdoms which was at last agreed upon in manner following The League and Alliance concerning infâ—ring or resisting Wars between or upon the King of France and the People of England is concluded under these Articles and Conditions That all former Leagues and Covenants be confirmed That both shall endeavour to bring other Princes and Nations into the same League And when either shall be offended or invaded at Home that one common Army of the Allies shall transferre the War into the Enemies Country That it shall not be lawfull for either Kingdom without the other to make either Peace or a General Truce That either shall assist the other with Arms and other things necessary for War among themselves at a reasonable price and without fraud and aid the Souldiers with all Provisions without Treachery That all things relating to Religion and Travellers of either Country be used no otherwise than as naturall Subjects That the King of France use no violence to any English for difference in Religion and in regard he was at the present most subject to the Injuries of his Enemies the Queen promised him four thousand English Souldiers for the Defence of Normandy and Picardy which are the nearest parts of France to her Kingdom giving them half a years Pay and taking Pledges But if they were kept any longer there it should be at the King's Charge Who on the other side promised the like Aid to the Queen so as they should remain near the Shore or within fifty Leagues That it may be lawful to raise and take into Pay four thousand men and the Command of the Souldiers to be in that Prince within whose Borders the War is These were the Heads that were publickly known for by some private Agreements the number of Souldiers the Queen was to send this year was
lessned To the performance of this League the Queen was sworn And the Earl of Salisbury went to see the King take the like Oath on his part From hence the Count of Bulloyn went into Holland to receive their consent and submission At the confirmation of this League were present there Paul Busanual who was the King's continual Leiger with the States and George Gilpin an English-man and an Assistant in the Senate by the old League After Prince Maurice and the Senate's Advice had the United States were also included within the same words onely there were added these peculiar Things That the King of France at the beginning of the Spring shall have Souldiers ready upon the Borders of Artois and Henalt and on the other side the States shall have ready 8000 Foot and 1500 Horse that the lying as it were in the middle may be divided in his purposes what to do in so doubtful a case Therefore the States will add to the two Auxiliary Regiments which they sent at their own charge to aid the King two Regiments more but if for all that the Enemy should turn his whole strength upon them that it shall be lawful for them to recall those Forces And the French King for his part shall at his best conveniency send as many Regiments to the Hollanders as also 1000 Horse That each shall have the chief Command in his own Country What hath formerly been agreed and is not by this present League renewed or altered to be and remain as they were That the King have great Care and Honour to the Confederate Cities and the Subjects within this League and above all other to the House of Nassau for their everlastingly famous Merits towards the Commonwealth That all Journeys backward and forward and all Trade be free on both sides That neither of them impose heavier Tributes upon the Subjects of the other than upon their own Citizens That all the Laws which confiscate the Estates of Strangers be cut off and invalidate between them and that the Right of Succession and making Wills and Testaments be restored That all Booty takâ—n at Sea shall belong to them who first invaded or set the Enemy That the Hollanders may sail whither they will even into the Western Kingdoms That there be no demands nor distresses made for a publick debt upon privat persons That it shall not be lawful for any to retain any ships either in their passage by or coming to the Shore to unlade or to expose them to sale The publick Instruments of this League were signed the last day of October which were solemnly attested with publick Joy wherein there was nothing omitted to make it compleat For besides that it was for the settlement of peace It also conduced much to the Honour and Majesty of the Common-wealth much envyed for its new rising that it was looked upon by Kings in Honourable Leagues which that it might be brought to passe the French King had exceeded while he esteems it convenient and agreeable to his own Affairs and the benefit of the Hollanders even against themselves although Queen Elizabeth had laboured that these her old Allyes should be comprehended under her Patronage affirming that it was enough there being no cause why Cities falling from a strange Government should be inserted among Names of Princes of the highest Rank There were some who would have repeated former seuds how the Franks of old passed the River Wael and seated themselves in that part of the Country which is called Gelderland that they possessed the Isle of Holland from whence their Kings took the name of Meronee That Governours were sent out of France into Holland Then also that the English confess them of Frizon original by the idiom of their Tongue Shortly after their Princes were obliged to both the Kingdoms by Marriage and that a great while before when the Roman Power carryed all before it the Hollanders were famous for Arms fidelity and honest liberty so that they were called the Emperours People Brothers and Friends When the Romans renounced all right and fair dealing these choosing themselves a civil Leader opposed them making a confederacy both with Germany and France O hers took notice of the vicissitude of their Affairs neerer hand as particularly that now the King of France had made a publick League against the Spaniard with them whose Deputies but a few years before for fear of the Spaniard they durst hardly hearken to But the Regiments which the Hollanders by the League were bound to send were not sent but according to the King's desire money instead thereof which he rather wanted than men But this the English took amiss nor did the Queen vouchsafe to send any person to go to the German Princes together with the Holland and French Embassadus and certainly there was nothing proved a greater hindrance of others to joyn in that Allyance then that Emulation from hence the French conceived a deadly suspition that the English desired to have a perpetual War with them Nor with any other mind was the Queen desired to forward the making a Peace between the Turk and the House of Austria And not long after there being a Conference appointed at Diope to consider what course should be taken for carrying on the War the next year There again the French were offended at a Request made by the English to wit that if they could recover Calais a Garrison might be put into it for the Queen But they had rather the Spaniards should keep it hoping that they might in the future extort it from them either by force or by Article which they much doubted if once the English should get it About the same time it was desired of King Henry That the Professors of several Arts which had been taught at Leyden by ingenious persons bred there might be allowed in France The Prince of Aurange had formerly chosen this place for a Seat for the liberal Sciences least for fear of charge the People at a great distance and being bred and born among Arms should grow rude and barbarous And by this means also the City was repaired and the ruines which it had suffered by a Siege amended for being famous for fidelity and constancy it rather chose this Reward of Learning than to be free from Taxes which was offered to it The main motive hereto was Religion the prop of their party the gift of expounding whereof had hitherto been assumed by Artificers or of the unlearned and illiterate common people while the labour it self being without hope of preferment and certainly attended by poverty was the cause of penury both in the teachers and learners In a short time although the Frizons also had to the like purpose ordained Franecre this School of Holland by the fame of the Instructors and the flocking thither of much youth both of their own and foreign Countries got the preheminence The Teacher of the study of the Civil Law was Hugo Donnell who following the
Affairs of the Country they were called Hovet-men according to Custom should be chosen by the City Senate which the House of Austria had preserved entire in Gelderland the rest of the same Court by the States As to Merchandising it was thus moderated That whatever was of the Growth of the Country or Manufacted there should not be exported till it had been first brought to Groeningen Market neither might they use any other Drink then what was brewed there in Groening this Ale there made is of Water boyled with Barley the common Drink of Germany and the familiar use there made this the more easily accepted by both but for foreign Merchandises free liberty was allowed Many other things there were of like nature composed which although at first moved with high Contests yet coming short of the intent aymed at it irked to perform But now the contention of the Hollanders with those of Zeland was so much the more grievous by how much the Unity of the entire Body was maintained by the Wealth of these The difference was about Customs which were raised by Transportation of Commodities either to Foreign Nations or the Enemy This the several Provinces looked upon not as a peculiar Propriety but the common Stock of the League for bearing the Charge of the Naval-Affairs which if it fell short by any means they were for the publick good to make up out of their private Purses The Zelanders stretched this further compelling all sorts of Commodities that were brought out of Holland and passed by their Islands to other places to pay another part of Custom with them which because it could not be hindred was by a temporary Agreement between the two Provinces confined But the Hollander renounced this Convention relying upon an Edict of the United States which declared that where Carryage was taken in there the freight ought to be payd Besides this the Zelanders were accused that by diminishing the Customs and punishments they had reduced the common Stock into their hands as of right and by that meanes and the like deceits they had converted all forreign Trade and the advantages thereof to themselves against the Faith and Agreement of so necessary an Allyance whereto when they answered that the Hollanders by their Covetousness obtruded the name of the States as otherwhere the name of the Prince and Senate that they intermingled in one many Controversies Nor did they both cease to prefer their own merits in the management of the War before those of the other objecting to each other sloath and neglect and if the League should be dissolved they could among themselves have sufficient strength to maintain and defend their private Affairs Nay to such a height was the Zelanders fury risen that they denyed to pay any Tribute to the League which afterward other meaner and less considerable People taking into example it was scarce agreed at length that some Commodities of Zeland being relinquished for the future their Authority should be preserved in the great Counsel of the General States While these things were in Agitation several Forreign Embassies were heard where were at large discoursed the benefits and prayse of Peace with the miseries and complaints of War the Spaniard in the interim taking care not so much to obtain Peace as to throw the Odium of the War upon the States as denying and being averse to peace Among these Embassies the ingrateful Speech of Paulus Dialius sent to them from Sigismund King of Poland was taken notice of who in a Latine Speech thundring aloud when he talked much of the duties of Subjects towards their Princes he threatned to the Hollanders certain ruine from the Spanish greatness unless they acknowledged their fault and desired Pardon offering the King his Master as a Mediator but on the contrary he highly extolled King Philips goodness and fidelity and that before the Sons and Kinsmen of the Prince of Aurange and Count Egmonde no less were the names of Christianity and that the Turkish Power though at such distance hung over their heads with terrour the hither Poland to redeem its fear thereof with Peace having withdrawn it self from the common War Nor was it unknown to the States how the Polander and Spaniard were linked together both by necessity and Allyance and which was the nearest tye of all the Jesuites residence in the Kings Court. To this it was modestly answered as to cause and danger of Peace and that the Spaniard waged more cruel Wars against the Christians than the Turks cut of an excessive ambition of Soveraignty Whereof Sigismund ought rather to take care before any domestick Conjunction And when He notwithstanding this yet grew more cholerick as if he intended to break off all commerce they who treated with him affirmed that they were in no more need of the Polanders Harvest if the Laws of humanity should be violated then the Polanders were of their money At this time also the Emperour and Princes of Germany and the chief City sent to require Audience of a most magnificent Embassie which the States suspecting the preparation of so great an Authority excused whereupon they sent other Letters by Charles Nutselius questioning with some bitterness whether that were the Reverence they bore to the Germane Allyance and whether they would return this thanks for all the benefits they had received to deny to them their Friends what was granted even to Enemies among all Nations Nor would it be sufficient for the Embassadors onely to treat of Peace which yet that it might be without Fraud and secure if any occasion should be given they should diligently take care but also of many other weighty Affairs which concerned the Hollanders no less than the Germans This Nutselius interpreted to relate to the restauration of the old Leagues protesting not without threats that no man should despise the Majesty of the Empire unpunished To this the States with great Humility replyed that they did this onely out of Honour and Reverence to the German name that they might be premonished lest they should put themselves to the trouble of a vain and fruitless Embassie There being no persons in the World that could better understand their Affairs and what was expedient for them then themselves With a little more seriousness came from the King of Denmark Arnoldus Witfeldius the President of that Kingdom and Christian Barnicavius the same King as was believed by most doing this rather because he could not refuse it than of his own accord for he had been a Fatherly Friend both to the House Nassau and the People of Holland and besides prosessed the sincere and reformed Religion and therefore would require nothing that might seem fraudulent either to that or them But because in Peace God might be more purely worshipped and both publick and private Affairs consisted more safely without the chances of War he hoped they would not look upon him as an unacceptable or uncapable Authour of so great a good To these so
many and great Advisers of Concord the States in effect gave one and the same Answer the words onely varyed but they wrote to the Dane with more civility than any of the rest I will here briefly relate the Reasons of this their Resolve so often before-mentioned least that passe for currant with the Reader which they began by often hearing and repeating the same things to nauseate They insisted that both by the French and English Allyance and afterwards by the great vertue of Prince Maurice they were so obliged that they could not in private either accept or suffer any Articles of Peace which as it would be wicked so likewise would it be dangerous for them to think because the thoughts of Peace though frivolous yet makes all men more remiss in matters of War and for the most part from the liberty and Leagues of Cities springs discord and hatred And at this time were certain Letters written by William Clement the Spanish Orator to the Emperour discovered which did set forth such hopes and that the Germans had onely gotten envy from the Hollanders by their motioning of Peace And then were added the examples of divers things done at Breda Gaunt Colen and in Brabant and Flanders which had much promoted the Enemies snares After which things they averred that they could never hope for an end of the War from the Spanish infidelity but by the goodness of God the onely Ruler of Armies if perchance then the Netherlanders consent might prevail A word or two now for the cause how and under what necessity of labouring they were compelled to those things whereof no agreement could make them secure It was the Interest of their Neighbours least the King of Spain being eased of so great a War should grow greater by the addition of those Forces which should by Peace become subject to him which if he once attained he might have alwayes in readiness an Hundred Thousand Men. Now to oppress and enslave one anon another That it was a frequent Speech in the mouths of the Spaniards that the Hereticks were to be Conquered by the blood of Hereticks nor did they by that Name comprehend the followers of the Reformed Religion as it is called but also those of the Augustane Confession both by their own and the Popes Judgement and because that name is no less hated now by the Common-wealth then of old was that name of King among the most puissant Romans and yet there remain some tracks thereof with those People which affect such a Soveraign Dominion as is next of all to liberty neither is that Form of Government which the Polanders publickly maintain so much grounded upon the Right of Birth as the consent of Election whereof also the German and Dane retain a Similitude giving almost the same account of their Governments They say the Netherlanders were never enslaved but had alwayes a moderated Empire bounded by Laws That the care of the Laws was committed from their Ancestors to such as gave particular Testimonies of Valour and Vertue That the Inclinations and Affections of Governing by Justice passed from Father to Son for then there was no infinite unbounded and Arbitrary Power but it was kept within Assemblies which made the Name of King be wholly unknown Then both Prince and People had a Confidence and Faith of each other untill Philip not onely by perverting Judgement and exacting things never granted violated the Oath he had taken but also on the other side he contemned and said aside contrary to all Justice and Equity the true intents of Embassies dipping his hands in the blood of innumerable Innocents That which Nature Commands all Creatures which is the Principle of self-preservation we have done and not promiscuously as Libertines but under the Conduct of a worthy Prince the Prince of Aurange In the interim many Supplications were made to Philip and the Neighbour-Princes solicited him to mitigate the severity of his Resolutions But after that Treachery and Revenge were found to lie hid under the pretences of his peace We removed which is no new thing among Subjects him doing by his power such things as were contrary to his duty as a Prince and this by a publick Decree wherein were set forth all the Causes and Motives thereof And then again it seemed good to some to Elect for their Prince the King of France his Brother while others submitted to the power of the Prince of Aurange which they had no sooner done but forthwith he was assassinated by Spanish Treachery and the Succession of Government by his death devolving to Prince Maurice who now being supported by the Allyances of sundry great Princes defendeth and enlargeth our limits by Arms. I have in this manner declared these things that among Remote Nations the Report of Affairs then might be known from the use of matters at present Nor were the Hollanders satisfied to shake off the offers of Peace but that they incited others to take up Arms objecting against the Spaniardâ— his ambition and thirst after Kingdoms and the greatness of his Power to do mischief Reproaches of a long standing which great Empires very hardly or never can escape And for the better winning of Credit hereto besides the manifest Examples of France and Brittain were published all Albertus his Demands against many Cities of Germany and also a fresh document from Erabant what might be hoped for touching Religion The Relation thereof followes Anna Hovia a Maid living in Family with her Sisters to whom she was in nature of a Servant being suspected of dissenting from the Popes Sanctions was thrown into Prison and when they overcome either by the threats or prayers of her Friends or the allurement of life wherewith even the greatest minds are made to sloop had begged her Pardon by acknowledging her ignorance she alone was nothing moved but in the interim with modest Speeches she obtested that being a Woman and so both by Sex and Fortune exempts from troubles and as she her self believed maintaining no false Opinion but if it were so that she was guilty of error who could pardon her for it for that was an offence not against men but God and he would take vengeance for the same if any one overcome by fear against the thoughts of their heart should recant although it were thereby to maintain the truth of whom the Senate advising whether they should give judgement or â—â— Albertus is reported to have made answer Let the Laws be put in execution You may the more justly wonder hereat that so cruel and inhumane a punishment should yield delight or satisfaction to any Spectators for she was buried alive under ground at Bruxells the Authours of this Barbarisme probably expecting she would have repented But she now descending into the Cave and being placed between Death and the Priests ready to give her absolution without any shew of fear calling onely upon God she was covered over with the Earth and buried alive This Womans
constancy was looked upon by all the Netherlanders with great câ—mmiseration Report adding to the novelty of the matter in regard of old many millions of Butcheries were transacted upon short and small hearing And afterwards Albertus thought it almost enough to punish Crimes of that sort by threatnings but if at any time he proceeded further the torments were inflicted in more secret manner At this time a return of thanks was made to those several Kings and Princes who had been solicitous for the peace of the Netherlands recommending their Affairs in particular to every one of them And in the interim by reason of the Arch-Dukes envy they stirred up all who had any care of Religion to a severe revenge The Entertainment and Charge of the Embassadors was defrayed out of the publick Stock out of which also at their departure great gifts were given to them In their Letters to Germany they excused several incursions into the adjoyning parts of their Country by the like actions of the Spaniards and the necessity of the War whereto there was but one remedy to wit utterly to drive them away as far as was possible against whose insolency in taking several places of Germany they had often received a hearing but never any redress Whereupon they were compelled concerning this affair also to put all their hope in their Arms which yet should not be prejudicial to the Neighbours all about that were in peace to which purpose they had lately augmented the Souldiers pay that so they might be kept subject by a stricter Discipline The Danes also seperately and a part requested that the War wherein they were altogether unconcerned might not be made a burthen to them and that they might not be restrained from Spanish Commerce which Queen Elizabeth by the same Embassadors had denyed to the Kings of Denmark and Poland and when they praised nature who willed the Sea should be open to all and the right of exchange or Trade be debarred to none She answered That there was nothing so congruous to the Customs both of men and nature it self then to repel danger and therefore no wise man would suffer him to receive any assistance who lay at watch for his ruine Nor did she deny them Arms onely but all other sores of Provisions whatsoever avouching in defence of the same an antient League of the English with the Anseatike Cities and the examples of other Princes deriding the vanity of Paulus Dialius behaving himself insolently protesting she rather took him for a Herald then an Orator nor did she spare his Master Sigismund himself who she said was ignorant what belonged to a King and for that he received his Government but by Election That his Father and Grandfather when they warred with the Muscovile shewed another kind of respect to England But this was all the thanks the was like to have who had by her Embassadors care and pains delivered Sweden from the Muscovitish War and freed Poland from the Turks But the Hollanders not esteeming it just to prescribe harder Laws to others then they were willing to submit to themselves did not intercede hinder other people from going to the Westward and the Enemies Coasts by the same Rule that the United States themselves did This year were made some expeditions by Sea begun with great Councels but by reason of so many incertainties to little or no purpose for the English encouraged by the yet fresh success of the Cadiz Voyage made new and great preparations at Sea to countervail the Enemies designs there and fall upon the rich Islands of the Azores with endeavour also to seize and take all Ships coming from the other far distant World The Queen set forth sixteen strong and well armed Ships among which were two taken at Cadiz to whom the Hollanders joyned twenty of theirs under the Conduct of their Admiral Warmonde besides almost threescore less Vessels for carrying the Souldiery and Instruments of War wherein were contained some great Artillery for battering of Cities and Towns together with six thousand Land Souldiers although they heard that divers numbers of Foot Souldiers were levied and ready upon all the Sea-Coasts of Spain The Command as General both of the Fleet and Souldiers was committed to the Earl of Essex for the avoiding those evils which of late a divided Commission had made them sensible of In the Moneth of July they set Sayl favoured at first with the calmness of the Sea and a gentle Northerly Wind but soon after the Wind encreasing and when the Fleet was arrived in the great Ocean over against Gallicia the Sea and the Heavens changed Countenance for the Ships being tossed in the surging Waves of a horrible Sea divided as well the Counsels of the Commanders as separated the Ships one from another Some having more nimble Vessels were hurried in oblique courses even into the Coasts and sight of Spain and many wearied by the Sea and dangers that they might the sooner return into their Country of their free wills followed the pleasure of the Winds But although the Earl of Essex his Ship was restrained by the loss of her Masts and the springing of several great Leaks so that the entring Water could hardly be exhausted by all the toyl and labour of the Pump yet did he still endeavour to go forward and steere his course even in despight of Fortune Until at last all sight being taken away with the thick darkness of the Clouds and the sense of hearing become useless by the out-cryes of such as were over-charged with fear the dashing of the Waves and the blustring of the Winds present fear had made the Seamen senseless of their duties so that there was no obedience to Commands Thus by the consent of the Commanders most of the Ships having many Leaks so that they could hardly be kept upright with all their labour yet at last he brought them all back into England safe the tenth day after he went out where while they waited for their Companions and contrary Winds detain them in the Port by scarcity of Provisions and the increasing of Diseases they were compelled to dismiss their Ships of burden and Souldiers retaining onely one Regiment which being well Disciplined in Military Affairs Sir Francis Vere had brought thither by the consent of the Hollanders And now their Counsels being contracted as their Forces and the hope of a Land War totally lost it was thought convenient to wait about the Islands of Azores to intercept the great Fleet now ready to return from the Indies But the English Ships being again torn and spoyled by cruel Tempests Essex having long compassed the Sea and wasting the Islands was at last by the error of his Pilots carryed out of his way and Sir Walter Rawleigh not able any longer to be subject to Command took his course though without any certainty another way The Spaniards in the mean while arrive at the Port of Augra on the contrary part of the Isle Tercera the
with so small Forces had compassed such long Marches through divers Countries and reduced them from the Contribution and Prey of the Enemy for the future to be safe by the Boundaries of Rivers was celebrated with the more than ordinary Affection and Joy both of the States and People Insomuch that some of the Princes of Germany publikely in their Dyet made the Motion That he might be made General of the War against the Turks whose Valour and Fortune it was probable would put new Life into the Hungarian Affairs which then lay gasping through unprosperous Successes But this Joy did not continue long without a Repulse being inteâ—rupted by a Domestick Affliction because his Sister Aemilia being stricken with Love without the Knowledge either of her Bâ—other or the States was marryed and this she did as believing or hoping thâ—t their Pardon would be sooner obtained for such an Action than their Consent This Lady hitherto unspotted from the Evil or any of the Germane Manners was allured by the Speeches and Countenance of Emanuel who was noâ— unskilled under the Similitudes of Obsequiouâ—ness to find means no raise Pity especially because being a young man and of Royal Birâ—h he was by Force and Injury driven from his Paternal Inâ—tance for he boasted Don Antonio for his Father who for a while was King of Portugal This man with his Brother Christopher having wandred thâ—ough France England and all other places in Hostility with King Philip seeing the young Lady and conversing with her as oft as he pleased which Liberty is granted by Custom and remains as the onely Relique of Antient Simplicity since it self was lost he assumed the hoped of Affinity with the Nassuian Family although besides the inequality of his Fortune there was a discrâ—pancy in the Religion which they â—oth professed from their Father At first therefore this new Bride and Bridegroom are forbidden the Princes presence and thereupon for asswaging his Anger they retired to Wesel from whence returning into Holland with their small Revenue they lived after the manner of private persons This was so much the more grievous to her being the Prince of Aurange's Daughter and Niece to the Duke of Saxony because both before and also at the same time she had Sisters of the Bourbonian Bloud by the Mothers side that by the Authority of the State who gave them Portions out of the Publike-Stock lived like Princes in great state and with a noble Retinue for Ludovica Julianâ— was marryed to the Prince Palatine one of the Electors of the Empire Isabella to Henry Duke of Bulloyne and Catharina surnamed Belgica to Philip Count of Harcovia a Person of no small Wealth among the Franks But Carola to whom the Brabanders would have that Name given was bestow'd upon Claudius of the Family of Tremoyle Duke of Tuart in Poictou a man of eminent power for whose Marriage sake Henry Frederick obtained to have an Embassage from the States as well to see the manners of France with his Mother as the King The Winter this year proved dangerous to Holland on that side towards the North by breaking down the Banks and causing great Inundations the like whereof hapned also about Groâ—â—gen And the frequent breaking out of Fires in Amsterdam made them there have suspition of Treachereous dealing from the Enemy With the Arch-Duke there was such a scarcity of Money that the Souldiers began to mutiny in every place for beginning at first in Gelders the Example passed to Wachtendone and thence soon after to Calais Câ—mbray Ardres Capelleâ— Chasteâ—et Lire Dorsan Sclâ—ya Sâ—um and Gaunt which were all infected with the same Contagion In some places they thrust out their Captains in other places the Officers joyned voluntarily with the Souldiers and when a little money was procured and sent to some of them that was but a provocation of others that had none to the like or greater Disorders chusing rather the Rewards of a Licentious Sedition than the empty Honour of an unprofitable Obedience Hereupon several Cities refused to receive Garisons And the Arch-Duke himself with his Retinue was shut out of Venloo and all the rest of the Winter was spent in divers contrivances relating both to Beaâ— and War even until the beginning of the following Year â— Some Traytors also were hired to bring the Spaniards into the Isle of Tolen but they exâ—iated their impious and unhappy Designs with the loss of their Lives And againâ— another while a Party was sent to take the strong Hold of Barghen-op-Zoom by force while yet the Fortifications were imperfect and at the same time another select Band to force the Gate of Gertruydenberg but both of them being discover'd by Scouts were forced to depart without attempting any thing About this time all Things seemed to incline towards Peace for Philip himself being wearyed out both of his Courage and Forces by a Forreign War with France a Naval War with England and as it were a Civil War in the Netherlands and learning by Example That many times Hopes are destroyed by Hopes or that the hasty Steps of Old Age and Diseases wherewith he was now broken had inclined him to more wild and moderate Counsels he desired to hide his Arms or to distract and break the new-made Society of his Enemies And the Opinion of most was that he chiefly aimed to rid himself of the French and Dutch Wars that so he might the more readily revenge himself upon England and with the less charge for in France the loss of Aâ—iens and in the Netherlands of several Cities beyond the Rhine had much increased his Enemies Forces and lessned his own besides the Country was wasted his Credit exhausted from whence grew Seditions it being impossible to keep a setled and strict Discipline where the Souldiers want their Pay and if any part of the Souldiery be sent away while the Enemy hovers up and down it is very dangerous because both the Cities of the Netherlands and the Nobility are for their forepassed Acts as much suspected as any In the mean while among the Hollanders the Country is secure and the Sea open which daily yields much profit and still promiseth more And to this purpose certain Letters written by Albertus to the King and intercepted spoke It pleased him therefore to begin with the French King because under the pretence of the same Religion that seem'd both more feazible and convenient especially since Pope Clement had often admonish'd him That since the Family of Bourbon was receiv'd into the Romane Church he should incease to trouble him And if he yet did proceed further that his former Wars would seem to have been made more out of Ambition and the Thirst of Empire than his Care of Religion or Piety Adding moreover all that could be said for the advancement of Concord among Christians and promoting the War against the Turks But Philip along time contemned all these Warnings though now at last he began to approve thereof but chiefly
being bandied backward and forward in Books the Year following manifestly convicted of Vanity being a Year of Idleness if compared with some that went before Nay though some from the Event would seem with Reason to conclude from the taking of a Sea-Calf in the River not far from Gorrichen not long after that these Creatures were the Fore-runners of those Actions which in after-times were transacted near those Places This indeed is true that seldom in any Year have more Things hapned contrary both to Hope and Expectation the very beginning thereof from the Winter going all along with unsuccessful Endeavours For the Commanders of the Garison of Berghen-op-Zoom being perswaded that by an agreed Connivence of the Scouts they might get Wonde which is a Castle scituate inward from whence some of the King's Souldiers being sent out into the Estuaries did infest all the Rivers the Setter forward of this Design being a man no less timorous than imprudent as soon as the Danger began to appear himself by his own flight spoil'd the Plot which had been laid by his counsel But Prince Maurice suffer'd a greater Mishap with the Fleet sayling into Flanders without the fault or neglect of any man for the Winds raging without intermission quite destroy'd such ships as lay abroad while the rest not without great hazard sought to get into Harbour And by chance it hapned that some few days after a Castle or Fort of the same Coast that lyes opposite to Bierfleet beyond Zealand was by some Garrison French Souldiers deliver'd to the Spaniards who bought it of them the Third Year after it had bin in the hands of the Hollanders by the Treachery of some Waloon Souldiers and in this manner was both the shame and loss recompensed A Party of Horse also marched towards Limburg covering to intercept some Companies of Foot lying thereabouts but their Journey being discover'd they were forced to return Home empty through the deep Snow The same in the Dutchy of Juillers by the surprize of some Troops about Burick were forced to leave some Provisions to the Enemy which they had intercepted though not without the loss of some bloud And others returning from Leige and Trevier were met by the Enemy and worsted Which trivial but frequent Mischances in some measure diminished the Honour they had gotten the former Year in the action of Turnhâ—nt In the interim the Hollanders neither lost the good that comes by Peace nor those Advantages which in other Wars were unknown Nay they made good use of the Discord that fell out between the English and Germans the beginning of which Contention when in the Event it reached the Low-Countries I must begin at a greater distance In former Times the chief Trade for Merchants was setled in the German Cities of which they that were scituate either by the Sea or some famous Rivers to the Number of Seventy were by the just Laws of Commerce incorporated into one Body but consisting of divers Nations as the Venedians Saxons Borussians and Westfalians who were all united by one League which was named the Ansiatike League Nor were the Superior Northerly Parts and the Netherlandish Parts onely frequented by the Industry of the Germans but also London it self was a great Mart for them where after they had publikely flourished for their Fidelity and Profit in Trading it was granted by the Kings of England that they might barter or exchange their Commodities paying but small Customs But at that time the Pastures of Brittains with the onely proceed of their Wooll did almost answer all Importations from Foreign Parts although nothing was then fetched out of the Island but rough Wooll in the Fleece until the Netherlanders weary of their Domestick Evils and for diverse uses being banish'd out of their own Countries as they taught some People in other Things so they instructed the English in ordering and working of their Wooll This hapned during the Reign of King Edward who minding to draw some part of this new Gain into his own Treasury thought himself hindred in his intent by the Ansiatike League Wherefore seeking some cause of Quarrel whereby he might recede from what his Predeâ—â—ssors had granted the English begin to turn all Topsie-Turvey yet still to offer the Germans their old Priviledges if they would undergo the Customs and Burdens laid upon Cloathing with the same readiness and obedience as the Citizens and Subjects of the Kingdom did averting That nothing was so contrary to the Duty of 〈◊〉 Prince as to release that Burden to Strangers which the Subjects were forced to bear and therefore required that they might enjoy the like Immunities through Germany All which prevailed nothing with the Germans who retorted That by these new Inventions the Priviledges which they had purchased with three hundred years Merits and had been confirmed unto them by the Oaths of fourteen Kings were utterly infringed And no less were they proved at the new setled Company of the English who took away all their Gain by serving other Nations with their Cloth Hence arose Envy and Complaints to the Emperour especially at that time when by reason of the Quarrels between Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Alva the English being commanded out of the Netherlands had setled beyond the Feines They were accused for spoiling and undervaluing the Commodity in the Manufacture by discovery of the Prices at the first hand In this manner much time was spent partly in Wranglings between the Subjects and partly in Letters of Princes sent to and fro untill the English Name growing more and more hated by continual Pyracies at Seâ— Philip the Inciter of such Feuds renewed these old Controversies undertaking the Deferce of the Cause with Caesar by his Ministers Mendosa and Clement not with any Affection to the Ansiatike League but that he might riâ— up old Sores and disturb the Sea with an Enemy Now also Lubeck the Head City of the League in an Embassie by them sent at which time the Authority of the King of Denmark was â—ought after for the working upon the Hollanders of which Embassie Plous Barlayment was the Chief blamed the Germans whâ— passing by all the rest of the Neâ—herlanders only endeavor'd by their Commerce to increase the Wealâ—h of Rebels which shewed that they bore neither an honest nor grateful Mind for such a good Office of the King And now they were daily sollicited to take Arms against the English with Promises of great Assistance to them therein And thereupon the Germans sent these Demands to the Cities formerly of the Ansiatike but now of the Belgike League with Letters discovering Hatred either out of Envy against that People growing potent by Merchandize or else because it hath been found true by frequent Experiments that the nearer men agree in Religion the more sharply they differ for they of the Augustane Confession and the Catholikes the more different they are in Judgment the more concurrent they are in Affection These Things were
should be raised onely in their Name and should fight under their sole Command and at their Charge And from thenceforth the so much envyed Authority of the English Embassadour was absolutely taken away Yet still the Queens Priviledge of nominating an Assistant to sit with the Senate was reserved If the Queens Enemies should invade her either by Land or Sea or the Queen should think sit to make War upon her Enemies the Dutch upon notice should add to her Fleet 30 or 40 lusty and stout Ships together with an Army of Five Thousand Foot and Five Hundred Horse Upon these Articles and Covenants a firm Agreement was made but reserving to the Queen her Right that she might vindicate her cause against the Netherlander under the King of Spain's Jurisdiction There was excepted out of this League Palavine's Debt of Fourscore Thousand Florens which was afterwards privately compounded It was not that England chose Peace rather than War by this League but that as it was eased of a Burthen so it had gained thereby a Fortification Not long after this some were taken who went about to poyson Queen Elizabeth and in Ireland by one happy Fight and the taking of a Castle was the cruel Tyrone made Prisoner while he was drawing the Province of Munster to partake in his Rebellion No more did the Hollanders repent them of their Old Resolution although there was a new Face of Affairs with the Enemy and many ways were sought to invite them Aod now the Report of the New Marriage grew every day more frequent these being Letters brought to the Netherlanders by Friasio whereby the whole Government of them was turned over to the Princess Isabella The Causes and Articles of which King Philip published to be these When by the Pope's Licence he had destined and by the Consent of all his Relations Resolved to bestow his best Beloved Daughter in Marriage upon his Kinsman he conceiv'd it would be of great Advantage to the Netherlanders to the advancement of Peace and settlement of the present Government that they might always have their Prince present among them which their Ancestors could not be in regard of their many and great Cares and therefore he did give and grant unto his said Daughter all the whole Country of the Netherlands and every part thereof together with Charlois and the County of Burgundy together with the Name of Duke of Burgundy for the French had long since got the possession thereof yet so that himself and his Successours Kings of Spain should enjoy the Honour of the same Title with the chief place among the Knights or Companions of the Golden Fleece being an Order instituted by his Fore-Fathers Adding moreover all other Things that were thought fit by Men learned in the Law for Confirmation of the Premisses by which the Rights of Principality and the Revenues and all other Incidents pertaining thereto might the more rightly descend and pass unto the said Isabella and her Posterity These Things were the more remarkable because Philip using the word Clientole did declare That he gave all those Dominions to his Daughter in Fee And this seems to be added because the greatest part of the Lands were held of the Empire and other part of the Crown of France and then because by his Command the Oath which the Nobles had formerly taken was to be alter'd now from the Obligation to himself in a New Obedience to his Daughter And if any thing contained in these Instruments seemed to contradict the Law in my point that he did confirm by his Supream and Royal Authority And if it should happen that no Children should proceed of this Marriage or that Issue Male or Female did ever fail all the aforesaid Premisses and the Right thereof to revert to the Kings of Spain And this was given as a Reward to the Merits of Albertus that he might have the Government of the Netherlands as a Comfort to his Wiâ—owship And if there were any Issue then the use and profits thereof but nothing to descend to the Heir besides the Revenue of the Dutchy of Lutzenburg and the County of Chiny There was also prescribed an Order of Succession First to the Male then to the Female and so to the Younger and the Elder Daughters Nephew should procede the Younger Son That it should not be lawful to divide or alien the Lands unless by the King's Licence And it was provided also that this Gift should return to the Donor many ways As if any Woman should for the future attain the Netherlands that it should presently return to the Hands of the King of Spain or his Heirs neither might it be lawful for a Son or Daughter being Princes of the Country to marry or otherwise alter their condition unless by the Consent of the same King Moreover They are forbidden by themselves or their Ministers to intermeddle in the Trade of America or the Indies and that every one coming to that Government is to swear to these Articles and also to maintain the Romane Catholike Religion And if any thing be done to the contrary the Right of the Netherlands to come to the Spaniards These Instruments were signed by the Father and attested by Witnesses the Sixth of May. The same day the King's Son and Heir Philip also by Name gave his Consent to the same by Writing carefully taking Cautions according to the Laws There were divers Speeches concerning this matter and they disagreeing among themselves as is usual in such Cases Some accused this as an Evil Custom that the Heads of Free-men or any private Service should be rated and valued That it was onely used by Barbarians to give and bestow Dominions For of what value was a Prince among them who never knew what belonged to Lordship But to them that make a distinction between Right and Wrong it is nothing ambiguous because the matter belonging to the People makes the Government from thence be called a Commonwealth The ordering whereof as it is in some places committed to the Nobles or Senate so with most it is setled under the Tuition of a Prince Nor was there ever any just Empire but what begun by the Consent of the People who have trusted the Defence thereof either to one Single Person or else by reason of Faction in Suffrages to more who have this onely Reward of their Honour that next to their own Welfare they take Care of the benefit of their Subjects Which as it is true every where so is it more manifest among the Netherlanders who being neither Conquer'd by Arms nor yet willing of their own accord to serve will not suffer their Princes to do many Things but with a Limited Power and Revenues it being chiefly forbidden left at any time they should break any part of the Trust commiâ—ted to them And therefore in former Time the Daughters were put off with a small Portion in Money To the rest of the Children were given Governments and other small Offices the
that for want of Remedy this Mutinous Licentiousness continued until the Year following the Souldiers in the Castle of Gaunt were a little more modest for being content with their own Number they would not receive any that came from other places which in this time of common Disturbance seem'd a great part of Honesty But in the City of Grave there was not a Mutiny but a Fight of the Souldiers among Themselves but when the Germans ran to Arms in Assistance of the Towns-men against the Spaniards that Commotion quickly was appeased beyond hope After all which Disturbances Albertus being thereby spurred up to Arms and the rather because he received no Answer to his Letters either from Prince Maurice or the United States he took away from the Souldiers their hope of continuing in their Garrisons What Money could be scraped together either out of Spain or upon Credit He distributed among such as were going to the Camp as well old as new raised Souldiers which made a great Supply and consisted chiefly of French-men who fled from the late made Peace at Home Now upon Debate of the Matter in the Senate and with the most skilful and understanding Collonels it was though fit that the Army should march beyond the Rhine either for the invading of the Hollanders or else that they might undo what Prince Maurice had done who in the former years in the setling of Frizeland had finish'd one part of the War for the United States where the Country being large and open on the backside towards Germany and but meanly it engthned with Towns he shew'd-many notable Examples of good Conduct and Industry in laying hold upon all convenient Opportunities Now as this was in it self very prudent Counsel to surround the Hollanders on all sides with their Armies to diminish and abate their Tributes and to disturb their Garrisons so at that time there was nothing more fit than having retrenched the Treasury as much as they could if yes with all their Forces they could spend the Winter in the Enemies Country they should destroy the Hollanders by their own President About the middle of Autumn Army was commanded to meet at the Maes over which Francisco Menusa was made General who was returned out of France after the Confirmation of the Peace there Whereof as soon as the Hollanders heard Count Hohenlo being Commanded to look to the Isle of Bommelerweart the greatest part of their Forces under the Prince's Conduct met at Arnheyme In this interim Albertus being about to go to perform his Mirriage and receive his Principality yet first by the Pope's Licence laying down his Honours of Cardinal and Archbishop of Toledo he shew'd himself publikely in his Archiducal Habit He Dedicated his Cap and Sacred Robe at the Altar of the Blessed Virgin which is honour'd at Hall a Free Town in Hâ—valt This was an antient Temple famous for many Pilgrimages thither made and Miracles there wrought where by the Inhabitants were perswaded that the Deity testified himself there present For there might be seen many rich Gifts of Princes and great Multitudes of the Common People who having been deliver'd from Dangers or Diseases incurable by Physick have here performed their Vows Nay some Reports do not stick to tell that at this place dead Bodies have been restor'd to Life Many Relations of this place concerning Things some few Years before done are set forth by Justus Lipsius in the Latine Tongue by which he denoted to the World the Truth of the Romane Catholike Religion and the Reverence due to Images Although on the other side some Dispute in their Writings alledging the known Fraud of Priests and many other Stories feighed for Gain most of which being called Miracles have either hapned naturally or by accident And yet those old Magitians of Egypt and Tyaneus and other Masters of Condemnable Worship because they confirm'd their Opinions and Tenets by stupendious Works seeming preternatural it must be brought at last as an Argument to work upon our Faith to believe the like who assign all our Devotions onely to God not requiring the Patronage of others not corrupting our Piety with the forbidden Superstition of Images After the Cardinal Audren being sent for by hasty Letters was come out of Alsatia whereof he then had the Government by Caesar's Authority Albertus giving him onely some few Embraces and leaving with him his Commands immediately went into Germany To his Train were added some of the most Noble Counts of the Netherlands who were in the Name of the Publike to give Thanks to the King and there certain select Matrones and young Ladies who went also to attend the new Princess Among the Noblemen that were selected was the Prince of Aurange whom many ignorant of the Power of Custom admired to see returning into Spain He when he had receiv'd of his own in the Netherlands what the King's Exchequer had drain'd and could procure his Fathers Goods among the Hollanders means of his Brother and his Mothers by the help of Coure Hohenlo he was wholly bent to look after his Principality of Aurange which although it had been always free and ought no Obedience to any yet by occasion of the Civill Wars some of the French Governours having entred therein did yet though the War were ended retain or rather usuâ—p the same and now of late Prince Maurice had sent thither Allegond in vain affecting by Treaties and other arcs to have gotten the possession thereof But he now hoping that the Spaniards might to him some kindness to the French King by their Recommendations of him was the main Motive that induced him to the taking of this Journey into Spain which having begun and when now he was gone higher towards the Bank of the Rhine he turned towards the Palatinate to see the Elector's Sister then first and but newly marryed But as the Arch-Duke was proceeding in his Journey to Prague that he might communicate some of his secret Counsels with his Brother the Emperour and as it was believed upon the hopes of attaining the Name and Honour of King of the Romans which is next of all to the Emperour he was overtaken by Messengers who brought him the News of King Philip's death The Relation whereof as it hapned was thus His weak and crazy Body was broken with old Age but chiefly from the last fore-going Spring with sharp pains of the Joynts but in the Summer his sickness began to incease To whom that he might have some ease by the Relaxation of his Mind he commanded his Servant to tarry him in his Horse-Litter to the Eseurial a Palace which he had sumpruously builded with extraordinary Cost while in the imeirm the Netherlandish Affairs languish'd and lay gasping for want of Money This Palace is reckon'd among the most famous Instruments of this Age. Then being unable to endure the tossing of the Litter and the thickness of the Air as soon as he was reposed he fell into a Feaver his Sinews being
of the foregoing Autumn had been corrupted from thence sprung so great an infection among the people that whoever was touched therewith was forthwith shut up from all humane society And of the Souldiers left in the garrison who had scarcely any victuals nor a safe place to hide their heads in scarce six hundred men remained alive of a far greater number Nor were their bodies more wasted by the Plague then their minds were afflicted with the misery of so sad a spectacle The Governour of the place by name Seafy lying also sick of this terrible disease receiving Letters from Mendosa only writ back this That the surrender of the Town was unseasonably mentioned because the States had lately made Articles for the delivery thereof to the Archbishop of Colen By the modesty of this answer the Spanyard presently conceived rash hopes of treachery wherefore he sent other Messengers and by them offered great rewards both to him and his wife In this interim the Prince suddenly commanded three Companyes of Foot to march by Land because the winds had taken away the use of the River and their often being sent and as frequent return though still to no purpose had made the Enemy negligent these three Companies were to guard and keep the Island that was hard by but not to mingle with the infected multitude of the town unless upon fatal necessity The Fortifications of this Island were very weak and the enemy prevented them in perfecting their design penetrating on every side the thin rampire with the bullets of the Artillery which he had brought thither And at the same time some horse where the River ran more slow got over at a ford so that now danger was come even to their posts when by the command of the Governour the new Souldiers being brought over some great Guns and small shot being disposed about the rampire of the Town by whose defence the very last of them got safe into Bergh leaving behind some fire secretly to burn their huts And now Mendosa that the Enemy might not be able to interrupt the siege put garrisons into divers Towns of the Dutchy of Cleves lying below Bergh Many submitted voluntarily but the Inhabitants of Burick dating at first to oppose the empty name of peace to the violence of war he quickly made submit by setting fire to their gate Souldiers also were thrust into Alpen and Moers although this belonged to Nienarius his Widow and that to the Widow of the Palatine to both whom Albertus had given his faith That they should not be disturbed by the War But the like happened to more besides themselves Covenants and Promises being of no value where all Laws are trodden under foot About this time the Ayr was very Cloudy which much forwarded the Besiegers so that in short time they approached near the Town in three places yet for all that were not come to the Trench And now some Guns being planted both in the Island and Continent threatned from thence a continual Battery At which time Alfonso Avales commanding the Horse and Chief in managing the Siege according to the Military Custom sent a Herald The Townsmen advise'd that leave should be desired of sending a Messenger to the Bishop but the Souldiers disliked of that as being a palpable confession of fear but sent back a resolate answer being angry also at this that he should send to the Governour as inferiour to him because in greater Command Soon after this an Assault was made by the Spaniard upon the outward Bulwark but they were beaten off valianily and that with so much the greater slaughter by how much they came on rashly without any Advise or Conduct But when the Coping of the Wall began to be battered a strange thing to tell A Tower looking to the Water wherein was a great quantity of Gunpowder sufficient to serve a long time which taking fire on a sudden like a Clap of Thunder and Lightning it burst out with a horrible Crack vemiting fire and smoak overthrew all before it They that enquired into the cause thereof report that one of the Enemies Bullets striking either against a stone or another piece of Iron made fiâ—e fly out the sparks whereof falling among the Gunpowder caused that mischance By that violent ebullition of the fire the Ayr was wholly purified from its Pestilential Infection but more grievâ—us evils succeeded in the place For by the blow many of the adjoyning Houses were overthrown several People killed in the ruines part of the Bulwark utterly demolisht which the battery of many Cannons could not have effected and if a Half Moon standing out beyond that place had not hindred the Enemy from seeing them so much had that unexpected Casualty taken away the use of their understanding that the Town might have been entred by force before they could have been provided either to make resistance or capitulate Eor great quantities of Stones were violently hurled up into the Ayr and fell down into the Enemies Camp killing and hurting divers therein yea and half 〈◊〉 hour after the great blow divers Ships in the Rhine were indangered by the furious concussion of the Waves which made the River seem white as if it had been covered with Snow But within the Town when as any one durst go into the vacuities there they found what was enough to astonish mens Ears in the hearing and to make their Eys drop tears in the seeing torn and dismembred Bodies Heads Arms Legs and other parts scattered over the whole place But as often as the ruined Bulwarks went to be repaired and the dust and rubbish was carryed away what ever remained let the difference be what it would every one thought it to be his own if once it came to his hands for now they would be governed neither by Counsel nor Command for Luke Heddingen to whom the Government was devolved by the death of Scafius lay among others killed in the ruines of the collapsed Walls and Houses by all which accidents the People were so possessed with fear that the Enemy perceiving it offered them their lives upon condition onely that they should not fight against them within four moneths although he was not ignorant how little he wanted of the Victory And he was so much more favourable to them and more obseâ—viert of his promise having a just cause of War against them than he was towards those whom he called friends It was believed that Avales retained this kindness in remembrance of the Battel of Knodsenburg where he himself was taken prisoner by the Hollanders and generously used The fifth day the Siege was ended and Prince Maurice being deceived of his hope for that he imagined that Siege would have made the Enemy spend the greatest part of the next Winter there yet could not find justly any thing Name-worthy besides the multiplyed mischances of unkind fortune and his own Forces who would suffer him to attend nothing but the defence of the Borders While these
and Treacherous was their seizure of several Castles held by the Noble-men which till that time had been Fautors of the Spaniards in all their wicked Actions The beginning of their Rapines was committed upon the People of Munster and the Borders of Brentheym which places not being sufficient for the Support and Maintenance of their Forces Reclinhusen a place belonging to the Bishop of Colen situate between the Rivers Luppe and Roer was added where Velasco took the City of Dorst by a violent Assault thereof in a Warlike manner with his Canon which Contumelious Act the Colonian Bishop taking no Notice of made all his Subjects imagine that it was so done and suffer'd by private Agreement among Them Hence the Evil spread further to the People of Mons and Marchia until it reached both sides of the Dutchy of Cleves and there oppressed many Cities which at their first coming they had not medled with Others were forced to purchase Freedom at a great Rare among which the City of Cleves it self the principall Seat of the infirm Duke In which places they got so great Booty that the very Common Souldiers Treated with Merchants of Colen to return great Sums of Money for them to Antwerp This their Covetousness at first sprung from Pride and was afterwards increased by Cruelty insomuch that contemning the parsimonious living of the Boors they commanded those ignorant People to provide for them dear and far-fetched Dainties and all other Provocatives of Luxury and Riot And if any were backward in performing their unreasonable Commands or seemed either to hide or convey away their Wealth they were beaten and tormented in that barbarous manner that sometimes they were maimed in their Lims otherwhiles Incisions made into their Flesh nay and some were scorched and half burned alive not forbearing these frightful Terrours and Punishments to Women great with Child and young Infants Of which Barbarisms and innumerable Murthers the Germans publish'd divers Examples attested by the Credit of many worthy and known Persons And if the Villany of these Wretches had stopped here there might yet have been some pretence made by them but as if those forementioned Crimes had been too little they spared not the Houses of Noble Persons but violated also the Sacred Societies of Holy Virgins who had wholly dedicated Themselves to the Service of God Raging moreover with such an unrestrained Lust that they spared not immature and tender Virginity and if the Womens Chastity deluded their Hopes their Husbands were produc'd and made a laughing stock to command their own dishonour yea and Mothers compelled to bring forth and prostistitute their Daughters These were the Deeds of a People professing Peace which the most inraged Victor hardly attempted I am sure never defended in the heat of War And it is hardly to be believed how negligently and remissly that Nation which had been the Conquerour of others and so earnest in the Defence of Liberty took these Things But besides a long Peace which usually effeminates the most Manly Minds here was discover'd the imperfection of that Government that is divided into many Hands not onely in the Difficulty of their Meetings in Council but in their Difference of Affections which is most frequent among Them by reason of Emulation And this certainly was that the Spaniards would have wished nor was his Endeavour therein wanting that Matters should not be ended at One but deferred from Council to Council In the interim not one scarcely daring to Repel an Injury done him because the Publike Management of War for the General Vindication was delayed onely Count Oldenburg the Bishops of Breme and Osnaburg and Count John of Nassaw being a little further distant slighted the Threats of the Tumultuary Souldier whereof they had Notice whose Examples were afterwards safely follow'd by all those further Parts But for the Dutchy of Cleves and their Neighbours of Westfalia there was no other help than those of Prayers and Letters Which made Charles Nutselius whom the Emperour had sent to settle and order the Affairs of Cleves to detest the Persidy and dishonourable Dealings of the Austrians because he saw that under the Protection and by the Connivence of King Philip and the Arch-Duke Albertus who pretended Themselves Vindicators of the Romane Religion such abominable and unparallel'd Villanies were committed against the Laws of Nature and Mankind and against all Bonds and Covenants The Duke of Lorain said no less whose Daughter was marryed to the Duke of Cleves and his Son to the King of France his Sister protesting That he would not desert his Relations nor would be deserted by them But from Rodolphus being by Nature given to delay and now either for fear or grief hiding himself that he could not be spoken with other then by Letters although the Westfalians and other Princes living about the Rhine at their Request daily sollicited not onely himself but his Ministers of State intrusted by him yet could they obtain nothing but empty Words and fruitless Embassies Hereupon Albertus then being at Millain and Cardinal Andrew at Bruxels instead of answering attributed the Causes of all these Evil together with the beginnings of the War and the denial of making Peace to that time to the Rebels and whensoever any Exorbitancies were objected against them which they could not deny they called it a short Extremity whereto they were compelled by Necessity But Mendosa was more insolent who the more plausibly to shun Obedience to his Masters Command denyed That he Warred for the King and that he would neither be danted with the Noise of great Names or frighted with cruel Threats or driven out by any other means than force of Arms Adding moreover That if either Caesar or Germany durst have confided in his Men they might have used them when Bonne and Berck were held by the Hollanders He often boasted himself an Enemy to all Lutherans and that he was sent into those Parts from Heaven to revenge the Impieties there so often and so long perpetrated And now had the Germans seen the Spanish Ensigns display'd in their Country little less then four Moneths when at the very end of the Year one Decree was sent by the Emperour to Mendosa another to the States Against him were objected many and grievous Things To Them that they had occupyed some few places at the Division of the Rhine and breaking into the Jurisdiction of Munster had led away certain Priests Captive and therefore they were both commanded to depart out of the Jurisdiction of Germany to make Reparation for the Rapines and other Damages there done to release all Prisoners and for the future to abstain from oppressing others and this under the Penalties therein contained as if they still offended in the like The Eighth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THE Spaniards Minds were so obdurated with daily Complaints that at the same time that the Emperour's Herald and the Lorrain Embassadors publikely accused them for their former
Crimes they afresh batter'd and by the Ruine of the Gate not without bloud took Calcar a City of Cleves professing the Roman Religion which had refused to admit Souldiers of its own Jurisdiction but as a Winter Garrison Goch also a Town in the same Jurisdiction was subdued by Force of Battery But Genâ—cy and Santern were permitted to redeem Themselves from their Fear with Money He boasted with so much pertinacy his Hatred to Lutheranism and Calvinism That he commanded the Bishop of Patelborn and others to purge their Lands from such noxious Vermine and if they neglected to do it that his Souldiers should come thither who would neither spare the Lives of the Guilty nor the Estates and Fortunes of the rest This was terrible at first to them of Wesell who were commanded to readmit the Roman Rites by the Counsel of the Duke of Cleves usurping the Princes Right who by the German Laws have free power and authority tO settle Religion The United States had sent to the Senators or Burgomasters declaring that it was an unworthy thing at the beck of a barbarous Nation which had abjured from their actions all sense of piety to change that Religion which was setled by Law and by them received from their Ancestors admonishing the City that in this Cause of God they should not fear the power of man but should couragiously resolve against a storm that would continue but for a short space and that they would not be unmindful of the common Religion nor of any hospitable kindness but their fear being at hand and their hopes at a great distance had so unsetled their minds that they durst not stand the Contest Whereupon they prayed that they might but enjoy the one half of the Churches but that absolutely denyed their Ministers ejected and both the Churches and Schools given to the Jesuites a sort of men by that City generally hated And for the more exact completion thereof Coriblanus Garzadosâ— the Popes Nuntio in Lower Germany made solemn Processions sprinkling the Ground with Holy Water and cleansing the very Pulpits as guilty of impiety afterwards the Commons of the City for fifty years space accustomed to more plain and simple Rites were enforced to behold long Ceremonies of the Mass and all other things fitted for States which part of them beheld with rage others with laughter and contempt The Priests continued in the large recesses of their Temples mutually hating and hated for the People as violently required their own as they detested that strange Religion which enmity continued all the time the Spanish Forces abode in those Quarters but when once they were departed and they also that acted by their Authority the City returned again to her old Liberty and Customs At this time all the Consultations of Germany inclining to revenge Mendosa although he had hitherto pretended that it would be for the Kings profit if they should begin a War which they could not maintain and that he being ignorant of their Right as Romanes had rather deal with them according to Laws of War though in truth he was conscious that all in general were his Enemies yet having by Spyes tryed the affections and Authority of the most eminent Princes as what Allyances they had what the manner of their Leagues he neither spared Gifts nor any kind of Policy to breed a distraction and division among them at their meeting And at last it appeared worth his labour to inquire who supported that so deplorable with Counsel and Advice I know some will admire what they could at that time offer as a pretence in their own justification Wherefore I will in as shoâ—t a method as I can relate those things which Cardinal Andrews Envoy spoke at the Assembly of the Inhabitants about the Rhine within the Jurisdiction of Colen These after they had wasted much time in the inquiring contrary to the Custom of Embassadors of the Names and Instructions of those to whom they came at last as it were inforced to make a sudden defence they said They were much grieved that the enemies of the true Religion and the favourers of Rebels had so filled the Princes ears and the publick Assemblies with false and scandalous Reports as if it was unjust in the common cause of Christendom which the King of Spain defended to remit a few discommodities against particular persons For these Arms were not taken up for the Kings pleasure or ambition but for the repressing of Thieves and Robbers who slighting all power both of God and Man create and believe a right from their succesful villany Where were then those Assemblies and raisings of Souldiers in Germany and terrible decree when the Prince of Aurange actually engaged in a trayterous War but one but by example undermined all the Princes of the Empire All Powers were Armed by God that they might suppress growing evills and have often been punished justly for the neglect of their duty therein but they did not onely dissemble others injuries but their own when the Germane Fields were wasted and their Castles and Cities held by Rebels without any account demanded for the same That they needed no detractors so bitterly to incite them if the Germanes mindful of their duty by whose advice the Spaniard would have been advised had compelled those perpetual Enemies of peace at once to have laid down Arms which are never used without the damage of the Neighbours For what hath not been given by the Kings either the Father or the Son for the peace of Christendom who for the avoiding of envy having given the Netherlands from himself and all the next Summer a great Army at his Command yet had worn it out in the onely hopes of Peace until he oppressed his own Souldiers as well with want as with Winter foâ— his Treasury was most honestly employed in the freeing of France from War and Garrisons Then also how great care he used in the setling a strict Discipline whoever comes to succeed Mendosa in that charge will quickly be sensible how great a care and how difficult a work it was There was no right of Victory claimed in any of the places by them taken they onely desired entertainment therein and the Custody thereof for a short time with select and choyce Garrisons that the Countries round about might be guarded from the excursions of the Hollanders As to those faults objected against the Souldiers which escaped either the providence or punishment of the General notwithstanding the great noyse yet in themselves were but small if compared with the benefits heretofore done by the Emperour Charles and King Philip Let them also call to mind the Leagues for how should the Princes Bishops Cities say that it was free for them to follow neither party in this War who had been antient Allies and Companions of the Burgundians and whom Charles had obliged to himself for a general assistance in defence and support of the Romane Religion How often by that name have
that the most wealthy men if they gave two thousand Florens for their two hundreth part they were eased for any further burthen by reason of their Trade or Profession which was given partly for the avoiding of envy and partly for the ease of the Nobility as the pooâ—er sort did not stick to cry out as if the equality of the tax had been laid aside in favour of some few Besides the Fleet sent into Spain whereof we shall speak in its proper place then first of all began new Germane levyes and Switzer Footmen to be first used Then also were Laws of Arms written And Lanoue raised a Regiment of two thousand French that could not endure to live in peace for which cause when the Spaniards complained of violation of the League King Henry answered That nothing was done by his command yet he would not hinder the carrying out of France to either party such as were willing to go to war that thereby the old names of factions might the sooner wear out And the States forces so pleased them that part of their men animated by youthfull vigor and others weary of tedious expences desired a Battle But Prince Maurice shewed them That the Enemy might more safely be eluded otherwise and the matter comming to be disputed by a fight would do no great damage to the Spanish Souldiers but among the people the least wounds were great causes of terror Count William being present applauded this prudence being always averse to rash and hot-headed Counsels Afterwards therefore Mendosa himself came to Bommel with all his strength and then it was furiously contested both by strength of Works and shot of the Cannon yet with no great damage as to the main only some loose straglers were sometimes killed But above two thousand men were in a short time lost in the Spanish Camp among which were two brothers a long time absent from each other and so unknown to one another especially the one of them going by his Mothers name these meeting accidentally and by discourse knowing each other while they were embracing both their heads were struck off with a great shot by which means they obtained this good That after that joy they should never have more cause of grief The like chance happened in Prince Maurice's Camp to a Man and his Wife lying together their sleep being by a like shot turned into a sudden death There fell out sometimes light skirmishes between the Horse as they met abroad in parties but all more like the contests between two adverse Camps then the bickerings at a Siege At last Mendosa returning back to Rossem Prince Maurice also having sufficiently strengthened the Town both above and below which he had made two Bridges for passing the Waell he quartered his Souldiers in the Isle of Voorne which he had fortified with new Works according to the manner of that excellent platform and all about the outer bank of the Waell The Spaniards with continual shooting as much as ever is used against Walls endeavoured to force his passage in the County of Tilen which is from thence beyond the Waell but by the strong opposition of Count Ernest to whom that Region belonged and a small Island in the Waell near Rossâ—m he was hindred Nor was that Prince satisfied in having defended his own but he proceeded further and voluntarily undertook to oppose and assail all that pretended to be of their party and first of all beyond the Maes in the next part of Brabant which looks back upon Voorne he commanded his men to make light and sudden incursions on purpose thereby to weary out the Enemyes Horse that lay thereabouts to guard and oversee the Pastures and Provisions And shortly after being encouraged by success to attempt greater things eaâ—ly in the morning he commanded some well experienced in such matters with three hundred Souldiers to go into the Isle of Bommel in that part where we said Harwarte stands and there to set up Pallisadoes or Stakes in form of an Half-Moon and then hastning it forward as fast as they could to cover them with Earth This space of ground would have contained about six thousand men And at once both the Work and Forces unwitting at first to the Enemy encreased from whence arose so great a confidence that the Prince himself publickly came thither to view it This daring Attempt was much further'd by the long Consultations of Mendosa while his Advisers differ'd in Opinion For now the Work was raised twice the heighth of a Man when the Enemy drawing on some chosen Spanish and Italian Souldiers led by Sapena to the Number of Two Thousand incensed with Fury and Religion gave a sharp Assault but the Monks that carryed before them Crucifixes were slain or taken among the first Some there were whose Ardor of Spirit was such that having carryed them beyond the Trench they were forced to come to Hand-strokes Nor did the Defendants want equal Valour besides the goodness of their Counsel and Conduct which keeping them in an intire â—state made both their Blows and Shot certain Lanove commanded the French Horatio Vere the English and one Edmunds the Scots each of them encouraging their Men both by Words and Example But Prince Maurice's Artillery from the Isle of Voorne and the Bank of the Waell Levoll'd against Them on every side chiefly tyred out the Enemy who at length was glad to go away carrying with them many of their dead Bodies Some Reported That in this Action there were Seven Hundred Men slain surely then the Match was very unequal when not many above Ten were slain on the Defendants side Among the slain Captains was found Paciotto who having been lately taken Prisoner was not to be danted in this fair Assay for Reparation of his last Honour After this the Foâ—t went on together with some smaller beyond the Maes although the forcible Attempt upon that the Enemy had made at Lutten proved in vain Without doubt these Camps were an excellent Pattern for the future Times where an Army was divided by so many Islands and Banks yet by Ships possessing the River and the Artificiall Workmanship of five Bridges moveable whither soever they listed they could by alternate Courses come one to another as they pleased Nor durst Mendosa offer any Assault to Prince Maurice's Works but a Fugitive shewing a place he had taken above Rossem where as is formerly related the bending of the Rivers meet nearest there following the Counsel that formerly Charles Mansfeldt had taken and then revived by Collonel Charles Colonna the same who hath with very great Judgment ahd Fidelity deliver'd these Things to Posterity himself with no small part of his men Erected a strong Fort from the Ground which from the Cardinal Andrew was named Fort-Andrew lying on this hand upon the Waell on that upon the Maes stopped up all Passage as well by Water as by Land Thus was the Summer spent and leaving here a Garrison this was the
had but drawn on their Garrison for the Relief of Rees Scarcely were Orseo and Emmerie preserved by a mean Party of Souldiers before this shameful failing of Germany it had often been in Agitation that throwing aside all dissembling Vizors they should publikely make a League with the States and receive Aid from them or that the Charge and Command of the War should be given to Prince Maurice who was very expert and knowing in Warlike Affairs But it was not fit to send to the States because their Care was taken up in the Defence of their own Borders Besides the Terrour of the Spanish Fleet made them strengthen their Sea-Coasts and the English possessed with the same Fear required their Men in the States Pay for their own Guard Nor was the Prince finding by Count William who was sent before to see how the German Affairs stood over-hasty to thrust himself into Dangers and to take Souldiers under him that would neither learn Obedience nor any other good Arts. As long as the Enemy continued in the Field about Bommel the Prince durst not draw his Souldiers into Winter-quarters although the States were almost tyred out with the vastness of the Charge notwithstanding the help they had by the Money which the King of France sent to them under-hand But when Mendosa Autumn now wasting apace compell'd thereto by nothing more than the Hunger and Diseases of his men sending his Souldiers into several Quarters the better to keep them from Sedition and Mutinies himself went to the Borders of Germany Then did he also dissolve his Camp first placing Forts and Guards along the River to keep in and repress any Excursions from Fort Andrew He fortified Emmerio also against Mendosa and freed the Citizens froâ— the fear of a hated Garrison by sending Souldiers thither in the Night These Things being all acted by Land I have continued in an uninterrupted Order and Series now Time calls us to take a view of Naval Affairs We have elsewhere related that while Philip the Second Reigned he permitted the Hollanders to Trade freely into Spain even in the heat of the War but under the names of other People yet so as that it was apparent to be a piece of great prudence to be willing to be deceived whether the hopes of their returning to their obedience made him transfer that benefit to other Nations or that he had found by the event It was not safe to cavil with People prevalent at Sea lest they should keep all that Commerce from Spain Which they would maintain free to all the rest of the World But as for the most part those Counsels are irksome to a Successor wherein before he was unconcerned so here the Son of Philip disliked his Fathers notions and as if despairing of peace turned all things to a pitch of severity It was evident enough to the whole World that all the Hollanders Wealth was drawn out of the Sea and raised by Merchandise and that the greatest profit by them gotten was from the Spanish Trade because they carried thither not onely their own Wares and Commodities but also Sarmatian fruits and other things and bringing from thence Gold and Silver whereof as there is plenty with them being Lords of the Indies so there is great use among Merchants and dealers in Trading and Traffick and therefore the Nerves and Sinews of the War being taken away it was hoped that the War it self would cease of its own accord To this purpose all Holland Stamen found in Spain were taken up and apprehended part of them being put to great torments and punishments and others either thrown into prison or condemned to the Galles In the Netherlands also an Edict was set out in the Name of the New Princess Isabella stuffed with many railing Speeches against the Governours of Holland who as ever before so now changing their Government and being separated from Spain refused peace when offered to them and stirred up others to War their so great pride and arrogance proceeding from no other Fountain then that Trade and Merchandising which her Fathers too much indulgence had hitherto allowed them Many of the Brabanders and Flandrians withstood this Decree and would not have the Netherlandish Exportations Importations or Transportations taken away because of the great want they had of the Holland Commodities But wrath and spleen prevailed and hopes of supplying their necessities out of France so that by the said Decree all security was taken away even from Fishermen whom they had till that time spared in the heat of War This matter did not a little trouble the States because hereby two of the Peoples chief Supports were taken away from whence it was feared that the Seamen would have mutined and the Merchants have left them to have found out places of a better and more free Trade Yet they did not degenerate from their Pristine Counsels They had learned from Society and Allyance of the English that there was nothing in all the Spanish Dominions less to be feared than Spain it self all its Kings putting their chief confidence in this that no peace should be left to any other Nations within themselves and they conceived it necessary for themselves to have some War at Sea for the keeping at home their Marriners and that it would be very glorious if they should bring upon Spain denying Traffick that penury wherewith the Spaniard threatned them Therefore by a contrary Decree repeating all the facinorous acts which formerly the Spaniards committed in the Netherlands and now of late in Germany and all other things that might make them be envyed and hated they forbid all their People to carry into Spain any Provisions or Merchandise and if any should be found doing to the contrary they should be looked on as Enemies and Factors and Abettors of their Enemies the Fishermen also were prohibited to purchase impunity or License from the Enemy adding that they would take care to keep the Sea free for them and if any one suffered any damage it should be lawful to them to take satisfaction by the wast and spoil of the Enemies Country A Copy of this Decree was sent to several Kings and People that none might pretend ignorance thereof Of which the King of France took particular Cognizance protesting That if any of his Subjects should within six moneths sail into Spain the State should incur no danger by their wilful breach but it should wholly light upon themselves but all the rest passed it over in silence This done they prepared a Fleet raking together whatever publick money could be raised by Tributes or otherwise undertaking a great hazardous Affair and scarce ever accomplished with any indifferent success as is manifest by divers Examples of Antiquity for when Hanniball was drawn out of Italy Scipio became Conquerour of Carthage and Agathocles having wasted Africa a long time yet at last the Athenian Wealth was overthrown by the Scicilians Arms And there was a fresh Example of the
while the War was in its heat and his Affairs in no thriving condition in the beginning of Autumn he came and found Cardinal Andrew and Mendosa at variance and attributing each of the prosperous successes of that year to himself and the failings therein to the other of whom the Cardinal was dismissed to his Ecclesiastical business but Mendosa still retained in favour and continued in his command besides he saw Germany offended and the Souldiers ready to mutiny for want of their pay which there was no visible means at present to raise for them for the Netherlanders were poor and a great Army together with a prepared Fleet against the Hollanders and Germans out of a dubious fear of them as Enemies had pressed upon Philip and drained all his garrisons both in Spain and the Islands At Antwerp the Souldiers in the Castle required money At Hamond a free Town in the Bishoprick of Leige and the places about some Troops of Horse and Regiments of Foot gathered Tribute both out of the Towns and Countrey which was exacted from them with the threats and terror of Fire and Sword The Garrison of Fort Andrew having privately obtained a truce with Count Ernest of Nassaw who kept the opposite bank sent great threats to Boisledue and the adjacent places unless they would pay them the Arrears of what was due to them for many years service All these mischiefs the Princes found a foot when they came into the Countrey and by their presence were so far from setling them that new evils rather sprung up The Nobility being inraged that both in countenance and habit the Princes were so Hispaniolized and would be saluted by the Netherlanders with bending of the knee And now as the Court grew burthensome even in time of Peace by Princely Revellings and imperious Luxury so it s great expences added much to the increase of their penury for remedy whereof the Deputies required great Tributes of every Province which was alwayes very displeasing but now first of all grew odious adding That it was unjust that they should bear greater burdens for their fidelity and reverence to their Princes then the Rebels did for maintenance of their injury Nor would any thing else be hearkned to untill the Solemnities of installing the Princes were over though the Brabanters urged Albertus his promise That the Castles should be demolished and the Forreign Souldiers sent away But Isabella affirming That she was wholly ignorant of any such Agreement was besides very angry as if in those Demands Liberty were sought against her Self Moreover the Walloons pray'd That the Edicts might be taken away whereby the Hollanders Merchandizes so necessary for them were forbidden But these Things were onely spoken of and so forgotten with the Sense of their imposed Servitude and the Rites of State being performed the marryed Princes were received as Dukes and Counts and by chance while according to antient Custom the Oath for the Government of Brabant was administred without the Walls of Louvayn two Villages in sight of them were set on fire by some Horsemen of Holland which was look'd upon as an Evil Omen as beginning their Rule among Slaughters and Blood And the United States were no less rejoyced at the Evil Fortune of their Enemies than they were troubled at their own and being debarred of Trade with Spain and also the Hostile part of the Netherlands by the Edicts and the French Peace thereupon the flight of the Artificers diminish'd the Revenues growing both by Sea and Land Nor did the Tributes of that Year suffice for the Expence although they were very high and hereupon Moneys were forced to be taken up at Usury sometimes equalling the Principal nor were the growing Burdens less so that the whole Chaâ—ge of the War was turned against them England also that had been wont to help them recalling their Souldiers had summon'd their Ships also but by and by the Fear vanishing Thanks were returned and nothing else At this time a potent Army commanded by the Earl of Essex harassed the Marishes and Boggs of Ireland that were the last Subterfuges of their Liberty with a Success in all his Publike Atchievments fortunate enough but in his private Undertakings not so happy For being rather a fierce than prudent Young-man and politikely sent into a Rugged Country among Enemies having through ignorance of the places received many losses at last making a Truce with Tyrone and returning Home without leave found the Queen from whom before his departure in a Contest he had receiv'd a Blow wiâ—h her Hand which he took with that Impatience as if she had not sate in a Throne during his Absence by the Insinuations of his Emulous Adversaries and the unwary Praises of his Friends hardned against him with Suspitions and Fear so that he was immediatly taken as a guilty person and committed to Custody Thus the pretended Fautors of Peace prevail'd against the afflicted young Nobleman who had gotten Honour by War That which shew'd the Queen's Inclination thereto was That the Spaniard was unmoved at Sea and that the Trade of other Nations coming thither were hindred But the Queen pressed on that Counsel as long as she had any fear of the Enemies Fleet although an Embassador sent to her from Bruxels assur'd her of safety though all was in vain with a suspitious and incredulous Woman Nor did in a secret manner give Notice of this to the States That both her Self and the English her Subjects had need of Peace to advance their Trading and that she might establish her Kingdom against the impious hopes of such as laid Snares for her Old Age yet that they should not fail in their Courage but as they equally shunned the Dominion of the Austrian and French if they desired to keep her Friendship they should retain their Liberty or else give the Government of the Commonwealth to a Prince of their own and that if she enjoyed Peace she could easily supply them with many things which now she was compelled to require of them It is not hard to conjecture how much many Mens Minds were moved at this decaying Alliance and there were some Temptations used by the Emperour who once again intended to send some to them to perswade to Peace But They by Resolute Advice before the Embassadors were come to the Borders wrote Letters wherein They admonish'd Them to spare their unprofitable Labour Why They could not hope for a safe or durable Peace They had often declared and they had at the present no Reason to recede from their former Counsels or Resolutions unless perhaps the wickedness committed in Germany and the Right of Trading broken off by Treachery and the Spaniards holding the Netherlands under the pretended Names of the Arch-Dukes should be taken as Incentives to Peace Thus wisely were all vain Discourses avoided by the principal Authors of such daring Attempts to the Hollanders who the Year following in the doubling of their Pole-money out of their own Wealth
and since they could not without a most pernitious example suffer their Judgments to be contemned and their undertaken care to be depraved Count William though prone to mercy is commanded with a party of Souldiers by force to reduce the Townsmen to their duty but he moderated with prudence the sharpness of this Command by restraining the Souldiers from doing injuries and taking no notice of the words of the incensed vulgar Yet disarming the Citizens lest while they remained in their fury they should as formerly fâ—ll to acts of Hostility that he might not diminish his Forces by leaving a great Garrison among them he bridled them with a Castle wherewith their courages were quite lost for that from a City that had ever been free they were now glad to receive a token of extreme servitude 'T is true these things are usual with such as rule by force nor could any thing more have been done to Enemies It was time certainly to lay down the Arms which they had taken up against Castles if the Authours of liberty would rather chuse to imitate than revenge such things And they also desired that part of the rest might be remitted to them but the remembrance of old faults had banished their long offered Clemency especially considering at present their contempt and disobedience yet the event mollified and abated the envy of this action for the movers of these troubles were afterwards carryed onely to the Hague without any other punishment and the Magistrates being translated to People of more peaceable temper their right of suffrage in the Council was restored to them and all things afterwards transacted with equity In Frizeland also a great contention arose concerning Taxes laid upon Cattell and Pastures the Townsmen urging it and the Country-People that lived all over Eastergoo and Westergoo gainsaying it so that soon after out of an ambition of eminent Offices which as is usual nourished the differences came to that heighth that part went to Faniker while other part of them remain at Liewert and both under pretence of publike Counsel distracted the Common wealth and drained the Treasury in which Affairs Count William interposing himself and first calling the Authority of the Judges and then taking Arms against those that were departed did not escape the envy of having affected the Government beyond the allowance of the Laws At last when the Associated Provinces all interposed themselves the matter by the appointment of the Deputies was re-setled in peace according to the old form as an addition to those evils a sorrowful Messenger arrived bringing tydings of a Treaty of Peace between the Arch-Duke to whom the Spaniard had left the managery of the Affair and the Queen of England whose Embassadors were then met together at Bulloyn The truth is both of them had cause enough to desire peace the great undertakings and bold attempts of the English both in Spain and America terrifying King Philip so that he was forced to the vast expence of great Fleets to defend those far distant Navigations and besides it was hoped the Hollander would be more ready to hearken to peace when their hopes of Ayd from England was utterly quashed But the English were fore-warned of their danger by the successes of Tyrone and new Rebellions and Commotions in Ireland springing from a late Edict of the Pope and the Forts of Ulster and Munster being difficultyl regained and with much labour there yet remained severaâ— lurking places in the Rebels hands After three moneths it was perceived that the Embassadors could not be drawn to agree the English refusing to be preceded and the Spaniards hating to have any equalls Nor was there any better progress by intercuâ—rent Messengers while those as much fear a peace as these desire it Thus they parted at that time and the Affair was left to be treated of in Writing untill the Queens Death and Successor as we shall shew in its proper place put an end thereto In the interim Embassadors came to the Hollanders from the Emperour because the States had sent Letters to meet them by the way as to their Resolve concerning peace These Embassadors being Herman Count Mansfeldt and Charles Nuisell came notwithstanding pretending they had other things in Command Their words seemed more to advance the Dignity of the Antient Empire then the fortune of the former year merited Namely That they should restore all places they held in Germany and give satisfaction for the damages done by the Souldiers That they should not defend themselves like their Enemies otherwise as they were equally guilty of the fault so they should equally suffer punishment with their adversaries That they would treat nothing of Peace yet they should know that Treaties could not be always waved without great suspition and that they would no longer bear the Taxes laid upon Commerce which by pretence of the War should be continued Hereto it was afterwards answered and not without desert That the losses should be imputed and the places taken for defence be laid to the fault of them that first brought an Army into a peaceable Country and if that were to be pardoned in the Spaniard they hoped it would not make them more guilty having been necessitated to do the like As to the Islands of Gravewaert and concerning Peace they gave the same answer which they had often before done But because the Spaniard had relinquished Rees it seemed convenient to them that Emmeric also should be delivered that so the Enemy might the more justly be blamed for the retaining of Bercke Some Discourse there was at this time of matters of less moment a mention of a Truce being thrown in by the by which the States gently denyed as not suitable to the times And a Trumpeter desiring a safe Conduct for Deputies which were sent by the States under Albertus his obedience to the United States concerning a Peace being for some dayes retained that they might not discover the great preparations for War that were then on foot was commanded soon after to carry back Letters wherein before they would speak of Peace they admonished them first to free their Country from foreign force for after it was determined with the Souldiers in Fort-Andrew it fell out that the rest in those parts moved with no less madness acted things no less disadvantagious so that the States of the United Provinces supposing it necessary to make use of the Enemies discord bent their studies to greater undertakings The War now being transmitted into Flanders was attended with very great want and scarcity of all things which was both the cause and nourishment of Seditions for they knew nothing could more straiten the Treasury nor put their troublesom Affairs into a greater confusion then to possess that Country which was most abundant in all products of the Field and in a manner wholly belonged to the Enemy it was also full of Ports and Harbours from whence the Sea might either be infested or guarded and commerce
the Action of this Day wherein the safety of so many men and in them of their Country and the Honours of so great a Triumph they acknowledged onely to be received from the Goodness of Almighty God But the Courtiers who are a crafty sort of Men in sowing Discord chiefly from this very time began as envying the Great Mens Authority to object the Prince's Anger and some Speeches of the Vulgar as if they being valiant enough among safe Counsels had for their own sakes onely engaged so many Armed Men and the Prince himself in so great Dangers The three first days after the Fight were spent in deliberating concerning Things of greatest moment on both Sides while the Prince advises part of his men to go and receive Oldenburg that so a Passage might be opened into the very Heart of Flanders and other parts to return to the Siege of Newport Now began the Weather to grow Turbulent both with great Winds and Rain which caused a procrastinating Delay in the Transacting of many Affairs besides the Souldiers began to be refractory to Command either grown timorous by the Review of the great Dangers they had lately passed through or else embolden'd by Victory for they quarrel'd and sometimes fought about the Prisoners whom some out of Respect to the Law of Arms or that they might not lose their Ransome endeavour'd to preserve Others especially the Scots offended for the loss of their Companions or pretending the like Wickedness from the Enemy in some Cases without any Respect to their Officers commanding the contrary openly slew them But in the interim Albertus having recollected his Courage to bear his Loss re-inforcing with strong Garrison's Oldenburg and other Forts thereabouts and not far off at Bruges prepar'd to raise a new Army out of those that survived the Fight or could be sent for from all parts of the Borders Some also fled to Newport whither afterwards Prince Maurice came but could not perfect his Siege by reason of the unseasonableness of the Weather At which time first five hundred then two thousand men conducted by Barlotte got into the Town by which means they were so well able to defend their Walls that they could make frequent Sallies and many times successfully enough Which Prince Maurice perceiving the Twelfth Day after he came thither he led away his Army and with like difficulty attempted to besiege one of the Forts about Ostend scituate among the Meadows and call'd by the Name of Isabella Hither also Claudius Barlotte came and did his best and last Endeavour being there slain with a Bullet He was a Man of a noble Courage a Lorrainer by Birth and skill'd in the Art of Chyrurgery by which he got his Living but afterwards by some unworthy Act reconciled to Count Mansfeldt whose Wife he was said to have attempted But arising to Honour he so behaved himself that he was esteem'd worthy of greater Honour every Day by which means his Death was much lamented by his General and as much rejoyced at by those who envyed his new and upstart Rising Prince Maurice being out of all hope of making War in Flanders by reason of the difficulty of the places and the recruited strength of the Enemy at length hoysted Sayl to Ostend carrying no other benefit with him of his hard-gained Victory besides the Glory thereof Before his departure he commanded Fort Albertus to be demolish'd but the Enemy quickly repaired it And as the Fleet went away the Weather by chance being Calm Spinola's Ships ventur'd to set upon some straglers thereof as they lagged behind But the Winds on a suddain rising they could scarce get safe away with all their Oars the Fleet pursuing them until they were hindred by the Shallows Some Attempts of Count Lewis of Nassaw into Brabant about this time came to nothing The rest of the Year being almost the half thereof was spent in quiet as if equally divided between these two great Enemies the one contenting himself in the happy Event of his successful Battel the other in the deserved Honour of saving Flanders from Ruine While Flanders was thus involved in War an Assembly of the States was summon'd at Bruxels according to the old Custom but of late omitted being perswaded hereto because they understood the Disposition of the Netherlanders and he was advised also to put on a moderate Carriage and to use perswasive Language and under pretence of asking Counsel to require Money He said he was very much grieved for the Evils wherewith the People were oppressed nor would he augment them by Dissimulation And if any Remedy for the same could be obtained by Peace he would be ready to further the same But if the Enemies Obstinacy gain-said a Settlement yet they should not despair for that their Cause was better For their Benefit the Spanish Wealth was consumed from whence had been drained for many Moneths to maintain their War Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Scutes Monthly But that Discipline might be restored the Souldiers employed without injurious Actions it was just that the Netherlanders themselves should give their Assistance that Pay might be raised for the Souldiers and for discharge and maintainance of the Garrisons And when the Revenues of the Prince's Patrimony was in the French Troubles laid to Pledge they ought now to be given to him and his Princely Spouse for the better Support of their Grandeur and Government While the rest of the Things were in Debate the business of Money was laid aside by which means Mutinies and Seditions began every day more and more to spread so that a new Design was laid between the Remains of those of Diest that escaped from the late Battel and the Souldiers of Hamante But the Netherlandish States by this occasion interesting Themselves more nearly in the Common-wealths Affairs fell to Inquiry What was the Advantage they received from the Spanish Aids and what was fit to supply the Garrisons and maintain the War both at Sea and Land But the main Thing they insisted upon was Peace But the Hollanders suspected many Things and not without Reason as That all the Castles in the Netherlands and the chief Offices were in the Hands of Foreiners contrary to the Laws and that which is set down in those very Instruments made of late by which the Netherlands were transferced to the Arch-Dukes For there was a Necessity imposed upon Religion the Indies shut up from them and the Princes themselves obliged to the King of Spain as Pensioners and Clients which things they found fault with partly as grievous partly as mischievous But if King Philip would take away these things and by the Princes leave it might be lawful for them to make a League with the Hollanders that so there may the greater Credit be given to their Covenants they hoped in short time to re-unite all the Provinces under one Government The Arch-Duke consented that Deputies should be sent in the Name of the several States under his Command
the Generals Brother Sir Horace Vere while he excellently performed the duty both of a good Leader and Souldier Among the Bodies of the Spaniards was found a Woman who had dissembled her Sex both in courage and a military Habit as if he should have accused Nature for not making Her a Man The unhappy success of this Storm together with the impossibility of starving Ostend and the terror of lying all Winter in a wet Camp moved many of the Commanders to perswade Albertus That he would leave off this unfortunate design in time before he suffred greater damage But he was so sollicitous of his own and the Kings honour that he had rather obstinately persist in a tedious and difficult labour then let the World know he was unable to Master one Town Therefore raising a great Mount for battery in the Camp on the left hand on the right by little and little he made a bank to prevent the influx of the Sea and this was done by fixing in the ground pieces of Timber with other pieces overthwart whereupon great Faggots bound together were placed like Stacks of Wood the planks lying sometimes divided or open another time made close like floors great heaps of Sands were thrown thereon that so the greatness of the bulk being more compact and fiâ—m might with the greater force stand against the Waters Which Work proved of such strength that iâ— not only served as a Rampire for the Souldiers but was a Mount from whence Cannon being planted thereon they daily shot against the besieged Nevertheless Ships daily came into the Town with relief without suffring any great damage or hurt By this time there were come to Albertus the most ingenious Engineers from all parts of the World who all aimed even with emulation to choke up the Gollet and when in the night some fixed a Cable with great Vessels and Anchors under Water from one Bank to the other the Besieged likewise another night would with little difficulty cut away all that fixed the same About this time one Pompey Targon invented a frame of Wood like a Castle which being placed in Ships would carry Great Guns but upon tryal it quickly appeared too weak to bear the concussion of the Waves and that the sands would yield to the weight that was underneath in the belly of the Foundation by the same also were made a kind of Boats by the joyning together of boards and bundles of smaller Wood which should altogether be carryed by the Tyde but by the shot of the Hollanders Artillery these were more then once overthrown and destroyed The besieged likewise made provision That if the Enemy should hinder them of that entrance into the Town which at present they enjoyed to have a New Haven between the Gollet and the old Haven by the old Town for the United States were mightily inflamed with a desire of Glory in defending that part of the Sea making a Decree as if they foresaw the Siege would continue a long time that every six moneths the Garrison should be relieved and changed and accordingly General Vere was sent for out and one Frederick Dorp made to succeed him by whom the ruines of the Town were repaired the Fortifications augmented and money continually provided to pay for the pains and labour therein taken When Albertus his Souldiers could not get their pay which bred the seeds of mutinies and sedition which is for the most part the Mother of disobedience the very Government it self was full of fear and hatred the Horse being appointed to drive on the Foot upon dangerous enterprises or force them back when they took themselves to flight as if they had been bruits without the light of reason to direct them Moreover their promised largess of the Flandrians fell infinitely short of the charge and the Walloons that they might do the less help pretended a Peace treacherously with the French The Brabanters had a just excuse from the sedition of the Souldiers that lay in Waert who by the conspiracy of others wanted not much of surprising the Castle of Antwerp and the Town of Hulst yet among these various crosses of Fortune some hopes was given to the Archduke that Bredah might be surprised But Frederick Count Heremberg that was sent thither mistaking the way came not thither till the day-light discovered him And not long after some of Prince Maurice's Horse took Prisoner his Brother Adolphus Till this time Don Francisco Mendosa who had been taken Prisoner at Newport had been kept in Holland sometimes in a more strict otherwhile in a more unrestrained custody and although Count Brukells Widow and the Deputies of Cleves required That he might be punished for his grievous Offences the acting whereof he defended partly as done by necessity partly by command And the States did not think it fit to proceed judicially against a Prisoner guarded by the Laws of War But because there was a difference made between the Ransome of Commanders and Private Souldiers after long debate it was agreed That whosoever of the People belonging to the Vnited States were Prisoners either in the Netherlands Spain the Indies America or elswhere under King Philips obedience should all be set at liberty for Mendosa and either the Kings respect to Mendosa or future Generals so prevailed with him that he agreed to the said Articles And accordingly it was performed for there returned from all parts of the World both Merchants and Marriners whom the Enemies rage for hope of gain or the Priests hatred for difference of Religion had carryed and kept there part of whom had their very joints eaten off with their Chains and now with joy remembred the darkness and filth they were wont to endure others gratefully acknowledging their deliverance from the bitter slavery of the Galleyes under most cruel Tyrants And this was a matter of great moment to incite the common people against the Spaniards by a fresh memory of their old injuries and for winning their love to the Lords whose clement and popular action was applauded with many exultations because they esteemed the liberty of their Subjects before great sums of Money which they might have had Thus the Agreements being in part performed and Pledges being given for the rest Mendosa was set free ever after giving a very good Character of the Commonwealth of the Hollanders which he now came to know by a near converse and from thence forward became a perswader of Peace rather then War to both parties And from these more certain Rules for the ransoming of Prisoners were set down on both sides All this Spring the United States did spend in raising a greater Army then ever they had before their Minds and Resolutions being augmented with the memory of Newport Battel and the new seditions of the Enemy from whence they hoped before the Souldiers expected out of Italy arrived in the Netherlands either to renew their Glory by the slaughter of the Enemies or by a Land March through
sent to assist Embden which entred the City at the same time when Enno drawing near with his Forces hoped to have been admitted by those of his Faction but now being kept out thence he entreth the Villages round about and erects several Forts for the shutting up of the City and the River The States being informed thereof and now after the taking of Grave having some leisure to consult about their neighbours affairs at the request of the City sent Warner Dubois a Colonel of Horse thither with some Troups of Horse and almost nineteen Companies of Foot He within a few daies assaults and wins all the Forts and sets free the City from those rude and ignorant maintainers of Warre Enâ—o that he might remove this disgrace out of his sight with as much envy and bitterness of language as he could invent disputed the Hollanders incroachments upon the rights of anothers dominion of which the States being conscious they published in Print the cause of that action of theirs and the danger that was like to have fallen not onely upon themselves but all Germany by the Count's deeds The Twelfth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THE Hollanders being oppressed with the French Peace were attended with a greater evil which was the death of Queen Elizabeth about this time whereby they were more deeply plunged in a Warre yet had lost that assistence which as it was the first so had it continued unto the last She died the third day of April being by the length of daies arrived to the toils of life from whence she supposed her old age which she had spun out even to the seventieth year now grew contemptible and that the hopes and counsels of those in whom she had put her greatest confidence were turned towards her successor It was a long reign for a Woman and famous not onely at home but abroad which produced many various censures some conjecturing at the future according as they were led by fear or hope others from the memory of former actions reckoning what prosperity and adversity she had seen during her long life Here was remembred the beheading of her Mother and that for no small fault but onely the supposed crime of Adultery whence arose those many bitter taunts of her Enemies as if she had been the Issue of an unknown Father Soon after when her Sister fate in the Throne she was cast into Prison Which was no small affliction of so great a spirit until by the means and intercessions of Philip King of Spain to whom she owed her Liberty if not her Life she was freed from thence though afterwards she requited his kindness with a long and sharp Warre Besides her Reign was accounted cruel by the execution of so many Noblemen for no other pretence but that they professed the Romane Catholick Religion and also in that no less novel then odious example to all Princes though indeed excusable enough from the necessity that by the command of a Woman not onely a Woman but a Kinswoman and she a Suppliant not as a common person but a distressed Queen was put to death Also there were some that stuck not to exprobrate the divulsions of Ireland and seditions of the English Souldiers in the Low-Countries as if they had been commanded Certainly it was the greatest of her misery that she lived so long without a Husband from whence came the incertainty of her Heir and very various were the several opinions concerning her many objecting her love to the Earl of Leicester and after him her endearments of Essex whose hot and over-hasty youth together with his contempt of her decaying and aged beauty was punished with the loss of his head though soon after her minde was more changed from hatred to repentance then before it had been from love to hatred so that it was by many judged to be the main cause of her sickness and death On the other side it was said that the long continuance of her Government and life manifested the same to be well-pleasing to God and that instead of the customary evils of youth she had shewed great prudence in her carriage and behaviour in the enjoyment of both good and bad fortune Nor was it so great a wonder that her security was established by the death of some Rebels and by Warres as that a Woman's Government after four and fourty years had not onely made England safe but flourishing nor had she at any time taken Arms but for most just causes Religion was by her reformed to the example of King Edward not by force or according to her own fancy but upon debate of the matter in the great Council of the Kingdome and in a lawful manner Nor did she rage with cruelty against those that were of another judgement unless it were when it was too late when by the doctrine and instruction of the Jesuites they had thrown off all reverence love to their Country and Government at once By her help Scotland was vindicated from the French the Prince of Conde's Party from their adverse faction and much of the Netherlands from the Spaniards And although she had so many great allurements to increase her Dominion yet she remained content with her own not desiring from all her victorious atchievements any other thing then the liberty of that Religion by her promoted and to set limits to power that was or might be defervedly suspected Thus did she restore the Towns which she possessed in France preserved Scotland for a Child and rejected the desires of the Hollanders intreating her to take the Dominion over them And now lately the old Garrisons in Ireland being taken and new ones fortified some of the Nobles being taken here some there their faction was so infeebled and the very strength and pretence thereof so weakned and Tyrone himself so broken that falling upon his knees before the Lord Lieutenant he humbly requested pardon of all his offences For that excess of Honour happened to him a little before his fall She had been courted to Marriage not by the English onely but by Charles of Austria brother of the Emperour and by Henry and Francis brothers to the King of France as also by some Kings themselves to wit Philip of Spain and Ericus of Sweden That she was thus sought was her happiness but that she refused all was her prudence because as it was unfit for her Greatness to marry a Subject so the Subjects of England were afraid she should marry a Foreiner The reproches that were spred concerning her took their beginning from her sex and the elegancy of her beauty together with the customary liberty of Princes and could onely be refuted by manlike care and diligence Nor was she onely well skilled in the arts of Government but was learned in the ancient and modern languages an excellency rarely found in Women of a private fortune which made her Name and renown great and famous and not onely terrible to and
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
assault Sand-hill and though the first of them were scattered by the force of gun-powder out of a Mine yet Barlaymont drove on the rest until they attained the top of the place From hence they went by secret waies under ground into the old Town sometimes the besieged sallied and in stead of the Works which they had lost they raised new ones more inwardly which out of a vain humour and conceit of the long continuing of the siege they named Troy For the fresh ground being in it self loose and not sufficient to resist the shot though it was in the midst of Summer as often as the wind blew off from the Sea all things were laid open to ruine Insomuch that now the States themselves began to consider the infinite charge and the losses of the Souldiers not much inferiour to the greatest Battels and that Ostend it self being so inclosed with Forts could be of no use Besides whether they looked at honour or profit they had gotten more of either in three months in the winning of Scluys besides Berck and Grave then Albertus would get by Ostend which he had contested for so many years And now the greatest part of Autumn being spent time was past for the Enemy to undertake any thing else and Winter was coming which was both dangerous and dreadful to the besieged And if they should goe thither with an Army first the way was full of water and in the middle was Damâ— and Blankenbâ—rg Garrisons of the Enemy besides by length of time the Camps were well setled the Forces united and both Commanders and Souldiers were used to fight all which threatned great hazards to such an attempt Therefore command was given to Colonel Marquette that he should set an end to that tedious conflict upon as honourable terms as he could which was accordingly done And first of all the Ships and other Vessels were sent away with part of the Artillery Then Commissioners were sent who desired that all in the Town might freely march out with their Arms and four Cannon and that all Prisoners should be exchanged which Spinola easily granted either out of an high esteeâ— of their approved valour or to prevent other uncertain events which time might produce Three thousand marching through the midst of the Enemie's Camp came to Scluys to the Prince who received them not as overcome but gave them praises and thanks as Conquerors The Arch-duke with his Princely Spouse came to see the place for which they had offered up so many vows and been at so infinite an expence of money time and bloud themselves protesting the loss of fifty thousand men and that a greater number of the besieged was killed They found nothing but an empty and confused plat of ground here full of rude and mis-shapen heaps there falling into great and uneven holes with such confused remains of Fortifications that by looking thereon one could scarce imagine which were made for the defence or which for the assailing the Town The Townsmen that lived there before went thence to Scluys and although the Arch-duke granted many Privileges to the place yet of a long time none would inhabit it looking upon it as a place of horrour and defiled with the bloud and bones of dead men which is generally repugnant to the nature of most men Besides those Embassadors which I mentioned before King Philip and the Arch-duke sent into England more to wit this sent Don John Richardot and Don Lewis Verrcikem but he Don Ferdinando Velasco Constable of Castile and Don Alexandro Roverti a Senator of Millaâ—n both of them very desirous of Peace not so much out of fear of the English as that they might draw the Hollanders to reason by taking away their props and supporters Nor wanted there some in that warlike Nation that persuaded to Warre repeating in the English Parliament which was then met the ancient alliances with the Hollanders the many leagues and marriages long before Philip Duke of Burgundy unjustly drove Jacoba married to a Britan out of her Principality And the reason given for this amity was that without it the Sea could be safe to neither and it would grow from thence that Trading would be full and free On the contrary the Spaniards had no need of Peace for Warre was more beneficial to them And it was chiefly to be provided that the Hollanders should not by extremity be compelled to joyn either with the French the ancient Enemies of Great Britain or the Spaniards Enemies for Religion sake and the thirst of Dominion It hath been evident by too many examples that who had the dominion of the Sea would easily be Master of Britain But the King not at all moved herewith and supposing there was strength enough both in Britain and Holland for that to maintain Peace and this Warre thereupon refusing the society of Arms offered against the Spaniard he agreed to a Peace Besides the Articles usual in Leagues there were added certain concerning free Navigation such as was before the Warre and upon paiment of the same Customes Nothing was spoken of America or the Indies because the English would not endure to be excluded and the Spaniard was obstinate to admit none so that matter was left to the decision of him that was most potent Concerning Religion it was agreed That the English should not be compelled in Spain to goe to their Churches That when they met the consecrated Host they should doe reverence thereto unless they chose rather to goe out of the way These that follow pertained to the Hollanders viz. That neither of them should help the others Enemies or Rebels nor should suffer them to be helped by any of their Subjects That the facts of private persons should be answered for by themselves but the publick Peace not be hazarded thereby But the Britans denied to deliver the Briel or Flushing to the Spaniard affirming it was contrary to the faith contained in their Articles in the interim the Souldiers that kept those Towns should be unconcerned in the Warre but should doe their endeavours for pacifying the Hollanders and if that were delaied yet that at least there should be an open and free passage for the Netherlanders and English in point of trade That there should not reside at one time in the Ports of either above six or eight of the others Ships of Warre That the English should be forbidden to carry the Hollanders Commodities into Spain or the Spanish Merchandises into Holland Thus that Warre being ended King James that he might take away the cause of all intestine discords by obliterating the names of Scots and English would have both to be united and grow up into one Kingdome by communicative Laws and to be called Britain undertaking herein a difficult matter and which was agitated with great contentions while the yet fresh differences and emulations would hardly allow thereof as the foundation of a solid good to posterity Soon after according to these agreements with Albertus
the Netherlandish Nobles Therefore Albertus notwithstanding the waving of his consent permitted the Provinces severally to meet cherishing those that were discontented in minde with the hope of money from the Indies which the wealthy and successful Spanish Fleet had brought or else of an approaching Peace if the Warre were more eagerly followed for a little time The beginning of the year among the Spaniards was spent in idleness and repose among the sweets and blandishments of mirth while Don Ambrosio Spinola having now the whole command of the Warre he was but newly come from Spain where he had consulted with the King concerning the method of managing thereof had likewise bestowed on him the honour of the Golden Fleece and before the King of Great Britain's Embassadour was sworn to the peace with Albertus Now also was the settlement of the Kingdome of Spain upon the Male issue celebrated with pompous Shews and publick Prayers and Thanksgivings At the height of the Spring and not before Prince Maurice having gathered together his Forces by the direction of the States he undertakes a great work for he went to Antwerp of old the most flourishing City of all the Netherlands and now the general Trade being gone to the Hollanders retaining their formerly-gotten wealth and renown A great hope of glory incited him to the gaining thereof for about twenty years before in the Duke of Parma's time while the Affairs of the Union were wholly unsetled by a long and difficult Siege scarcely grown into a full success yet such was the Victor's vainglorious ostentation as made the World believe that in that one City he had gained the possession of the whole Netherlands It was serious and considerate advice to shut up this large and spacious City with small Forces by overflowing all the adjacent plain Fields with the River Scheld and pitching their Camps on the higher ground but there appeared no sufficient reason of seising the opposite bank of the River on the edge of Flanders Some advised to send Souldiers through the Country by night-marches out of Cazant but Prince Maurice himself chose rather to goe by Ship which while it was preparing with great endevour as fortuned the Enemy immediately grew jealous and gave out in speeches that Antwerp should be attempted This News was received with various affections of the Townsmen part of them rejoycing as if their Liberty was drawing nigh others imagining a scarcity would follow presently began to inhance the price of Victuals and many gathering together their wealth and riches thought to betake themselves to flight But Spinola sending thither some Horse encouraged such as were afraid the same Horse behaving themselves modestly and without injury of the Citizens then viewed all the coast of Flanders which situate over against Antwerp is called Waesenland and left there three thousand foot-Souldiers in Guard that were to wait upon the Enemie's motion for he was not ignorant that the Enemy could not possess the River unless by drowning the Fields and placing Guards he made that coast also his own Wherefore chusing a particular day Prince Maurice with a strong Party went to Bergen op Zoom and Count Ernest of Nassau bringing the rest of the Souldiers in the Fleet out of Zeland came into the Scheld and first of all passing with good success all the Hollanders Forts when he came near Antwerp among the Enemie's Sconces although in the night he could not pass unseen but was forced to assail the Flandrian banks through all the Enemie's Shot but they which kept Guard in those parts being stirred up by the noise of the bullets and covered by the interposition of the banks following the fails Count Ernest the wind beating back the Ships into Brabant was hindred to come and joyn his Forces where he was commanded being otherwise engaged to fight at disadvantage with a resolute and well-provided Enemy However to try his fortune in small boats he transports almost four hundred men that were easily routed by the first shock of the Enemy and other part of them were taken Colonel Dorpen by the violent pursuit of the Enemy leaping armed into the River escaped one danger with another Count Ernest being driven back into Brabant Prince Maurice disappointed of his design compells the Castle of Woude situate not farre from Berck within five daies to surrender which was too mean a prize for so great an Army to look after and too small a reward for them that had before them so great hopes yet some satisfaction it yielded for from thence the Enemy infested the Rivers with Piracies But these great threats happened not onely to be in vain but to fall out quite contrary so that the Hollanders had not of a long time a more unfortunate year While Prince Maurice staid at Woude Spinola though at that time the Court there was full of mirth concerning the English Embassadour was not slow to take into his thoughts more serious affairs among those pleasant diversions but made a Bridge over the Scheld that went towards the Enemy which way soever he should turn by which means he was ready to pursue and therefore was the more severe to those that surrendred Woude as guilty of an over-hasty and cowardly fear so that he punished some of them with death Nor did the United States a little waver and grow afraid at the report of these great Forces approaching with Spinola not resolved whether they had best assault or defend but the Prince persuaded to remain about Rhine lest the Enemy that way should invade the undefended parts of their Dominion And his opinion prevailing command was given to goe into Flanders and to call a Councel at Scluys And now they thought fit to besiege the t'Zas not farre from Gaunt where the waters running from thence fall into the Hont and so into the Sea which if they brought to pass with good success they threatned some Cities but if not yet they would retain there Spinola's strength threatning the cruelty of a grievous Warre to other places Not farre from Ysendike Prince Maurice sate down with his Army which he had brought by Ship to Waterfleet whom Spinola sending some part of his Forces before immediately follows and at a place called Bucholt which was between him and the t'Zas settles himself as a fit place either to oversee or repress the Enemie's endevours Thus they remained a great while in view of each other without any thing done by either save a few light skirmishes of the Horse One time Pompeio Justiniano by Spinola's command entred the marishes in hope to have burned the Sutlers Boats which lay hard by Prince Maurice's Camp but being espied by the Sentinels he was soon met and repulsed In that Region over against Walcheren lies the Fort Patientia in the assault whereof Prince Maurice intended to drive away idleness but Spinola took a little Fort that lay in the middle of the way and joyned it to his Camp with a continued Breastwork but
Pope's Legate was present solemnly praying that their Arms might be victorious and encouraging them to goe on chearfully and be deliverers to such as were orthodox but to take vengeance on the rest That it was not so much their Prince's as God's cause they maintained whose Altars and Temples being defiled and sacrilegiously converted to other uses he would they should be restored by their hands When they were come to Keysersweert where some of old supposed a Trojane Colony remained they begin to erect a Fort on both banks of the River to secure the passage The Bridge that lay over the Rhine was made at Colen whence also great store of Victualls was brought as long as the Spanish affairs were in a thriving condition the Senate of that City publickly therein manifesting their affection Which things being heard by Prince Maurice conjecturing from his own and Mendosa's former practices that no man would goe into his Enemie's country that way and leave Berck behind him thereupon he sent his Brother Henry and Count Ernest with four thousand foot and two thousand horse to whom the States added Deputies from their own Assembly Nor did they delay to make it their first care to strengthen Berck taking into their Works which they made exceeding strong a great space of ground without the Town whereby the greater delay might be put upon the Enemy and the Garrison have the better room Within these they kept the Souldiers although Over-Issell and the Cities of Frieseland and Lingen especially required fresh supplies of Souldiers and what other things are necessary in Warre But the care of the Publick here was omitted by private fear but at length five companies were sent to Lingen In the mean while the Nassavian horse twice met the Enemy and beat him And while the Summer was yet in its prime the Marquess Spinola leaving in Flanders Frederick Count Heremberg who had the command of six thousand foot and five hundred horse himself hasted to Bucquoy's men and the rest whom he had sent before and privately observes Roeroort a place where the River Roer runs into the Rhine fit to be fortified which he doth Then calling together all his chief Officers who till this time were ignorant to what use all these preparations were he opens his mind to them and tells them he would first goe to Lingen the chief Fortress of all those parts which would easily be taken if he made haste because there were but few Souldiers therein and they unexperienced in Warre But the chief point of all consisted in this that they might prevent the Enemie's supplies which were coming to Lingen and this might be done if they would diligently follow Berck Groll and other Towns whose names were unknown to him He was not ignorant how contrary this was to the constant practice of former Captains to throw himself into the farthest part of his Enemie's Country leaving the whole Countrey behind him Hostile but as matters proceeded so were counsells to be altered for no precepts would ever serve at all times and sometimes more advantage is gotten by daring then by too much wariness He had now chosen the best time while their fruit and corn was ripe and not yet carried away and the Towns on the edge of Westphalia would freely bring in Victualls if they might be paid for the same This also he had taken care for That although it were true that Prince Maurice would come thither yet it would be a great while first for he was not provided for a land-march and he would goe where neither a Fleet nor the usual Rivers could bring him and at last when he did come there were the plain fields which would afford room to fight which was as earnestly desired by his Souldiers as it would be carefully avoided by the Enemy As to the Forts taken by Bucquoy it was debated whether they should be dismantled or repaired at their return and defended Most were of opinion that it was dangerous to goe into the Territories of others and with divided forces to break both their strength and reputation Spinola agreed with the fewer in number and commanded Bucquoy to take up the cool and shady places upon the German bank of the Rhine and for the encrease and keeping his Works he gave him six thousand men which were chiefly new and raw Souldiers and not able to undergoe a hard march By this shew of an Army the care for Berck taken by the Hollanders was a vain and hindred them from sending their forces to prevent real dangers for fear lest the journey into Frieseland being but pretended Spinola when the Souldiers were drawn away should rather draw â— his strength thither He conceived nine thousand foot and about two thousand horse were enoUgh to goe along with himself as knowing Prince Maurice's forces were tired and part thereof were to remain in Flanders to resist Count Heremberg The foot marched being divided into three Bodies to every of which appertained Cannon to the number of eleven in all The Flanks were secured by the Carriages wherein were brought the Victualls Boats and Bridges for passing of Rivers and Marishes all which also had their guards but the Front and Rear was defended by the Horse Spinola himself went in the Van sending before him Scouts and Pioneers to search the ways and level them where the country grew more Champain for hastning the journey the first and middle Battel proceeded on together the ranks of the Carriages being doubled and in the stead of a Trench were Night-watches which were defended by great Guns and troups of horse In the day-time the middle-ward succeeded the Van and the Rear the middle-ward in certain turns And â—hen was it found by a great experiment that vices however having gotten to a head yet are easily brought into order and reformed if there be but a persevering care for the General quickly restored that Discipline which for a long time had been corrupted by Sedition and licenciousness because as he was carefull in giving the Souldiers their pay and bountifull in rewarding every good action they did so he was inexorable to offenders and would not be observant to any ones humor Not onely thefts and rapines but without leave to depart from their Colours was a capital offence the Provost-marshall riding about and with him the Hangman with a halter by which means and the hanging of some few for small faults in the sight of the Army he cured all the rest Philip Croy Count Solre was sent to the next Cities of Germany by taking away from them fear to purchase favour for they did not as heretofore run on violently with disobedience and fury for their Officers were with them to keep them in awe and the Souldiers themselves were accustomed to obey and such as could distinguish between Peace and War they were neither oppressive nor burthensome to the Towns or Country all they desired was but Victualls at a reasonable rate and that they might have
Ships under the conduct of Captain Matelifen one of the Governors of the Indian Company In the interim Carden whom we mentioned before to be sent to Brasile returned with a very great booty Among the Neighbors although the name of Peace yet continued yet many fierce commotions were believed to tend towards War for the Citizens of Aquisgrane the City having alwaies been coveted by the Dukes of Brabant had new Governors put upon them Imperial Decrees made against them and which then was buried in silence but afterwards was manifested by the confidence of a private League with Albertus all the Ceremonies of the Reformed Religion were both publickly and privately forbidden they who had before born the Office of Magistrates were not onely accused as guilty of Sedition but as being illegally chosen were contumeliously used and fined their Accusers were of the choicest sort and whoever undertook their defence were joyned with them in punishment The Bishop of Colen's Legates to whom the Emperor had given that in command under pretext of Reconciliation publickly declared that profession faulty upon their bended knees and afterwards laied pecuniary mulcts upon all they denounced guilty in the name of costs and charges and upon most the fine exceeded their ability yet if it were not paid part were thrown into Prison others removed their habitations whose Banishment was followed with care and hatred of the Commons against the Great men and pity towards the poor But by how much at the present they were oppressed by so much the more violently they would in the future break out In France besides the rest of the Spaniard's treacheries it was discovered that Monsieur Merarges sent from Narbon to exhibite the desires of that Province to the King had agreed with Don Balthazar Zunica King Philip's Embassador privately for the delivery of Marseilles concerning which he and one Brunelle a Netherlander Secretary to the Embassador were apprehended and with them were taken palpable demonstrations of their Treason When the Embassador required his servant according to the Law of Nations the King on the other side set forth the unworthiness of the fact and how the right belonging to Embassadors was by himself violated The Embassador replied If any thing had been done contrary to friendship that ought not to be attributed to him for the French King contrary to the Peace made at Verbin had openly given assistance to Rebells and the Enemies of the true Religion nor had he onely tempted to corrupt the Counts Heremberg and others in the Netherlands but had stirred up the Moors to invade Spain With which reproof the King being more enraged answered That the Roman Religion was more indebted to him and his ancestors then the Spaniard that being untruly reported to be the cause of the War in the Netherlands because in truth that contest was about Dominion And if he either would pay what money was due to the Hollanders or the French who are a people impatient of ease would in these parts make War under a famous General as in the farther Hungary and with the Archduke how much would that resemble so many treacherous designes intended against Cities and the tempted fidelity of so many great men Then he repeated particulars protesting those things spoken concerning the Moors to be false and confessions extorted by force And if it were unlawfull for him to allure the Count Heremberg and others who were not Low-country-men but Germans to unworthy actions what did they merit who by large promises had drawn away Terral not onely a Subject but a Member of his House and family But these were small matters But if haply an Embassador dived into the secrets of State-affairs by politick means it ought mutually to be dissembled and pardoned but counsells of cruelty and such as tended to the hazard of lives ought by him to be refelled Zunica praising the King of great Britain that although he differed in Religion yet he observed the Peace with great reverence the French King answered Their friendship with the Spaniards was but of a new date but a short time would make appear what it would come to But at last the Embassador was glad to pacify the King's anger which began to break out into threats saying there should be no need thereof as well the vertues as the wisedome of Henry the Fourth being generally known to most men But at last Merarges being brought to condigne punishment the Secretary was restored to the Embassador his Master it being proved to the King that it would be better to repay subtlety with policy then to seek to revenge it by War About this time a horrible Conspiracy was discovered in Britain contrived by some who valued their own safety and fidelity and all Laws both divine and humane less then their Zeal to the Roman Religion for because they could not by Petition obtain liberty for the exercise of their Rites hiding a great quantity of Gunpowder under the Parliament-house they decreed at the first assembling of the Parliament to blow up the King the Prince and the Peers of the Kingdome And the chief Fathers of the Jesuites being consulted with by the authors of the Plot whether it were lawfull in so great a number of guilty persons to destroy some innocent ones they answered that for the great good of the Church some wel-deserving persons might suffer confirming their opinion by an argument of besieged Cities But one of the more consciencious of them admonishing his friend that he should not come to the Parliament at the appointed day the Letter of advice being mistakenly delivered first gave notice of the designe and afterwards the place being found out both the Treason and the Traitor himself were found out Upon knowledge whereof the Conspirators in the farthest parts of Britain broke out into open Rebellion one Oldcorne a Jesuite incouraging those that were afraid lest they judged of the goodness of the cause by one unprosperous event That God did many times deny success to undertakings well approved by himself that he might make trial by adversity of his servants constancy and perseverance But at the very beginning of the same they were apprehended brought to trial and executed Father Garnet also who had formerly attempted many things against Queen Elizabeth being wont highly to extoll the Pope's authority over Kings and Kingdomes that no faith or obedience was due to Princes by him interdicted averring that subjects if they were commanded ought to oppose them with Armes even to the hazard of their lives From whence all in power and authority may learn who neither stand in awe of the Roman Religion nor Fleets nor Armies that they are by Ecclesiastical authority most violent inciters of the common people to Rebellion They added also another pestilent opinion That one might answer to any questions proposed by the Magistrate evasively ambiguously and with mental reservations to that purpose setting forth Books in print which in defence of a lie they inscribed with
chose among these Trebizond for a new Seat of another Empire the Trade was drawn thither through the Caspian Sea by a way not so much used as known to the Romans of old as Pliny teacheth us out of Varro and afterwards the Turks Power encreasing thereabout it was carryed thence by Camells and Dromedaries to Aleppo But the Sultans that possessed Caire restored it again to the Red Sea and Alexandria After this the Portugueses having searched many parts of Africa and Asia and planted Colonies in the Year One Thousand Five Hundred and Twelve came to these Islands whereby force and Arms prevailing partly by the differences of the Kings there and partly by the strengâ—h of their Shipping easily made themselves Lords of the Trade of Cloves spoyling and destroying all Ships that by chance at any time came thither either from Persia or Arabia and stopping up all the passages into Egypt Thus did the Sultans loâ—e no less than the yearly Revenew of fourscore Thousand Ducats At that time the King of Ternata was Boloif the Son of â—rgeo who was looked upon among his Subjects as a Prophet the King of Tideris was Almansor these were at variance between themselves a long time only out of a desire of increasing Dominion which was the Original and cause of their slavery The Portugueses preferred the friendship of him of Ternata as having the larger Government and as if they believed any thing lawful to be done against Mahomitans they poysoned Almansor disobeying their Command for which cause his Son and Heir Raxamira submitted himself to the obedience of the Castilians who eight years after publickly came into those parts as if with an intent to take possession thereof averting that their Ancestors and Magellane had discovered those places before the Portugueses and besides they so interpreted the method of dividing the World and the several positions of places with such incertain dimensions that they would include these places within the bounds of their Empire Hence it came that when those two distinct People Spaniards and Barbarians were intermingled they had sharp but no long conflicts because the Emperour Charles the Fifth who Reigned in Castile wanting money and not rightly understanding of what great concernment the matter in agitation was accepting from John the Third King of Portugall Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Duckets He pawned to Him all His Right in the Mollucca's from whence the Portugueses have since claimed a free Trade there without interruption sending all their Cloves to Goa from whence the Persians Turks Chinoys and Africans fetched them yet scarcely so much by a third part as is vended to the European Nations Therefore it was no wonder that out of the Molucca Islands and Amboyna which is not far distant and brings forth the same Fruit and Banda where the best Nutmegs grow which bears a Flower that is called Mace the Kings of Portugalls had a yearly Revenew of Two Hundred Thousand Duckats Pepperâ— and Ginger growing every where are esteemed vile to these so also is Cinamon Now as the Wealth of these barbarous Kings increased so also did the injuries offered to them for that which at first was but an allyance after became and was turned into publick Tyranny and what before was the Obligation to Fidelity now was converted into designs of Treachery After the Death of Bolcif his Son Bajan that succeeded Him in the Kingdom was taken Prisoner and after Him his Brother and King Dayall These by some means or other being dead one Arrias took the Kingdom who also was Himself first Imprisoned and afterwards slain for no cause but out of envy to His greatness for He was unspotted in His Fidelity insomuch that many Islands about which had formerly been Governed by the Noblemen in admiration of His Vertues submitted themselves to His Government so that He had under His Command above seventy Isles and no small parts of the Celebes Country Mindanao and Gilolo His two Elder Sons were so terrified with that sad Example that they refused the Name of King and so escaped the danger The Third named Babus ventured to take the Crown and promising to revenge the former facts it was admirable to see how much Affection both His Subjects and Neighbours shewed to him In His Reign the English first came out of Europe under the Conduct of Captain Drake in the Year One Thousand Five Hundred Seventy and Nine and disturbed the Possession of the Portugueses Babus expected ayd a long time from these but being frustrate of His hopes and the Courages of the Barbarians beginning as is usual by little and little to languish and hearing that the Wealth both of Castile and Portugall were united in King Philip He sent some to him to excuse the revenge He had taken for His Fathers murther and promised for the future Faith and Obedience But he was eluded with ambiguous Answers â—â—til soon after dying together with the Kingdom He left to His Brother Zaida instead of hopes of Parâ—on His hatred against the Spaniards ready to burst out upon any occasion given There was also one Molee who after Raâ—amira Succeeded His Father Guna slain by Zaida and his Brother Gâ—apabaguna uncertain by whom poysoned in the Government of Tyderis who to oblige the Portugueses by good Offices was envious of their adversaries These were they the Hollanders found when first as we have before related they came into that World In the Year One Thousand Six Hundred Zaida first with joy beheld the Hollanders Arms able to cope with the Portugall Power against whom He joyned with the other with so much Courage that He not only defied the Spaniards as Enemies but slighted the English who desired Commerce and Trade with them but calling the Hollanders his Allyes and Confederates and the deliverers both of Himself and the Sea from tyrannous oppressions On the other side the King of Tyderis permitted the Portugueses to Erect a Castle in their Territories And before Cornelius Sebastian came thither the English once more arrived there with their Ships boasting to the Portugueses That there was a Peace between Spain and England They that accounted all Foreigners Enemies yet then counterfeited Friendship to the English although the fear of the Hollanders was more prevalent Nor was gain onely diminished by these and the number of Merchants lessened but the English resisted them that prepared for War against Tyderis that they might sell Gunpowder to the Portugalls by the scarcity whereof they were much pinched but by perseverance in Counsell it was agreed between Zaida and the Hollanders that He should only make a shew of War while they brought over their Army into the Island of Tyderis That the Hollanders only should perform the Assault of the Castle because the Barbarians are carryed â— rather by fury than advice and being once broken off suddenly loose all their Courage The Marriners therefore first of all climb up and assault two Caracks lying near the Bay then setting fire on
some small Villages All the great Guns both from the Ships at Land were levelled at the Castle but afterwards Captain Molly looking at the matter nearer hand reported that there was a passage through the ruines whereupon they violently run on and though beaten back both by shot and fire thrown among them yet they came on afresh Then did Molly seeing one Torry a Spaniard rushing upon him with a Javelin gently avoiding the stroke catch him in his Arms so that they both fell down together upon the ground where as they lay strugling he called to his next Associate bidding him to shoot the Spaniard in the Head while he held him in his Arms striving which was presently dâ—ne yet but seven being able to get into the Castle they were forced to Retreat in which Captain Molly being found with his Thigh broken was by his Companions carryed off though a long time he resisted it crying out that they should again and with greater valour assayl their Enemies their care of him at present being to no purpose for if they took the Castle they might relieve and take him up at their pleasure when by chance a Tower wherein was a quantity of Gunpowder being shot with a Bullet the Powder took fire and destroyed threescore Portugueses In which affright the Assaylants afresh coming on took the Castleâ— The Women and Children fled into the Rocks which were unpasseable by Armed men but all Victuals and Water being stopped from them they were forced to yield and together with the men that survived the taking of the Castle were transported into the Philippines Thus were the Portugalls driven from their Dominion in the Molucca's save only they had yet one small Fort in the Island Timosa The Hollanders gave not only the King of Tideris his life but granted him all his power lead thereto rather for their Honours than Securities sake But He dissembling amity with the Hollanders made a League with the King of Ternata having no other hopes and then continually laid plots which in time he hoped to bring to pass desiring in the interim as the best means to secure the liberty of the Island that the Castle might he demolished which ought rather to have been kept up and augmented At this time also other Ships returned from the Indies which had been sent thither by several Merchants before they were united into one Company nor did they come without good booty for they had intercepted a Carack coming from Machao at the Island Patany which then a Woman Governed who maintaining that the spoyls taken in Her Kingdom belonged to her made the Hollanders divide the prey with Her which afterwards they redeemed again Part of the Indian Commodities especially Silk is brought out of China a potent and flourishing Empire where it hath ever been esteemed a part of Prudence to forbid an entrance to strangers and the Portugalls residing at the utmost Borders thereof by many Policies affrighted that suspicious People advising them not to admit the Hollanders who were valiant and powerful at Sea to come within their Borders but while by the favour of Neighbour Kings a harmless Voyage was sued fot in the interim by the Merchants of China that frequented Java and other places they participated of the same Commerce Moreover the Hollanders sent to the Indies Paul Carden with Eight Ships the Ninâ—h by chance being burned before it went out And lest their Neighbours should seek to convert to their own uses that Commerce which they had gotten with so much labour and defended in the uttermost parts of Asia the United States did by an Edict declare That no Native of Inhabitant should go into those parts either from home or out of other Lands except such as were Commanded by the Indian Company lately erected in Holland wherein all Objections were answered by the necessity thereof and the like Example and afterwards in following times the same Company was much augmented by new Cautions and severe punishments against offenders as any deceitful practices were detected This Year were Celebrated some Solemn Funerals as of Philip Hohenlo one of the Noble Persons among the Hollanders who dyed among them and of John of Nassau who deceased in Germany Hohenlo was a Man well skilled in War and of an undaunted Resolution but of no great fore-sight in Command although during Prince Maurice's Youth he was wont to lead the Forces but when he saw by the Princes maturity that there was no use of Him at length partly with grief and trouble of mind and partly by the Gout caused by two much repletion he had a slow and lingring death which is very grievous to a valiant mind But Nassau dyed of old Age he was Brother to William Prince of Aurange and with Him shared the antient Inheritance of his Predecessors the Prince enjoying all in France and the Netherlands and He what belonged to their Family in Germany He assisted his Brother with Money while the necessity of his Affairs required it and in the greatest distraction of his business he was not wanting in Counsel He was for a time Governour of Gelderland and the chief Authour of the Trajectine League which was in its time exceedingly necessary Afterwards returning to his own Patrimony he was a continual Assistant to his Sons supporting by Arms his Allyes and Friends of whom Count William Governing the Frizons and Count Ernest about that time marryed to the Duke of Brunswicks Daughter only survived the Counts Philip and Lewis dyed in the War nor was his Off-spring at home any whit less of either Sex Now also dyed Justus Lipsius a Man famons for Learning among the Noblest Wits after he had obtained great Renown from the Precepts of Wisdom and the Roman Gravity and also from a new and concise kind of writing perpetuated the same in his publick Narrations of Halle and Aspricoll And whether He deferred or contemned to answer those Books set out against him his Death so soon following hath left questionable however as well the Hollanders as the Netherlanders did not omit to Celebrate the memory of this worthy Person both in Verses and publick Orations About this time also was a Marriage in the Nassavian Family Solemnized between PHILIP Prince of AURANGE and a Virgin Daughter of the Prince of CONDE of the BORBONIAN Stock by which Affinity the KING as Obliged to Him restored the free Possession of the Town and Principality of AURANGE although the PARLIAMENT of DAUPHINE averred part of the same to be subject to their Jurisdiction and part in general to the Kingdom Before I begin to enter a Work disagreeing to the former discourses I will declare how the Hollanders Affairs were turned from so sharp and long a War unto thoughts of Peace in this year what part of Europe was at Peace and what at War what private or publick motions and inclinations of mind among themselves or their Neighbours when and how that time became every where as it were fatal
in so great mutations and of what advantage Forreign Affairs were to Ours or Ours to them The whole North which consisted of Kingdoms of old replete with many Priviledges and Liberties was broken out into Arms almost for the same causes that the Hollanders War began for Sigismund following the Dictates of the Jesuites had lost Sweden with great difficulty retaining Poland For in Sweden Charls laying aside he name of Duke and by the Decree of his Nobles taking the name of King and repairing his Forces after the loss he had received at the Siege of Riga approached near the borders of Livonia In Poland Amoseius the Chancellor of that Kingdome while he lived had by his Wisdome and the reverent esteem that was had of him prevailed both with the King and Nobles for the observation of Peace and support of the Law But when he was dead first discontents and hatred arose which afterwards broke out into open Force And some there were that said The Nobles were advised soon after his Funeral that their Liberty had been attempted with many artisices That he had left the Commonwealth in as good a Condition to those that survived as it was when he first received the Charge of it and therefore now They should take care that nothing therein might go amiss either out of Ignorance or Sluggishness And in truth not long after the chief of the Noblemen that are there called Palatines broke out into Arms accusing the King That after the death of his first Wife without the advice of the States of Poland he had marryed the Sister of his deceased Wife thereby at once polluting the Kingdome with Incest and by a private League obliging himself to the House of Austria and that in the disposal of Honours he carried not an equal hand but preferred Romanists before Protestants they desired also that the Jesuits might be expelled out of the Jurisdiction of Craâ—ovia and that the contentions growing among Priests should be decided by Domestique Judges and not at Rome whither they must make long Journies with vast charge And thereupon the Great Council of that Kingdome being summoned they called the King before them to purge himself of his Crimes adding threats That unless he appeared they would transfer those Imperial Ensign of Majesty the Crown and Scepter which by the Custome of the Countrey they had the keeping of to another But the King collecting his Army and winning to him many by gifts although at first he was answered with divers successes yet preferring Peace a League was concluded at Sendomir whereby the Old Laws were strengthened and confirmed by New But for all this it might rather he called a laying down of Arms then a taking awâ—y of Offences for as he contemned the Subjects as Conquered so their impunity made them again grow confident so that the Peace was neither safe nor durable Besides these faults before mentioned this also was objected That without the consent of the Publick he intangled Poland in a war by sending aid to Demetrius This Demetrius after Boris had invaded the Dominion sought to slay the Son of the most noted Basilides by cruelty and after him enjoyed Muscovy professing himself the Brother of Theodore another being put into his place that should be killed while he was carryed into Poland where he long dissembled the Nobility of his bloud but at last prevailed in the over-perswading many by shewing upon his body divers private marks But he managed his Arms unfortunately against Boris who was now grown old and experienced both in the Arts of War and Government When he dyed he left a son named Theodore whom we mentioned before in his tender age to be left to his Mother but a great part of the Russians who equally hate the Government of Women and Children fell to Demetrius and presently the common people let him into Mosco the Principal City slaying in favour of their new Lord both the Widow and Son of Boris But the Fortune of his Kingdome was short for the Priests were offended at the Authority of the Jesuites by whose perswasions it was reported That he had sent to the Pope with intent to change the Greek Ceremonies for the Latine Nor were the Noblemen less enraged because he chose for the Guards to his person Foreiners and made use of none but Polanders both in his Court and Privy Counsels But the common people who hate or love not voluntarily but as they are lead and instructed were provoked by common report That he was not the Demetrius as was supposed but a Fugitive Monk instructed by Magick Art and but a slave sent by the Polanders to disturb the Affairs of Russia At the time of his Marriage which he celebrated with a young Polonian Lady the daughter of the Palatine of Sendomer a great tumult arising Demetrius or whoever else he was for even after his death it remained a doubt in vain striving to avoid his ruine by leaping from on high to the ground being weakned by the fall he was presently killed And his death was attended with a great slaughter of Polonians while one Scutskye that had raised this commotion seized the Empire at first indeed very unstable and tottering while their minds were astonished with the cruelty and being very slowly drawn to consent to a new Prince but afterwards it was soon setled by fear add punishments as is usual among Barbarians Now also had the sedition of the Imperial Souldiers involved Transilvania and the parts adjoyning upon Hungary in great troubles which were also increased by the Rapines of the Governours and debarring the Protestants the liberty of their Religion the envy of the War here also being thrown upon the Jesuits as the daily fomenters of mischief At this time also broke forth divers long concealed complaints That they plainly saw they were slighted for the Prince violated that antient Custome of his Predecessors of being present in their Assemblies and hearing the Requests of his People But Robolfus keeping himself within the Court kept the chief maâ—agety both of Arms and Counsels in the hands of Foreiners which is a thing very grievous even to such as are enslaved and therefore the more intollerable to them whose Laws and Foundations of Government are so confirmed to them by the Oaths of their Kings that it is accounted to them neither disgrace of Crime to resist all that would make an infringement thereupon And thus on a sudden they fell to fighting and besieging of Cities to the great rejoycing of the Turk from whom the Crown and Scepter of Hungary was sent to Steplxn Botscay a chosen Captain of the Malecontents who was besides the Publick inflamed with private injuries yet he persisted to refuse the same contenting himself with Transilvania and the Title of Prince But Peace set an end to this short War of which this was the third year The Turk being weakned by the Persians Victories and a new Rebellion in Asia and Botscay endeavouring nothing further
People Sighs and Tears together with want and the often renewed Seditions of the Souldiers prevailed that now they chose rather a obtain and peaceable Government than the hope of an inlarged Dominion attended with continual Fear But Spinola was the chief Author of that Counsel who a few years having archiev'd great Honour fear'd lest Fortune should turn Retrograde both his own and the King's Credit being at once shipwrack'd if these vast Charges should continue or any Chance should intercept the Ameriâ—â— Revenues without any hope of recovering what he had â—â—bursed so that being overwhelm'd in Debt in stead of a â—ear and honourable Fortune he could see nothing but â—ame and Poverty But in the Vnited Provinces few durst hope for Peace but rather most fear'd it being so instructed from their Parents that all Treaties with a deceitful Enemy were to be shunâ—ed and that War was most safe under whatsoever Qualification and that the great Number of Men subject to them 〈◊〉 well Souldiers as the rest of the Common People were advantaged by Arms Engines Armies and Fleets Nor was it fear'd by a few least as formerly at the beginning of the War so now at the restoring of Peace Antwerp should be chosen as the most commodious Seat for Merchandise and Traffick And when all fear of the Enemy should be taken away the Dissentions of Cities and other Disturbances of the Common-wealth were dreaded Nor were there some wanting especially among those that were more subject to Danger as lying nearer the Enemy who long since while they saw Cities taken by force and none to contradict it and that under a shew of Prudence their Limits were lessned fearing the like might happen to them when it would be too late to seek a Remedy altogether bent their whole studies for Peace But the more Moderate as they thought fit to avoid Treacheries so they likewise agreed to try Whether Arms might be laid aside upon Honourable Terms with the safety of the Commonwealth and preservation of Religion Nor was this time to be omitted when the Enemies Affairs were decaying the Authority of the States was grown more firm by long Obedience and there were two potent Princes as it were at their sides the one offended at the Spaniard the other for many just Reasons displeased with the Pope and therefore would consequently be more cordial to the Hollanders The state of Affairs both at Home and abroad being in this condition Herman Wittenhorsten by the Arch-Duke's Command came to the Hagne about the end of the year The same also before the Armies should march out in the Spring had passed through Gelderland and Holland but with Command onely to commune in private whereof there would be occasion enough given him in regard he was allyed to several of the Holland Nobility either by the Consanguinity of his Ancestors or other Collateral Affinity of Marriages But now John Genard the Secretary coming to accompany him from Turnholt where both of them lived and that place paying Tribute to both Parties caused them to have the more free admittance He deliver'd to the chief of the States what he had in Command from Albertus and Isabella which was to this effect That nothing was more desired by them than the Peoples Peace and that an end might be put to their long and bloody Troubles That the Rights belonging to the Arch-Dukes were not unknown to the States as also that they sought not anything that belonged to others They on the other side should consider what they conceived fit for confirming their Security whether a Peace or a Truce onely and that it was left to them whether they would chuse a publike or a private Treaty from which all unjust and treacherous Dealings should be banish'd But the matter was deferred because they brought no Letters from the Arch-Dukes to the States We shall hereafter relate with care what gradations and progress it had and with what inclination it was managed because this will 〈◊〉 far more expedient for the knowledg of Citizens than the Arts of Fortifications or Excursions of Horse and Foreign Nations at no time before had spoken of the Hollanders with more Honour and Renown The Sixteenth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THE Winter growing more warm yet very turbulent with high Winds as it made the Hollanders secure from their Enemies Incursions yet hindred not the flowing of the Rivers as if the Heavens had been pleased with the overtures of Peace nevertheless it did same harm in another part by spoyling some Ships near the Texell because the Island was unsafe for Winter stations which Ships were thereby forced to delay the time of their going out into several parts of the World But the Vnited States that they might with the more certainty settle domestick Peace and vindicate their fame after Time had cared their late grown Troubles of Groeninge taken off the necessity of imperious Command and reduced their minds 〈◊〉 a conformity of obedience commanded the Castle which they had built to keep the City in awe to be demolished and pulled down which though formerly it was necessary yet now if it should be continued would not at all suit with the Liberty which they pretended towards all The chief cause of this their so great security was That the Magistrates of the City were such whose fidelity both to them and the publike Religion was well known and a great Garrison was kept therein without charge and without regret Yet for all this had the Souldiers no time of leisure for the Spaniard broke into and burned a small Fort in the Isle of Bommell the Sentinell being hired by them to hold his peace The Captain that Commanded the place was slain who was blamed for this because in not changing his Watches he had given hopes to that Treacherous Design Also the Count Bruyke a younger Brother but in pay under the Hollanders as he rid to his Father's house with a small retinue fell into an ambush of the Enemies his Secretary by chance going before was shot which was a sign of what was following to his Master yet he did not offer to fly but valiantly coped with the Enemy not out of hope to escape but because he was ashamed to be taken After he was slain his body was barbarously wounded the fortune and hatred which they bore towards his Father being executed upon the Son for with the like barbarism was his Father killed by Mendosa's Souldiers But Henry of Nassau going out with a strong Party of Horse to the spoyl of Spinola's men that carelessly Wintered in the Country of Limburg when they hearing of the danger retired into the Cities He took by force Erkelen a Town lying in his way after he had beaten down the Gate with a Petard This is a small Town in Gelderland which out of a sense of its own weakness had of old paid Tribute to both parties But then by chance was become an Enemy to the Hollanders by
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
his Valour but understanding by the Spies which he had sent under the pretence of Merchants and by some French and British Ships that he met that the Ships which had been there were most of them departed to the Indies and those that were to follow them were not ready but that a great Fleet of Spaniards lay in the Bay of Gibraltar which would take the Hollanders Ships passing out of the Mediterranean Sea into the Ocean in that streight thither he steered his course sailing as the Wind would give him leave sometimes near the Coast of Barbary and other whiles nearer the Coast of Spain for two very high Mountains generally known by the names of Hercules Pillars being the Mountains Abila in Barbary and Calpe in Spain do make narrow the Streight of the Atlantike Ocean winding it self between those Lands Fabulous Antiquity reported these to be one Hill and indeed so it is if you admit the strait to continue their union but divided by the labour of Hercules on purpose to let in the Sea whereupon the last of those separated Hills are called as aforesaid Hercules Pillars To the one of which the old name Calpe remained until the Arabian growing Victorious gave his own names to all things and places for at what time the lâ—acens had joyned their Arms to the novelty of Mahomeâ—â— Superstition Moses the chief of the petty Kings possessing Africa who was the Son of Nuzir of the Maravadine Family went over into Spain accompanied with Tarica the 〈◊〉 of Abdalla who setting fire on his Ships that his Souldiers might not be able to desert him when he was come within Calpe he named the place Gebell Taric which in the Arabian Tongue is as much as the Mount of Tarica and â—â—â—ce by the Spaniards is corrupted into Gibraltar Thus did 〈◊〉 Mountain and City Tarifa of old Carteja get their names This City is scituate at the bottom of those Hills where making a Haven in the manner of a Theater for his Ships on the horn thereof which stretches into the Atlantike Ocean he built a strong Castle In this most safe recess of the Sea within the bosome of that most exquisite Rock â—â—d under the protection of the City and Castle the Spanish fleet lay at Anchor It consisted of 9. Galeoones the greatest of which carryed the Commander in Chief Don John Alâ—â—rez de Avila four other Ships of War The great Vessel belonging to Lubeck and four French Bottoms belonging to private Merchants but for a time taken up for publike use besides three Holland Merchants Ships that had lately been taken as Prizes In these was a great number of Marriners and great Guns together with Souldiers for Sea-service whose strength was much increased by the accession of many noble persons who upon news that the Enemies Ships were seen both at Cadiz and St. Lucas de Barramede had flocked thither to shew their Valour and duty to the King In the Admirall were seven hundred Souldiers another a little less had five hundred Admiral Hemskerke now entring the Streight and not far from the Bay of Gibraltar calling together the Captains of his Ships to Counsel He said to them Ye know Fellow Souldiers for what cause ye are come hither The Honour gotten by our Ancestors both at Sea and at home is evident to the whole World They wasted Islands and besieged Ports others by chance assisting them therein We were the first who came even into Spain it self to assault the King of Spains Fleet as intending to let the World know how falsly the Enemy in the length of his arrogant Titles ascribes to himself the Dominion of the Sea A more noted place for Honour could not be wished for God hath appointed the Hollanders Forces to be tryed and approved in the Confines of Europe and Africa so that here we shall see the Enemies themselves certain Witnesses of our Valour and their own destruction On the one Shore he the Turks and Moors to whom being hitherto scarcely heard of we ought not to be made publickly known but by some great and honourable action Take now that Courage which of old Berghen Middleburgh the Zuyderzee beheld The same fortune follows you through the World So that it is a difficult matter for you not to Conquer at Sea And let not the greatness of the Enemies Ships affright you for that very Bulk being unweldy to be moved and turned and lying open to shot will be rather a cause of ruine then safety to them And moreover this is one chief thing that among us our very Seamen fight with them only the Souldiers who appearing to me as persons of effeminacy by the stinks of the Pump and the tossing of the Waves being grown heartless are hardly able to stand up to fight I require nothing of any man but what I shall give an example of my self you Lambert shall together with my self set upon the Admirall Brassen and Alterhasen on the next and so the rest on the remainder two of you still keeping together against one the lighter Vessels shall go up and down compassing the place of fight the better to impede the Enemies flight And as soon as the Battell is begun Remember that ye fight valiantly for your Ships wherein you are all either to be slain or taken unless you get the Victory Let us forward the anxious and doubtful cares of the States in this great Affair for this day will yield a great and happy Omen to us if forced to return to the War or else will make the Spaniard more seriously to desire Peace Then may the Conquering Hollander with freedom deliberate whether it will be more for his advantage to lay aside Arms or still to maintain War We however in the interim shall begin to be esteemed happy in the Honour of this Maritime tryumph or else shall be looked upon among the chief causes that lead to peace and for the benefit of Posterity shall set a noble end to a War of 40 years continuance Having spoken these things he encouraged the Captains as well by his eyes and countenance as his words who promising largely their best endeavours likewise stirred up both themselves and others by old and new examples of Spanish cruelty so passing about an encouraging Cup and renewing their Oath of fidelity for that time they departed Avilas the Governour finding Ships so much less than his steering their course directly against him commanded a Holland Prisoner that he had with him to be brought to him of whom he asked What he thought was their Intentions Who answer'd Either I know not my Countrey men or else they are ready to give you Battel The Spaniards laughed as thinking it a scorn that their whole Fleet should be compared with that onely Galeoon that was his Admiral But when the Holland Fleet drew nearer being compell'd to believe what he saw was true he carryed his said Admiral Galeoon which by chance lay outermost nearer to the City cutting its
the States were possessed with fear and suspitions not without cause but he had a residence appointed for him at Delf where both his going in and out as all his actions were observed the reason and Author of which counsel he seemed by bis actions and carriage to approve for be invited Cornelius Arsen Secretary to the States to a private Conference who presaging to himself the intent of the Design goes to Prince Maurice from whom he is commanded That if any extraordinary graâ—ity were offered to take the same and withal to detect the Enemies Treachery When they met the Monk with great Eloquence gave him thanks That by his assistance some glimmerings of Peace had been attained for it is to be understood that when Naya came first among the Hollanders by the Mediation of one Craulen who was nearly related in bloud to Arsen he found the first access to him Afterwards he added That he was not ignorant how great danger Arsenius had hazarded by this Deed if the matter had not succeeded according to both their wishes a popular or Aristocratical Government being alwayes full of envy emulation and jealousy That the Archdukes did greatly love and highly esteem this his willing inclination to the Peace of the Netherlands and that as they would for the future give greater rewards so they would for the present restore to him the house which he formerly possessed in Bruxells and that the Marquess Spinola who was of the same mind and desire with them whether a Peace were concluded or only a Truce for nine years would promise to give him fifty thousand Scutes of which fifteen thousand should be forthwith paid to him where he would appoint and for the same produced a writing cautionary under the said Spinlaes hands Afterwards Naya in hit own name presented to Arsens Wife a Diamond of great value Arsen giving thanks for the house and seeming to believe himself obliged by the Covenant for the same when it should come to him from the City of Bruxells for a while refused the rest as too hardly pressing upon his fidelity yet at length he received both the Jewel and Spinola's writing and so departing he declared the whole matter to the Prince and the Prince again related the same to some few of the States The Prince supposing the matter fit to be concealed for a time refused the Custody of the Presents But soon after Arsen being sollicited by new Letters from Naya to come and receive his fifty thousand Scutes and fearing lest this doubtful and dangerous secret might break out to his disadvantage discovered the whole matter in all its circumstances to the Council of the States They appointed George Debes a man of exemplary fidelity and chief overseer of the common Treasury to keep both the Charter and Diamond yet could not Arsen by all this care escape the hatred of the vulgar who interpreting the common report of the business to the worst sense grew so enraged that he was compelled to set forth the truth of the matter in Print to prevent further mischief that might ensue About this time Admiral Hemskerks body was brought to Amsterdam where it was received with high honour and applause and with no less grief and sorrow because having been the Author of so great a Victory his Countrey was believed to have received the greater prejudice in his loss to him then first of all was publickly given a Funeral and a Monument with an Inscription testifying with great honor and eloquence the famous Actions by him done After which they sent to the King of Great Brittain desirous to dive more narrowly into the Affairs of Holland John Berken an assistant to the Magistrates of Dort and Jacob Maleree a man in principal esteem in the Senate of Zeland these set before him the present strength and charge of the Commonwealth and how much the Treasury was judged unable both by the Prince and Senate to maintain the War in any hopeful condition These were very gently received by King James who promised to take a special care of the Affairs of his Allyes for he well understood That by the Hollanders Arms as well his own as the Peace of Ireland was defended And no less did he foresee how unfit he was to perswade to War who till that time had never given any supply of mony towards it which was the greatest want of that War nor had at the present any to help them with Not long after there came from him to the Hague Richard Spencer of an honourable Family in England and Ralf Winwood then returning out of Brittain but otherwise Leiger Ambassador for the King with the States In the intetim Spinola by Letters sent to the States signifying the King of Spains confirmation of the Archdukes Covenants and desires a safe conduct for Don Lewis Verreike Albertus his Secretary who should bring the Instrument and declare other things relating to the matter which being granted and He come immediately the Spanish subtilties appeared for the words of the Covenants were not confirmed by the Kings Authority according to the Custome of a just League but the Charters were written in the French Tongue which is generally spoken by the Duth Nobility bore date the eighth of May and brought to them the first of June which were subscribed by the King in no other manner then he used to do towards his Subjects and so confirmed That he promised the Cessation of Arms should be ratified calling Albertus and Isabella Princes and Lords of the Netherlands but in the interim by no word Himself acknowledged the Liberty of the States according as was desired nay more in the very foremost Covenant of Albertus the words that declared their Liberty were totally left out which Verreike called by a ridiculous pretext the Writers neglect When he sent word to Bruxells of that objection the Archdukes said nothing only John Richardot the chief of the Cabinet Counsel answered That the States mistook the words for so long as King Philip rejected none of the Covenants they ought to believe that He approved all And although though the Archdukes might protest the performance of all things they had promised yet that their candor and benignity might be the more evident they sent back again into Spain for the mending of those things that were found fault with And the States did not delay to recal their Fleet out of Spain left while they professed to be desirous of Peace their Actions should go rancounter to their words But about this time arose many hot disputes among the United Provinces many furiously crying out That they were publickly deluded by the Spaniard who for the better concealing their Treacheries had only made an empty offer of Liberty but now their deceitful dealing bring manifest he would only endeavour this one thing to denude them cunningly of their Arms. Besides the Enemy was said to be preparing a Fleet both in Spain and Flanders the danger whereof was the more
suspected in regard it was unknown what design they intended To all these were added the French Ambassadors then very averse to Peace because they said it was evident to them That the nature of the Spaniards was never officious but when they studied mischief but they had scarse resolved to consult of that matter which before they began to agree to that they would neither send provisions nor supplyes to the Fleet by which means it might be compelled to return by necessity which is stronger then any command Thereupon matters were brought to that pass that Olden-Barnevelde should in the name of the States make answer That the Instruments brought out of Spain were not congruous to what was promised and therefore the States drew up the same is the Latine and French Tongue which were to be in like manner perfected within two Months by the King if he hoped any further to continue the Treaty which pattern he was to deliver at the same time And because some delay happened thereby the States prorogued the space for deliberation after the Instruments were anew confirmed from that present time until the first of September yet it was granted in honour of the Archdukes against whose will these neglects seemed to be committed that the Fleet should be recalled and that after six weeks from that day all things whatsoever that were taken should be free and not taken as Prize But they would keep the Kings Letters till better were brought chiefly for this purpose to maintain the cessation of Arms Nor in the interim faith he can we enough wonder if this Affair be cordially and with uprightness managed to what purpose serve these great Rewards Behold the Diamond See the Chain Look upon Spinola's hand and here they were all produced These cannot be so without suspition in the givers but that they who received them by publick command cannot yet be free from the undeserved envy of the people Be not deceived for it is not here as in Kingdomes where two or three rule all things at their beck and the rest of the people are slaves but We Govern and are Governed by turns And if this Councel this Senate be not sufficiently guarded against your bribes We will encrease their number Carry back your gifts to their Owners which you need not give to obtain Peace and would be a high wickedness in Us to receive in prejudice of our Liberty Verreike being on a sudden surprised had nothing to say but that if any such thing were offered it was without the Archdukes knowledg nor was it a wonder if Monks that are a covetous sort of men look upon others to be such as themselves Now was the appointed time of six Weeks past when the Fleet was recalled out of Spain and also Naya and Verreike having their desired safe conduct are come and bring with them out of Spain another Writing which contained almost the same words prescribed by the States with this only difference That the King professed himself ready to Treat with them as a Free People in any place and that he would challenge nothing against them adding That he asserted this as well for maintaining the Credit and Promise of the Archdukes as for confirming a Peace or long Truce which when it was agreed upon He would fully perform all other things that might be desired for the sanction thereof but that it should be Treated of and concluded in that League as concerning other desires of Parties so also of the business of Religion Wherein if there were no Settlement and Conclusion then his Right should not be prejudiced in any thing by this Writing but all things to remain intire as before to both parties They that were more curious observed That a business of so high concernment was carelesly written in Paper and not engrossed in Parchment for the perpetuating thereof and that the Name of Philip was not subscribed as to Equals but like a King according to his Custome in writing to His Subjects The Odium of all these things Naya foreseeing the same attempted to mollify with good words declaring That he himself as best knowing the desires of the Archdukes and the States in relation to Peace went into Spain and informed the King in what condition the state of Affairs on both sides was and how necessary Peace was to the Netherlands There the matter was debated in Council That whatever was to be Treated of and concluded might be more firm and lasting and that not only the King who is mortal but the Kingdome it self which cannot dye should be bound by those Agreements He protested also with much earnestness and high asseverations That the King was very desirous of Peace and that he intended to walk in the right and plain way to attain the same and therefore had so clearly declared his mind in writing which he might have concealed if he had had any intention to deceive After him Verreike highly applauding the Archdukes faithful dealing he made an excuse That King Philips expressions were not Written in Latine or French but in the Spanish Tongue In this Tongue he converseth with Christian Princes in this he Treats with Free People nor was it equal for them to take from him this Liberty who had hearkned to the States speaking in what Tongue they pleaâ—â—d At this time dissimilitude of thoughts began to discover great variety of affections in the United Provinces the Prince suspecting Treaties and some Cities both in Holland and Zeland hoping a greater advantage from the War then they could expect from Peace and therefore he most moderate and collected minds and those that were unanimous in their desires looked upon these things with more then ordinary displeasure for the acknowledgment of their Liberty with the only esteem whereof being filled they began to â—â—arken to those dangerous discourses of Peace might easily be recalled and indeed it seemed very little if any thing at all unless the Faction of the Romanists should be divided from the Commonwealth by the hope of some favour from the Enemy But Naya and Verreike being showed what the States seemed to find fault with in the Spanish Writing openly professed That it was but labour in vain to expect any thing more since if any thing remained dubious either to the League of Peace it self or in the Truce it might be â—â—pounded and made manifest in more clear and fitting at arms So much confidence had they gotten by observing that a great part of the United Provinces were weary of the War and knowing it would be much more beneficial to the Spaniard to make an Agreement with them severally then all United and conjunct But the States taking the Prince's Counsel together with the advice of the French and British Ambassadors at length agreed in this Opinion That they would declare to the Archdukes Ambassadors That the Letters brought out of Spain were not answerable to the first Promises because the last words would seem to bear such an
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
Instructions to their Commissioners by a new example had bound and tyed them up by secret and private orders To which it was answered that that should in no manner hinder the business in regard the States themselves were present who as any one Head or Article of Peace was agreed on should immediately confirm the same by their Authority for it was consented to by both that all things should not be proposed at once in general but each thing particularly as the same was to be decided or debated The Hollanders insisted on this that they might try the Enemies minds at the beginning by the most difficult things whether they only desited a Treaty or really intended a Peace But the Spaniards were for a more dilatory way and that they might avoid any concessions they should be forced to as often as they thought fit The Spaniard offered either a Peace or a Truce a long time keeping secret what at last almost too late was known that they could not indure a Peace upon equal tearms but would consent to such a Truce On the other side the States from the very beginning professed they desired to put an end to the War and not only to give an intermissive Cessation thereto for it was manifest that the exhausted Forces of the Spaniard would in time reâ—â—â— and in the inâ—eriâ—â— the Neighbour Kingdoms might grow evilly affected towards them besides many other things were spoken against a Truce which we shall hereafter commemorate Wherefore at this very time they began to Treat about a Peace the first branch whereof was about the confession of the liberty of Holland upon which matter the Debate being begun Don Richardot said In matters not to 〈◊〉 if they please to make themselves a Kingdom 〈◊〉 he desired them that the Covenants might be so made in such words at might do least prejudice to the Kings Honour The Confederate States desired that the King and Arch Dukes should in their own Name and the Name of their Heirs and Successors for ever desist from their Claym of the Seven Provinces and Lingen and Trent and whatever else they possessed so as for the future they should not use either their Arms or Titles But the Spaniards grievously complained both to the French and English of this contumelious demand as they pleased to call it protesting that it was a devestable thing that harder â—aws should be imposed on them by that People then Kings are wont to prescribe to Kings The Kingdom of Navarre is possessed by the Spaniard yet the antient Inheâ—â—tors thereof retain the Honour of the Title The King of Great Britain entitles himself to France yet neither is the French offended with this or the Spaniard with that for the Spaniard himself hath nothing of the Kingdom of Jerusalem but the Name whereto when the Hollanders replyed That Kingdoms were supported by their Majesty But free People could never be wary or cautelous enough and that the loss of a few words would be no great matter in the great and swelling Titles of the House of Austria at last the Spaniards did admit the condition so as all other things might be likewise concluded This easiness of the Spaniard was suspected by wise men not was it without Reason at that time conjectured that they had speciously consented to that demand being so popular and pleasing to all because there remained other things which being within the words of their conceded liberty would destroy both their Power and Wealth or else things not equally common with them and the Confederates would involve them in dissentions In the progress of the Treaty the Solemnity usually in Leagues concerning the Oblivion of all acts of Hostility and the prohibiting making of Seizures took up little or no debate But when they came to the point of Commerce the Spaniards declared that the Hollanders must abstain from going to the Indies and other long Voyages by Sea as not used before the War and that this was the main Reason that moved Philip to hearken to Peace Nor was their liberty of so small concernment to them as that they would refuse to give such a price for it especially no damage accruing thereby since instead thereof they should have the benefit of the Spanish Trade which is nearer to them and more safe which while it formerly continued free to them they never once thought of the Indies Adding further that by the Treaty of Verbin neither the French nor the English by the Treaty made at London were admitted to go into those parts which the Castilians and Portugueses alone had for so many years challenged to themselves as the first finders thereof But the Embassadors of France and England refelled this affirming what was lawful by the priviledge of nature and not prohibited by any League they esteemed it unquestionably permitted and by that right they used it But these things during the time of the Treaty were debated in Books and Writings wherein was set before them the love of their Country and the private gain from the Indies to be preferred before the Spanish Dominion that was unjust how great therefore was the necessity of the Hollander who having nothing but a barren Soyl and full of Marishes gain Wealth and Glory from the Sea wherein with their own strength they are able to cope with their most powerful Enemies Nor would the adjoyning Seas that lie near about them be sufficient to maintain so great a multitude There being used in the Voyage to Guiny 20 good Ships to the Islands of Salt fourscore to the rest of the Coast of America almost twenty and to India only 40. wherein and whereby were imployed no less then eight thousand Seamen from all whom by such a League they would take away their Livelyhood or in effect command or rather compel them to flight a thing ignoble in every Citizen but odious and abominable towards them who deserved so much and so well of the Common-wealth As well private as publick Utility should be something respected it being well known how mightily in a short time the gain of the Indian Trade was increased and it might easily be collected by the profit thereof for these last fifteen years what might be hoped for from them in the future there yet remained Cambaya Malabar Crilon Narsinga Coroâ—iandell and certain other places hitherto unknown and but slightly enquired after Now what if that of China and America opposite to the other Ocean should he looked after and the yet undiscovered World under the South Pole should wait to be made known by the Hollanders let the Spanish and the Indian Trade be divided between them yet the last will not be admitted to be lost hitherto â—ince it hath still been used by the French and English this in effect is no other then to seek the recovery which may be continually lost and in the mean time certainly to loose what can never be recovered for a Society once dissolved cannot by any means
nor did they omit private commodity either of the House of Nassau or of Emmanuel whose Father Don Antonio for a short time possessed the Kingdome of Portugal A conference being appointed concerning the chief controverted points immediately to the contest of the Indies was added another about the European Commerce this also having no small difficulties for the passage to Antwerp being opened the Hollanders but chiefly the Zelanders feared a damage to their Negotiations whereupon Richardotâ—â—me â—â—me to the States Commissioners beseeching them with 〈◊〉 That they would not lose out of their hands a Peace so much hoped for by too pertinacious a defence of what pleased themselves Nor did he obscurely maintain that nothing could be determined concerning Trade unless the pleasure of the King of Spain were first known therein and therefore the States should remember to contrive such a manner of Covenant or Article as might be approved by a Prince who is neither Conquered nor a Captive but really desirous of Peace The Moneth of March being almost spent the time limited for the Cessation of Arms was almost expired it was agreed therefore That April and May should be added And then the States offered this Condition concerning the Indies That it should be free for their Citizens during the space of nine years from the Conclusion of the Peace to go to all those places unless where the Spaniard had Dominion And that they should not at any time come thither unless they had permission from the Governors or were compelled by necessity And during that time all hostility should cease between them and their companions and if any should do the contrary it should not be lawful to take vengeance for the same in any other place then where the injury was committed or the doers of the injuries lived and then before the expiration of the said nine years there should be a more firm and lasting Agreement endeavoured The Spaniards refused this and plainly argued That the Indian Negotiation should for the present be limited and for the future left off But the freedome of home Commerce which the Hollanders seemed to suspect they provided for the same by these Articles First That all Taxes invented during the War should be abolished and only the antient moderate Tributes remain That the priviledg of drawing Merchandise to particular Markets usurped by divers Cities as of Germanâ— Wines to Dort French Wines to Middleburgh should be prevalent against the Citizens of other Nations and Countreyes On the other side the Hollanders understanding whither this tended declared it to please them that no greater charges should be laid upon Forreigners Merchandising then upon Natives but the rights of Cities to continue in the same posture they were before the Belgick troubles Also they esteemed it just that some caution should be given to them that the Ships that went from thence into Spain should be free and unmolested Concelning these Controversies Naya was sent into Spain to speak with the King with promise to return within forty dayes but the event evidenced that promise either to be false or rash However the interval of time was not spent in vain for first the States took into consideration the money owing by them to the English and soon after make a League likely enough to continue if Peace were concluded with Spain almost upon the same tearms as they had done before with France only but half the number of supplyes were promised Then all that were assembled above the number of the Commissioners returning to their own Provinces they that were chosen to preside this business of Peace called to the Enemies Ambassadors That they would expedite their demands upon the rest of the Heads to be Treated on The debate being entred into concerning Limits the Spaniards were not ashamed to insist That Brabant Flanders and all Gelderland beyond the Waell should be delivered up by the States who in stead thereof should receive Lingen Oldenzeel and Groll which certainly would have been a very unequal exchange And when they condescended thus far That for a short time the States should have the custody of the Towns yet so as the Soveraign power and Jurisdiction should be vested in the Archdukes they further said That they divided the Netherlands too liberally leaving that part to their Neighbours which the Fortune of War had determined to be the strongest The rumour of this business being dispersed the Brabanters under the States Jurisdiction not contented to obtain that they should not be delivered up to the Enemy thought they had a fit occasion given them whereby to recover their right of having a Vote in the publick Council for after the principal Cities and the last of them Antwerp had yielded to the Duke of Parma the rest being less then could govern themselves received Laws Tributes and Magistrates from the Authority of the seven United Provinces although Berghen op Zoome had ever continued faithful to the States yet Bredah and other places that were taken and retaken by War recovered their Liberty by the Trajectine League But those were not times wherein either the labour of Conjunction or the multitude of Judges ought to be increased Little was yet done with the Enemy when even now the Moneth of May was drawing to an end when they among the Hollanders that were desirous of Peace faintly desired of the rest That the residue of the passing year might be added to the Cessation of Arms but upon this Condition That the Treaty should no longer be continued than the end of July Which being agreed They fell to discussing the matter concerning the restitution of goods which gave new matter of dissention the former points not being fully concluded about which Verreike going to Bruxells and returning with speed reported what was the intention of the Archdukes That it was fit the burdens propagated by War should be thrown aside and buried by Peace and for the Towns of Brabant and Flanders they would gratify them with the same so as they might enjoy the whole Countrey That as all private persons were to have a restitution of their goods so likewise were to be restored to the Princes the goods their Ancestors enjoyed there being several sorts of profit of possessions due to the Majesty of Dominion not did it follow because the Archdukes had denuded themselves of this that therefore he should be deprived of the rest The States contradicted that a Government could not be deprived of its Revenue nor Cities of the ground belonging to them without the Ruine and destruction both of Government and Cityes and therefore unless they come to more moderation they would suddenly break off the Treaty The others insisted That although they denyed the Revenue yet certainly there was no reason why they should refuse to restore the private Patrimony of the Princes But this crafty difference and distinction was denyed also for that in these places there was no separate account of the Publick Treasury and the Princes
present then approving go unto the Assembly of the States and there produce their Masters Instructions to them till that time concealed namely That they would endeavour by all means possible to make Peace but if that could not be effected they should at least perswade boâ—h parties to the making of a Truce yet such as should be safe and honourable for the Hollanders and by which their Libeâ—ty should remain without question their right of Navigation be preserved entire and their possessions in no manner diminished That such a Truce might be brought to a Peace if the Governors of the Commonwealth behaved themselves with discretion That they well knew what just causes the Hollanders had of being enraged against their Enemies but all perturbations of mind are enemies to wholesome Counsel They should consider with themselves how unfit they were for War of themselves and that Kings are not wont to take Arms unless upon just occasion or necessity Here nothing more could be expected from the War then mutual damage and there could be no pretence of necessity as long as a Truce might be had If they agreed the same assistance should be given for defence of the Truce as was promised if a Peace were concluded but if the Spaniard which was most of all to be feared should refuse a Truce as he had done a Peace then the Kings their Masters would cordially support the safety of their Friends and Allyes for the future As soon as same had blown abroad these things immediately an unrestrayned liberty of dispersing among the vulgar books written but without the Authors Name and this humour spread all about with great heat the whole year Some foretelling from such a League solitude sedition and last of all slavery Others with much rancour ripped up all that ever the Spaniards had done in America their cruelties to the people of Granado and Arragon And lastly their Their Treacheries and Barbarismes committed in the Netherlands A third sort produced Books that shewed all the Articles prejudicial to the Romane Religion or that maintained it was not necessary to observe or perform Covenants entred into between a Prince and his Subjects Nor did they omit to find fault That they were not any Governours of Cities nor any of the Native Noblemen that were sent to Treat but Italians Spaniards Monks the most cunning and deceitful sort of men who if they could find any thing infirm or hurtful to the State they would not leave it undone nay they would endeavour by gifts to tempt the Ambassadors of Kings but the most powerful of the Nobility to turn aside from the right and walk with them in oblique and indirect wayes I esteem this none of the least evils of that Common-wealth That so great perversness should be stirred up in the common people which had often been forbidden and then was also by a new Edict yet could not be repressed while a sharp and diligent search and other more grievous punishments were not permitted as being contrary to Liberty And now an unexpected accident happened to the States though in their General Assembly and upon the presumption and hope of Peace they suffered themselves with difficulty to be drawn to hearken to a Truce yet that they might not seem to despise the advice of the Kings as it was the chief cause that induced them thereto yet there were other to wit that the Charge of the War as it had been of late managed would every Moneth exceed the money raised by Tributes above three hundred thousand Florens and that that sum would not yet be sufficient unless for the defence of the Rivers there were added to the old Forces six thousand Footmen whereby the whole Commonwealth of the VNITED STATES would be indebted nine thousand Millions of Flotens and the single Provinces particularly twice as much so that without the consent and help of the Kings their Allyes the War could not be managed with any good hope for to cut off any parts of the Government and only defend the more inward parts would be an act of cruelty although there were some that advised it and would be very dangerous if it should be known abroad and whereas some said That the Commonwealth was so constituted that it could not be at Peace though Arms were laid aside That was by others accounted an impious and infamous confession It might more justly be feared Lest the Common People understanding that just and fair Terms were refused growing displeased with their Governours should deny to bear the Charge and Burden of the War And therefore at last they returned answer That they were ready to hearken to a Truce so as their LIBERTY might be confirmed not under any Conditions or for a certain time but really and for ever But the Spaniards when the Ambassadors of the said Kings came to them gave no hopes of any such Agreement but offered another Condition which was That all Affairs should continue in the same posture they were at present with a Cessation of Arms for seven years yet so as the Spaniard might choose within two Moneths whether he would admit the Indian Commerce or would contest the right thereof by Arms. But there was no cause why the Grant once already made concerning Liberty should be again reiterated in regard it would be a difficult thing to be obtained because the Spaniard is of a more harsh nature nor will be drawn to imitate the Archdukes facility And if the States were not pleased with these offers they desired they might have time given to them till the Calends of October to expect the more pleasing Orders of King Philip. This when it was refused both by the Ambassadors of Kings and Princes in the Publick Council the States resolved to persist and stand to their first Decree but as to the matter of time desired by the Ambassadors they said they were ready to consent In the interim the Deputies had time every one to return to his own Province to receive new Instructions concerning this new Affair And it was agitated with great contention Nor did the People that lay more open to the Oppressions of the Enemy only dissent from the Zelanders who were guarded by the Sea but in Holland it self several Cities were of several minds nor within the Cities were all men of one Opinion but every one moved as his proper hopes led him or as they were drawn by more powerful Arguments on either side In this wavering of mens minds counsel was given to Prince Maurice That he should openly and without dissimulation make Himself the Author of the stronger Opinion which he did not only with sharp words but by Letters sent to the Cities of Holland At length saith he The Arts feared by our Ancestors are burst out Those specious words wherewith they purchased a Treaty were indeed nothing but words nor was Peace desired by the Enemy but that he might make War more at his own then our conveniency or that he might
craftily insinuate to the Hollanders how potent the Body of the Netherlands would be if it were united where as being divided and torn asunder they might easily become a Prey to some Foreiner That therefore they would do well if they would choose the Arch-Dukes for their Defenders or at least would enter into such a Society that who offended either should be taken as Enemy to both And if that could not be obtained yet they should endeavour that it might be agreed That neither Party should assist the others Enemies either by Counsel or otherwise or suffer any of their Subjects to take Arms on their behalf And the Spaniards were Commanded to conceal these Instructions from the French and English yet in other Things to use their Help and Counsel and especially the Advice of Janinus for obtaining a Toleration of the Romane Religion and part of the Goods heretofore belonging to the Priesthood The Earl of Frizelands Business also was commended to them and some other private Matters They that would not believe this Writing was carelesly left behind by Richardot suspected this might be some Reason why he left them to wit that the States thereby might be perswaded there was nothing acted concerning their liberty but what was serious and should put into the Hollanders minds the thoughts of an Auxiliary League which had been unreasonable to have spoken of They that published that Paper desired that the Embassadors of Frances Counsels chiefly might be suspected or to make the Arch Dukes subject to the more violent hatted of the Kings however it was Richardot by Letters both accused his own negligence and complained that the Laws of Hospitality were violated in that a private Writing belonging to him was published to all the People Nevertheless the Embassadors of France and England the Germans to whom that action was very displeasing preparing for their departure knowing by some late speeches and now by Don Richardots Letters that a Truce for ten years might be obtained from Albertus and Philip but that no other words would be granted touching their liberty than those had been at first used at the beginning of the Cessation of Arms framed a League according to that method Concerning the Indies it was admired that King Philip might chuse whether he would have a Truce there or War but as to the Borders and other controverted points they were reserved for the future to a more peaceable Treaty The greatest Labour was that this method of Agreement might be approved by the States who were solicitous to confirm their liberty for ever some also willing to lay hold on this occasion utterly to subvert the League and therefore the Embassadors came into the Councel of whom Janinus having setled himself into a Senatorian Gravity began thus to speak The Dignity and Vertue of them who are displeased with our Counsels for a Truce merits that their Arguments should be composed with ours whereby it may appear to you worthy Patriots whether is more wholsome and sound Counsel I hear they find fault with words which if they do that their liberty may be preserved and a pretence is not sought out of a desire of War it is that they may be freed from a prayse-worthy perchance yet an â—â—pty fear for liberty is numbred among those things which receive neither time nor condition and being once given can never be recalled Although if we rightly consider the matter you desire not your Liberty to be given to you but only to be acknowledged Neither indeed can he give it It being denyed that a Prince can transpose his Government and it would be a shame for you to receive that as given which by publick Decree you obtained long since And 't is not possible to acknowledge it more plainly than by calling you Free and professing that they arrogate no Authority to themselves over you This seems enough to Us for the settlement of peace in self but because some thought more might be obtained we have not interposed But to relinquish the Titles and Ensigns of Honour seemed even to us reproachful and infamous and therefore well to be suspected by a King unconquered But say they If the Enemy think so why doth he not declare himself freely Why it may be he thinks it unreasonable and unjust to be compelled to use other words then such as were satisfactory to you before the Treaty And now who would you have believe your liberty Is it the Kings your Allies Certainly those words will be satisfactory to them Nor do you fear I believe that the Spaniard would offer to lay his hand of Authority over you and should require to be revenged on you But a Truce being finished if he shall so think meet he shall make use of War as a Judge No caution can defend the Conquered and the Reason will easily appear why Victorious Arms cannot be limited Nor is it greatly to be feared that the Enemy can heap up any great store of Wealth That is the Custom of free People and such as require nothing but their own to look at the future whereas it is frequent with Kings only to mind the present some being destroyed with boundless desires of luxurious living others wasted with the ambition of wide extended Dominions King Philip is a young Man and Governs a Nation that cannot be taught quietness It is more easie for you to renew your Credit having payd your debts where Garrisons onely remaining the charge of Fortifications which are the greatest part of your burdens will cease You may now defer your Tributes during the years of the Truce The Enemies gifts and dissentions I will easily grant to those who say they fear those things whereof they ought to take heed I know you neither want Laws nor Judiciall Proceedings and it will be but a vain thing to seek to corrupt a few where the Government remains in the â—als of many and they not always the same And the Enemy himself will shake off shath being of that nature that cannot so behave himself as to continue long unsuspected Otherwise if that Reason be admitted you must of necessity undertake a perpetuall War In Peace the vices of Security are much more to be feared nor want there in War peculiar dangers especially where any great Calamity makes a breach upon obedience Nor is that much to be feared when the publick Revenues are so unable to begin a War that they cannot keep it off that is as to the averting the ruâ—ne This Advantage you have that it is in your own power to take heed of the discommodities of a Truce Many times the wisest mâ—n cannot escape the sad events of War There lies upon us also the necessity of answering Lipsius his Letters who perswades the Enemy to a Truce though but for a short time and without the mention of Liberty If they require Examples we have many and those not of former but of the present Age Holland and Zeland gained a new life
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
with the Enemies residence among them and they who before came as it were to desire peace now looked upon their coming to them as if they had come to sue And for speeding on the Treaty this way was invented that as soon as Spinola and they that had been with him at the Hague were come to Antwerp the Embassadors of the Kings should go thither and carry with them a draught containing the principal Heads of the League to which the States at the Request of the said Embassadors a few things onely being altered had consented And when the Spaniards had subscribed to the same then at last the States Deputies should be sent to Antwerp for perfecting the rest and the States themselves would be resident at Berghen op Zoom that if any difficulty arose they might be near at hand to be advised with thereupon The Spaniards being shewed the said draught and desired to Sign it when they said that was a little two imperious because they were not the demands of Enemies but of Friends who were admitted Arbitors and thereupon at least demanded time of deliberation they brought to passe that upon the undertaking of the Embassadors of the Kings the Cessation of Arms should be continued until the end of February they promising in the mean time to return their Answer When they began to read over and discuss the several Heads they found nothing innovated in the words asserting their liberty only the Spaniards not induring that the Embassadors should call the States by the Title of High and Mighty consented at last they should be written Illustrious The States desired that those Tributes which the Country Scituate in the middle between both Parties had payd during the War for redemption of their Lands from the spoil of the Souldiers should be continued by the Truce But that was rejected as Hostile and unjust for most part of Holland was inclosed with Sluces and Rivers and paid no Tribute to the Enemy at any time whereas they had great and wide Incursions into Brabant and Flanders The Spaniards desired to take off all Customs which had been by occasion of the War laid upon all ships passing the Scheldt and other Rivers saying also That those were the Reliques of War and not onely grievous to them but to the French and English also But they could not obâ—ain that any thing thereof should be altered the Embassadors well knowing that Zeland abominated nothing more Yet some hope was given That after the League the Matter might be brought to a better pass by Friendly Treaties of the Merchants among themselves for the Spaniards had boasted That it was in their Power to make their Customs prove prejudicial to them that exacted the same Concerning the Indies there was a long and sharp Dispute the States averring there ought to be particular mention made thereof But Richardot said That King Philip's Interest would not suffer it to be done for many Causes which belonged not to the States to know otherwise by this Example other Nations would require the same Liberty of Navigation which neither the French nor English use as granted to them but at their own peril Therefore that the Truce might be made without any Exception it was passed over onely He would have Commerce restrained within those places that King Philip possessed either in Italy or Spain denying that any further Indulgence could be granted and however he would not command the same yet that would not hinder but that the Hollanders might Traffique there but it was not convenient so to be declared by a publike League for it would be enough if it were setled by private Agreements The Embassadors answer'd That therein were many things to which the States would never be perswaded for it was an Hostile Act to keep one out of the Limits of his Dominion and therefore the Hollanders had rather if they must want the fruits of Peace contend for the Possession of that World by Arms. Besides there would be little safety in private Agreements that should not be published to all Peoples Knowledge But as to what was spoken of Spain and Italy without doubt those Limitations were too narrow since the Spaniard hath excluded none from the Islands lying within the Streights of Gibraltar or the Fortunate Islands or the whole Coast of Barbary The Spaniards Replyed That during the War the Hollanders never sailed to those remote places possessed by Philip and now when they have by the Treaty of Peace acquitted the same more ought not to be asked by a Truce than either had been won by Arms or could be hoped for by Peace King Philip would not allow the Indian Trade should be left to a War and their case is far different from those of France and Brittain for from thence there went out onely a few Ships and those by stealth but the Hollanders go thither with great Fleets As to the rest they seem'd to grant the same that instead of Spain and Italy all Europe should be named and if private Covenants would not be satisfactory they desired the publike League should be made so as that the Word Indies should not be therein After the form of this Article had been often amended and what was approv'd by the one side was disliked by the other and that the Arch-Dukes had been consulted with first by Verreikâ— and afterwards by Richardot at length it was agreed in these words That the Subjects of King Philip the Arch-Dukes and the States during the Truce should maintain Amity forgetting and forgiving the Injuries given or received in the War That it be lawful for them to pass backward and forward and freely to Trade by Land Sea and Rivers which the King thinks fit to limit within Europe and such other places as have heretofore by his permission been open to his Friends and those at Peace with him but without those Bounds it shall not be lawful to negotiate and trade in any the Countries Towns and Ports by him possessed without private leave first had and obtain'd But neither King Philip his Ministers or Subjects shall hinder them then from Trading there with any other Kings or People willing to deal with them nor shall the Hollanders or any that admit the Hollanders to Commerce be molested in his Name To which words the Embassadors of the Kings would have these added viz. When in time it shall be necessary that they who are conversant beyond those Bounds with Ships and Forces understand that there is a League made from thence forward a Truce shall begin there for one Year and if a Messenger arrive there before both Parties to forbear Hostility and if after the Year any Hostile Acts be done the damage shall be made good The Spaniards hearkned to this with great Reluctancy as well because by manifest Tokens the Indies were expressed no less than if they had bin named as for that they desired Things taken and seized in that part of the World if they
tryal and privately beheaded 710 711 Elizabeth Queen her Death and Character 737 738 739 740 Emperor sends to the United States complaining of their intrusion upon his Authority with their answer therâ—to 748 749 English and French quarrel in Gertruydenberg 753 England and Scotland named Brittain 779 Emperor and others send Legates to the United States concerning a Treaty and their answer thereto 786 787 English and Hollanders difference between them and for what 794 795 English first come into the Indies and under whose Conduct 852 858 Europe a discription of many passages there transacted in the several parts thereof 858 859 Erkelen taken by Henry of Nassau 863 English and Hollanders joyntly send out Ships aâ— the Indies 869 England King thereof desired to assist to the making peace between Holland and Spain so also are divers others 892 Emperor Letters from him to the States and the purport thereof with their Answer to the same 904 905 Letters from the same to King Philip and the Arch-Dukes with their Answer wherein is set forth the Emperors pretence to be invalid 905 906 907 908 Embden troubles there between whom and how composed 910 911 Europe a short Relation of some European transactions 912 913 914 England a League concluded betwixt it and Holland 926 Embassadors move the States to a Truce and the reason why 932 The same disputed in Books 932 933 944 945 Embassadors of the Kings draw a League for a Truce the form thereof 940 F. FAction in the Netherlands after Philips departure about the Regency and between whom 21. 24. 92 93. 96. 100 French Forces intercepted in their march by the Spaniards 64 Frizeland the Towns thereof left to the fury of the Spaniards 65 France Henry King of France privately ayds the Hollanders 80. 151 Frizeland rebels against the Spaniard and imprison their Governour 85 Francis of Valois sued to and chosen Governour of the Netherlandâ— 91. 94 95. 121. 123 124 125 He is recommended by Margaret of Valois 92 Frizeland Reneberg Governour thereof to whom Campen and Deventer were soon after yielded 94 Francis of Valois comes to Bingen which he wins by storm and siege 101 Offended with Casimires success at Gaunt he departs to England 102. 124 Frizeland Renneberg revolts to the Spaniard and delivers Groningen to them 117 Francis of Valois brings ayd to the States for the relief of Cambray 123 Treats of Marriage with the English Queen 124 The Articles upon which he undertook the Government 125 Expects succour from his Brother the French King but in vain and why 129 Whereupon he falls upon dangerous Counsels and Design what they were how effected and how frustrated 129 130 131 He treats with the Hollanders departs into France and dyes 134 135 French hated by the Hollanders and why 136 Frizeland William of Nassau made Governour there 146 The Form of Government there 146 147 377 378 France French King chosen Defender of the Netherlands and why 151 152 Factions divers in Holland and for what and among whom 187 188 French King assisted by the English and Hollander 241 French and Low-Country troubles compared 242 Falcosteyne Count slain 263 Frizons desire ayd of Prince Maurice who thereupon makes an expedition into Frizeland 268 269 French King wounded 283 Famarsh General of the Ordinance to the States killed 293 Fontayne sent by Philip to govern the Netherlands his Character 298 299. 366 He is the Authour of a cruel sentence and what it was and the effects thereof 303 304 305 306 He is President of the Senate 366 His care and diligence 385 386 Ferte a Town in France besieged is relieved and ungarrisoned 386 Fayer besieged by the French King 400. 433 At last is won by Famine 427 Franecre an University in Frizeland when begun 465 French invade Artois and overthrow Varembonius taking prisoner Count Montecuculi 468 Frizeland wasted by Frederic Count Heremberg 511 French King sends an Embassador to England and for what with the Queens Answer thereto 527 528 Frizeland a Resation of new troubles arising there the cause thereof and settlement of the same 580 581 582 Falcosteyne Count Viricus treacherously murthered and by whom 607 608 Forces new raised in several places and by whom 629 630 752 Fortunate Islands their description and the assault thereof by the Dutch 641 642 ad 644 Quitted again by them 648 Frizeland new troubles there and for what and how composed 662.735 736 746 747 Flanders War transmitted thither and why 664 Another expedition thither 696 697 Henry of Nassau Governour thereof 774 French and Spaniard difference between them and for what 780 781 Frizeland terrified at Spinola's approach 804 805 France Embassadors come thence to the Hollanders who they were and their instructions 890 891 French and Hollanders make a League and what 914 915 French Colony in America comes to nothing and why 964 G. GRanvell Anthony Pereâ—et Granvell his Extract Character Honour and Greatness in the Court of the Emperour Charles and Philip. 21 His diligence and Industry in managing the Government and for what 23 He is Commanded to depart the Netherlands and go into Burgandy from whence he went to Rome 28 Gheuse the first Original of that name 34 Germanes ayd the Prince of Aurange 53 Guise the Guisian faction prevalent in France and the effect thereof 64 Geneva Discipline received in Holland Tenents thereof 71 72 Geeretruydenberg taken by the Hollanders 73 Gaunt a Peace concluded there between whom and the heads thereof 84 This Peace confirmed at Bruxels 85 A great Sedition in Gaunt 97 98 Appeased by the Prince of Aurange 104 It consents to the League of Union 110 Groningen besieged for the States by Entes but Relieved by Schencke 118 Gaunt People there deny passage to Birons Army and why 135 The Town delivered to Parma upon teâ—rms and what they were 148 149 Grave besieged by Parma relieved by Hohenlo yet cowardly surrendred to him 170 For which the Governour afterward put to death 171 Geeretruydenberg sold and delivered to the Spaniard and the pretences for the same and by whom 224 225 226 227 228 Guise Duke slain 240 Groenigen straitned by Count William of Nassau Governour of Frizeland 243 Germanes threaten revenge for the wasting of their Borders 255 344 345 Parma's Answer and the States Answer to the same 256 257 258 Groening beleaguered by Prince Maurice 269 The Citizens waver in their affection 270 Send Letters to Count Mansfeldt and an Embassie to the Emperour 284 285 Geeretruydenberg besieged by Prince Maurice with a description of the place 306 307 ad 314 A description of the Princes Camp before the Town 308 309 310 The Town delivered to him 314 Groningers send to Ernestus for ayd 326 The description of the City of Groening Territory 328 ad 332 The Siege thereof 328 332 333 ad 337 The surrender thereof to the States and they receiving a Garrison from Prince Maurice as also Count William of Nassau for their Governour 337 Groll
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
to the King and not to refuse Garisons as before they did The King himself the thoughts of Peace being shaken off spent all his time with his Allyes so that now he seemed ready to accept the same Conditions which the English had offered before concerning Calais In the mean time the Fortune of one day made the French a long work to recover what was lost whereupon the Horse being Quartered all about the Country from thence Biron encreased his Forces by all means to besiege Amiens untill the King himself came before it and being allured to try his turn he unfortunately attempted Artois by blowing up the Walls with Gun-powder and Scaling-Ladders Nor had the French any better success either at Cambray or Dorlens And the Spaniards likewise lost their design upon Gravewaert an Island within the division of the Rhine and also upon Steenwie against which there were a thousand Foot out of the Garrisons twenty and four hundred Horse gathered together by several marches These in the dead of the night having cut down the Palisadoes that stood in the way endeavoured to come up to the Rampire And as they had much forwarded their first attempts by silence so that the terrour might by reason of the darkness be greater they assaulted divers parts of the Walls with a hideous Outcry and Singing but the Sentinels not troubled with bare noyses exposed themselves to the danger and that advertised others that stood not far off for most of them were in small covered Huts near the Rampire part of whom without their Cloaths as they leaped out of their Beds threw down Stones upon the Assaylants heads as they climbed up the Walls Others half Armed killed the Enemies retiring from the Rampire or else by their shot driving away such as came on afresh and pursuing them when they fled Thus the Assaylants though divers times gathering fresh Courage yet at length were beaten off striving to hide the greatness of their slaughter by carrying away the dead Bodies privately About the same time as it Fortune intended to bear her self equally towards all Prince Maurice conducting some Foot and a few Troops of Horse to Niâ—ghen without any halt upon their march with a well-layd design upon solid Counsel to take Venloo was met by ill success though he had before sent some Souldiers up the River aboard two Ships out of the first the Souldiers coming ashore had now taken the Gate and killed such as guarded the same helped also by the foreknowledge of some in the City But the other Ship laden with an hundred Souldiers was hindred by the slacking of the wind and a Ford or Shallow in the River in which time the day-light fully appearing the Townsmen assembled and with great labour stopped at first the inner Gate then their number encreasing they drove away those that kept the Skirts of the Town being not above fifty men And as they sled they were wounded by the Seamen from Leige In this third Experiment of his Valour was slain Matthias Holly yet no less worthy of Honour there then at Breda and Nordam With him also fell Schalque the Captain of the Ship Others were taken and punished that the right of War might as it were by consent prevail in averting such kinds of dangers One who had delivered or rather betrayed the Gate by a Politick confidence running about the City affrighted as it were with the common terrour and not being known escaped away on the contrary side of the Town Moreover some Souldiers being sent with a Fleet to the Coast of Flanders returned having effected nothing In this mean while the Count of Bulloyn with a small party wasting and plundering Henault and the Country about the Maes never rested long in one place and Prince Maurice's Horse being by their late Victory grown more confident going out of their Garrisons in Brabant and Gelderland were both of them though in several places surprised by the Enemy and slain Then was the Summer spent among the Hollanders in trivial actions and attempts and by the Archduke in taking care to retain and keep Amiens and because the Vnited Provinces while they had leisure neglected all occasions of the War having enough to do to send ayd to their Allyes and not themselves also to be wearied out At this time some discords begun to grow among them although not sufficient to make a breach of the League yet the more suspected because they fell out at that time The City of Groeninge and they that inhabited the open Country between the Rivers Emes and Lecke breathing out inveterate and cankered hate one against the other were not easily united or reconciled while the City obstinately urgeth those things which the Duke of Parma had granted to it when it followed the Kings Party not by a setled and perpetual Law but in the manner of an Interloquatory Edict On the contrary the Boors brake the antient League with it and refuse all Society as if the City had endeavoured a diminution of their liberty whereas they would manage their own business separately It was true that as formerly all the People of Germany so likewise the Frizons had distinct Dominions that no Consultations should be held but by their Consent But the Country beyond Lecke and such as were distinguished into Dorpes had agreed by Article to joyn their Forces with those of the City which was their Neighbour as well against foreign as domestick evills to whom likewise flourishing in Merchandise and Reverenced for Sanctimony of Judgment they had given great Authority in the ordering both and all the Neighbouring People willingly offered them thereby the Reward of their Allyance being accustomed there to proclaim all their Solemn Conventions But that which at the beginning was free by long use and many Covenants had now passed into the force of Law and Right yet this was not the time that all Bonds however strictly tyed should be loosed 'T is true the Spaniard looked upon it as a main part of his Potency to nourish the divisions of his Subjects by giving no definitive Sentence between them But the Strength of the United States was augmented by Concord and therefore they appointed Judges for the deciding these Controversies At first three and when the Country-People were offended at their Judgment nine others were added whose Decree was allowed and confirmed in the Counsel of the General States To this purpose the Deputies as well for the City as the Country are Commanded to make one Body Politick out of both to Govern as one Common-wealth and all matters of the greatest Concernment were to be debated in that Assembly but things of meaner quality to be discussed by the Deputies To their care was committed all the common Tributes and Taxes and whatsoever had belonged either to the Prince or Priesthood that in all equal suffâ—ages although the City should have Priority yet it should not have any Superiority yet it was provided that they who governed the