was also inuited both by the King and the Queene his Ante of whom he was honourably receiued with great shewes of loue At his returne from this voyage into Holland this poore Prince I know not by what vnknowne accident was distempered of his sences and vnderstanding so as being very big and strong of all his members he slue Gerard of Wateringhen a Knight with one blow with his fist so as they were forced to shut him vp and to set good garde vpon him where he was keâ—…t for the space of nineteene yeares vntill he dyed Hauing before his distemperature gouerned his countries of Holland Zeeland and Friseland seauen yeares and Henault two Foure yeares after him dyed also the Lady Mathilda his wife who lyes interred in the Abbay of Rhynsbourg by Leyden ALBERT OF BAVARIA 26. EARLE of Holland and Zeeland Lord of Friseland and Palatin of Henault Adelbertus Bauariae I had two wiues both which one name did beare The one a Polonois the other was Marguerite of Cleues the Frisons stood in feare Of my strong hand that did their strength surpasse And oft subdu'd their proud rebellions Delfe taken by me I demantled it At t'Hage iâ—… Holland I appointed Chanons Good men I choosd and for their places sit Hage Castle in the Chappell now containes My body freed from all his eâ—…thly paines DVke William of Bauaria Earle of Holland Zeeland and Henault Lord of Friseland being as we haue said distracted of his sences put into safe keeping the faction of the Hoecks Cabillaux reuiued for the Cabillautins would haue the lady Mathilda wife to the said Cont William to be gouernesse of the said Countries but for that the said lady had no children the Hoeketins did choose Albert of Bauaria Palatin of Rhine siegneor of Nubingen brother to the said Cont William The Nobles of the Contie of Henault consented for their parts to this election and sent a notable Ambassage vnto him into Bauaria beseeching him that hee would take vpon him in his brothers place who was distempered in his braine the gouernment of the said countries Albert vnderstanding the iust request of the Estates by their Ambassador went well accompanied with many Barons Knights and Gentlemen going downe by the riuer of Rhine into Holland where he was honorably receiued of both parties as well Cabellaux as Hoekes and acknowledged as Tutor to the Earle his brother and gouernor of his countries and siegneories Then it was agreed that he should pay yeerely vnto the Countesse Mathilda his sister in lawe the summe of twelue thousand French crownes and no more by meanes of which accord both parties were content and continued good friends but not long This Prince Albert of Bauaria had receiued the order of Knight-hood before making warre in the country of Granado against the Moores and Sarazens At the first hee was married vnto Marguerit daughter to the Duke of Briga in Polonia by whom hee had three sonnes and foure daughters the eldest was called William Earle of Osteruant who was borne in the yeare 1365. the second named Albert siegnior of Nubingen who dyed yong the third was Iohn chosen bishop of Liege borne in the yeare 1374. The eldest daughter Katherine was first married to Edward Duke of Gelders and Earle of Zutphen after whose decease being yet a virgin she married with Duke William of Iuilliers and of Geldres but she had not any children The other daughter named Ioane had to husband Venceslaus King of Romaines and of Bohemia sonne to the Emperor Charles the 4. who also had not any children Marguerite the 3. daughter married with Iohn Duke of Bourgongne Earle of Flanders and Arthois sonne to Duke Phillip the hardie by whom shee had Phillip Duke of Bourgongne called the good and afterwards Duke of Brabant Lembourg and Luxembourg Earle of Flanders Arthois Henault Bourgongne Holland Zeeland and Namur Lord of Friseland and foure daughters the first Iolente Countesse of Poitiers the second Anne Countesse of Bedford the third Agnes Duchesse of Bourbon and the fourth Ioane wife to Duke Albert of Austria by whom shee had one sonne called Albert who married the daughter of Sigismond King of Hongarie who afterwards was Emperor of the Romaines after whose decease this Duke Albert did inherit all these realmes in the right of his wife and was afterwards chosen Emperor but he raigned not long for hee died in the flower of his age his wife was brought in bed soone after his death of a sonne named Lancelot who dyed at two and twenty yeares of age leauing no children This Albert had one cousin germaine sonne to his fathers brother named Frederick who afterwards was also Emperor the third of that name and had to wife the daughter of the King of Portugall by whom hee had Maximilian Archduke of Austria who was also Emperor the first of that name who had to wife Mary the daughter and sole heire of Charles the Warlick Duke of Bourgongne who was slaine before Nancie by whom he had one sonne named Philip and a daughter named Marguerite Philip married with Ioane daughter to Ferdinand King of Arragon and to Elizabeth Queene of Castille Marguerite was married to Iohn Prince of Castille and of Arragon who dyed yong and after married againe to the Duke of Sauoy Philip had by the said Lady Ioane his wife two sonnes Charles the â—…ift and Ferdinand both Emperors and foure daughters Elenor Ioane Mary and Elizabeth The Emperor Charles the sift had one onely sonne Philip king of Spaine Lord of the Low-countries father to King Phillip the third now raigning Behold in briefe the genealogie of the Kings of Spaine and of foure or fiue Emperors issued from the houses of Holland Bourgongne and Austria As for the second wife of Duke Albert of Bauaria Earle of Holland of whom wee now intreate wee will speake of her hereafter The said Cont Albert displaced Iohn of Blauwestein from the Baylewike of Kermerlandt inuesting Renald the eldest sonne to the Lord of Brederode in his place the which those of the faction of the Cabillautins tooke in very ill part and laide ambushes neere vnto the village of Castrichom to kill him when hee should passe that way One day this yong Nobleman doubting no harme riding towards Castrichom he incountred them that lay in ambush for him but hauing discouered them a good way of he saued himselfe by flight they pursued him and slew three of his seruants Those of the village of Castrichom seeing it went to armes to defend their new Bayliffe so as they were forced to retire Some of them saued themselues in the Castell of Walter of Hemskerke the rest fled to Delf where they were receiued for that the said towne was of the Cabillautins faction Cont Albert hearing of these newes did presently leuie some troupes and marched towards Kermerlandt where he besieged the Castell of Hemskerke for that Walter who was Lord thereof had receiued
being in the presence of the Archduke Philip and of duke Henry deploring the miserable estate of their coūtry made a long speech of the causes motiues of the alteration which had happened wherof insued the siege of Franicker which had not bin but through the excessiue and insupportable exactions and taxes which were daily laied vpon them without intermission wherewith the country was not onelie exhausted of money but made poore miserable and desolate and all through the horse-leeches of gouernors and officers which the duke had placed there the which thrust them into such dispaire as the miseries and calamities which followed tooke their spring and beginning from thence They therefore beseeched him that it would please duke Henry of Saxony in regard of a certaine summe of money although by reason of the extorsions past it would bee heauy and burthensome such as should bee agreed vpon from that time forward to relinquish and giue ouer the siegnorie of the country of Friseland the which had been alwaies wont to remaine free or else to resigne it to the Archduke Philip his couzin their neerest neighbour either by sale transport or otherwise to whome they would promise and sweare all fealty gouerning them according to their ancient preuiledges and preseruing them from all wrongs and oppressions of all other fortaine Princes or enemies that would inuade them as duke Albert had promised and sworne vnto them at his reception the which his Lieutenants and officers had broken in sundry sorts whereof all their miseries haue growne Answere was made to this petition that they would send some of them of qualitie and Iudgement two of the quarter of Oster-gooe two of Wester-gooe and two of the seauen Forests the which should goe into the sayd quarters to vnderstand from the Inhabitants whome they would more willingly obey the Archduke Philip or the Duke of Saxony and by what meanes for the greater good of the country the might be treated of and accorded According to the which there were on the Suppliants behalfe deputed Edo Iongama and Syurd Wybes for the quarter of Oster-gooe Aggo Lanckam◅ and Baldwin Lattiens for Wester-gooe Syres Hyl◅ko and Vlbe Igles for the Seauen Forests These sixe being arriued at Cuinder sent vnto Cont Hughe of Linsenach the duke of Saxonies lieutenant to craue a Pasport at his handes the which hee sent them but in such obscure and doubtfull tearmes as they durst not trust vnto it For in truth this resignation of the siegneury of Friseland vnto the Archduke Philip which was then in question did nothing please the said Lieutenant the councell nor the Nobles of Friseland that were partisans to the Saxons wherevpon they sent them this defectiue pasport meaning to intrappe them For contrariwise insteed of giuing eare to this resignation they forced all the countrie of Frieseland from Staueren vnto the riuer of Lauwers to sweare vnto the dukes Henry and George of Saxony Brethren sonnes to the deceased duke Albert exacting vpon all the townes and villages of the country a yeares contribution of aduance except the Clergy whome they did free for that time Moreouer they raised certaine newe Impostes vpon the Wine Beere and Cloth Whereof they made an estate the which they sent vnto these two dukes Brethren that seeing the great reuenues and the profit which did ariue yearely vnto them from those countries they should bee the lesse inclined to resigne them But it was not the profit of these Princes that did so much rule them as their o◅ne priuate interest without any respect to the publike good We haue sayd before that Ferdinand Prince or Infant of Castille the onelio sonne of the King Don Fernand of Arragon and of Queene Isabella had married the Ladie Marguerite of Austria and sister to the Archduke Philip which Prince died within a yeare after his marriage leauing his wife with child who was deliuered of a sonne the which liued not long after so as there was none neerer to succeed in the realmes of Castille Arragon Naples Sicile and others then the Lady Isabella eldest daughter to the King Don Fernando who was married to Don Emanuel King of Portugal and then the Lady Iane wife to the Archduke Philip the Lady Isabella Queene of Portugal died leauing one only son named Michel who liued not long Al which being dead that is to say the Prince Don Ferdinand and his son that was borne after his death the Queene of Portugal Prince Michel her son there remained only to succeed in the said Realmes the Lady Iane Archduchesse of Austria duchesse of Bourgongne mother to Charles Ferdinand Emperors in their times Wherfore the Archduke and his wife were aduised and councelled by the Bishop of Besanson to go into Spaine before that the King Don Ferdinando of Arragon and Queene Isabella of Castille father and mother to the sayd Ladie Iane Archduchesse should die to prepare themselues to the sucession of the sayd Realmes and to take their way through France And the rather for that Lewis the twelfth the French King the duke of Bourbon Vncle to the Archduke had a great desire to see him Comming into France with a stately traine of Princes and Noblemen as well Germains as Netherlanders they were honorably receiued in all townes by the Kings commandement with power to pardon prisoners for crimes The King and Queene attended them at Blois being accompanied by the Princes of the bloud dukes Earles Barons Cardinalls Archbishops and Bishops where they staied six daies then hauing taken their leaues they went on in their vo◅age vntill they arriued in Spaine where they were welcome to the King and Queene who were ioyfull to see their daughter and then their onely heire The Archduke hauing staied sometime in Spaine tooke his leaue of the King and Queene to goe vnto the Emperor his father in Germany and there take possession of his estates and siegneuries for which cause the Emperor had sent for him He returned as he went by France leauing his wife in Spaine where there fell out a quarrell in Court betwixt the French and the Spaniards in the which the duke of Nemours was slaine whereof the Archduke purged himselfe vnto the King yet hee was so terrified as hee fell into so violent a feuer as for a time they doubted of his health yet through the care of the King and the duke of Bourbon with the helpe of good Phisitions he was soone recouered and so departed taking his way towards Germanie where the Princes attended him vpon the Rhine who receiued him very honorably All this time the warre continued betwixt the duke of Saxony by the conduct of Cont Hugh of Lynsenach and the Groningeois by many prises and reprises of either side as of dam of Delfziel and other places The exiled Frisons were reconciled to the duke of Saxony who chose rather to receiue them into grace then to enter into contention with the Archduke his couzin In the
black troope fell vpon the Geldrois reer but not without losse of either side This done the Frisons returned home and the Duke to his campe before Groningen The Duke of Saxony growing bare of money had not so many voluntary soldiers as he was accustomed for money only workes with the Germaineâ—… and there was no meanes to get any Frisons for they were too much wasted and consumed neither would they contribute any thing wherevpon he was forced to borrow much mony of Abbeys yea of priuate persons whom he knew to haue mony He also made a demand to the States who required a day to aduise and in the meanetime the Geldrois returned with great forces into Frisland and made themselues maisters of the seauen Forests Gheester-land Staueren Sloten 〈◊〉 Bolsweaâ—…t Winbridseradeel and Oonseradel So as the dukes demand was made frustrate and afterwards the Frisons paide him no impositions whatsoeuer beginning to leane to the Geldâ—…ois party who promised them liberty and freedoms which woâ—…ds the Frisons do willingly giue eare vnto Notwithstanding the Saxons did still hold Dâ—…m Leeuwarden Dockom Franicker Harlingen wherby they did for a long time torment the Frisons Without doubt Frisland was at that time wonderfully tormented with the Geldrois on the one side and the black troope on the other by the taking of townes burning of villages and mills ruining of castels murthers thefts and robberies of either side If the soldiers entred into any to vne either by surprise or otherwise they would not depart before they were paid which all lay vpon the inhabitants and when they were paide in one place they went vnto another to doe the like The Sea was not free from theeues and robbers which hindred the trade and comerce of marchandise and nauigation so as nothing could come into the contry which caused a great derth If there were any prouision of vittells in townes they kept that for themselues not suffring any to goe forth so as the poore of the villages died for honger for if they had a bit to eate the soldiers pulled it from them In the yeare 1515. Prince Charles of Austria hauing taken possession of his contries of Brabant Flanders Arthois Henault Namur Lembourg Luxembourg c. falne vnto him by the death of King Phillip his father he arriued at Midelbourg in Zeeland from thence went to Ziricxee in which 2. townes he tooke possession of the country of Zeeland where he was honorably entertained by the noblemen of the contry from thence he went into Holland where hee did likewise inherit the same County and west Friseland The 16. of Ianuary in the yeare 1515. died Don Fernando king of Arragon who was in the right of Isabella his wise King of Castille Leon Granado c. in whome fayled the race of the Kings of Arragon desended from the Berengers Earles of Barcellona which race raigned in Spaine 470. yeares in Sicile 230. He had for his heyre Prince Charles of Austria sonne to the Lady Iane of Arragon and Castill his daughter and only heire Duke George of Saxony seeing that it was impossible for him to maintaine himselfe any longer in Freeseland where he had wasted so much of his owne and of other mens and that the end was worse theÌ„ the beginning hauing this word ordinary in his mouth that he called the contry of Friseland in steed of Fryeslandt Freslandt that is to say a deuouring contry for that it had deuoured most of his meanes but he did not confesse that he was neuer satified and that they had no sooner granted him one Imposition or subsidy but he exacted an other and that the bad gouernment of his officers gaue them still occasions to reuolt the which doth fall out ordinarily where as strangers command He resolued to resigne ouer the interest which he had to some mightier Prince who by his forces should haue means to reduce them to his obedience for he did well foresee that the duke of Gelders in like sort would not long hold it He therfore resolued to resigne the said contry vnto Charles of Austria Prince of Spaine and this resignation was concluded in maner as followeth That Prince Charles should pay presently vnto the Duke of Saxony 70000. Florins fifty thousand in ready mony and 20000. in cloth for his soldiars and besides that the summe of 30000. Florins at three paiements in consideration whereof the duke should paie his soldiars and retier them all out of the contry of Friseland The which duke Henry his eldest brother should also ratefie and renounce all the right which he might pretend to the said contry of Freeseland for the assurance of which resignation to be made by the said duke Henry the contries of Misnia and Turingen should stand bound And in this maner the rule of the Saxons ended in Freeseland This resignation made and concluded the Burguignons that is to say the subiects of Prince Charles made a truce for fower monthes with the Geldrois the Saxons notwithstanding houlding the townes fortresses vntil they were deliuered into the Princes power For the performance wherof Floris of Iselsteyn arriued the 3. of Iune 1515. with the Duke of Saxons commissioners in the towne of Harlingen whereas the fort was deliuered him and he receiued it in his Princes name taking an oth of the Bourgeses The like was done at Leeuwarden the cheefe towne and Parliament of the country touching the Cittadell But they made some difficulty both there and in other places concerning the oth But the Lord of Iselsteyn keeping them in awe with this Blacke troupe which was yet in the country staying for paie in the end they yeelded vnto it and the said Prince was proclaimed in the towne of Leeuwarden with great sollemnity and acclamations of the people and acknowledged Lord of Freesland the Lord of Iselsteyn accepting it and causing peeces of Gold and siluer to be cast about coyned with Prince Charles his name In whose name he made some Gentlemen Frisons Knights promising to suffer them to inioy all their Preuiledges such as they had had in the times of the dukes of Saxony This was the forth time that the Frisons in lesse then twentie yeares did change their Lord and Prince The Lord of Iselsteyn hauing paied the 70000. Florins in siluer and cloth to the soldiars of the blacke troupe thanked them and then they were presently entertained by the French King by one of his Collonels who led them out of Friseland the which by this means was happily discharged This done the Lord of Iselstein beeing in the Castell of Leeuwarden he sent for Bernard Bâ—…chodita Hessel Martua Doctor Kempo Martua Goslic Iongama Tyard Bourinania Tâ—…llinck Botinâ—… Reinick Camminga Reinick Campstra and Gerold Herama To whom in Prince Charles his name hee did commit the gouernment of Iustice for the which they tooke an oth He did also write vnto the Earle of Emdén being at Dockom that
he should leaue the sayd towne and retier with all his men out of the country of Friseland wherevnto he obeyed fearing the power of this Prince more then the dukes of Saxony The country of Friseland beeing deliuered into the hands of the Lord of Iselstein all the Artillery which belonged to the duke of Saxony remained one whole yeare in the castells and forts the which was deliuered by Inuentary with a condition to deliuer them or to paye the value of them within the yeare The Saxons did also yeeld vp the castell of Medemblyck in West-Friseland then all the dukes officers went out of Friseland the which remained for a while in some rest by reason of the truce which was betwixt Prince Charles and the duke of Geldres which was prolonged for three yeares but twise broken by the Geldrois In the beginning of the yeare 1516. Prince Charles being in Holland Ambassadors came vnto him from Francis the first the French King to wit the duke of Vendosme and the bishop of Paris well accompanied to congratulate his comming to the crowne of the realmes of Spaine and to so many goodly estates which hee did inherit by the death of his Grandfather Don Ferdinando of Arragon The Prince being at the Hage there was speech of a marriage betwixt Prince Ferdinand of Austria brother to Prince Charles with the sister of Lewis King of Hungary wherein there was great diuersity of opinions There was also concluded by the aduice of the Emperor Maximilian the mariage of Christerne the 2. King of Denmarke Lady Isabella sister to the Princesse of Austria For which effect the Bishop of Dronten was sent Ambassador for the King of Denmarke into Holland with a great conuoy of ships beeing accompanied with the chiefe Nobility of the Realme to receiue the sayd Princesse in their name according to the treaty of marriage and to conduct her to the King her spouse And to attend on her there were appointed on the behalfe of Prince Charles the Lady of Chymay with a goodly traine of ladies and gentlewomen and for their conuoy at sea Philip of Bourgongne Admirall of the Netherlands the Lords of Faleze Cortgeene Chasteau and other noblemen and gentlemen with a great number of ships oâ—… Holland and Zeland This Princesse with all her fleet had great tempests and a dangerous passage Prince Charles desirous to imitate the ancient custome of his Predecessors dukes of Bourgongne in the conuocation of a generall chapter of the order of the golden fleece wherewith the greatest Kings and Princes of Christendome are commonly honored if they be obseruers of the relligious ceremonies thereof and the most worthy and valiant noblemen as wel vassals of the house of Bourgongne as others And to hold a sollemne feast of the order in the same manner that the good duke Philip of Bourgongne his great great grandfather had instituted it continued by his other Predecessors vnto his time Hee began to hold this feast the 26. of October in his Pallace at Brusselles continuing three daies togither in diuers habits Frederic of Baden bishop of Vtrecht finding himselfe sick and very weake of al his members so as hee could no more gouerne his estate nor defend his subiects from the Inuasions of their enemies the Geldrois and others after that hee had gouerned his bishoprike about 20. years He was perswaded to resigne it as wel by the motion of the Emperor Maximilion as of Prince Charles his councell to some one of the house of Bourgongne pretending in time to make the temporall Iurisdiction of Vtrecht to fall into the house of Austria as it did The which hee did vnto Phillippe of Bourgongne bastard Sonne to the good duke Philippe of Bourgongne and brother vnto Dauid who had beene Bishoppe of Vtrecht before Frederic of Baden Hee was now growne so olde beeing Admirall at the sea as hee left it to bee admitted in the sayd Bishoprike whereof hee tooke possession and made his entrie in the yeare 1516. where hee was honourablie receiued as well by the Clergie as the temporaltie of the sayd Towne and Countrie of Vtrecht Hee was much respected of them and beloued for his peaceable gouerment he like vnto his brother Dauid very curious to adorne the Temles and to repaire the Castells The truce being broken by the Geldrois the spoyles of the Bourguignons were not lesse in those times in the countrie of Geldros then those of the Geldrois in Freezland doing what mischiefe they could But soone after the Geldrois found themselues so oppressed in their owne countrie euen the towne of Arnhem the Metropolitaine of the Dutchie In thâ—…â—…hich the Duke was straightly besieged and so tormented by the Bourguignons as they could not long haue subsisted if the French King had not beene a mediator and procured them a â—…ce the which was granted for six monthes but it lasted noâ—… long for when as they 〈◊〉 to proclaime it in such places as the Duke held in Freezland the Captaines Geldrois did not onely reiect it but committed strange outrageâ—… 〈◊〉 the Captaine of the casâ—…l of Rheeâ—…stick caused him that had brought this treatâ—… to be put into a 〈◊〉 and â—…st â—…to the water Arkelens chiefe of the men of war in the towne of Sâ—…ke cast the â—…essenger in prison that came vnto him and would haue intreated him in this same manner if his father had not beene a dweller in Sneeke and if the inhabitants â—…d not sâ—…ed foâ—… him Goldsteyn captaine of the towne of Dockom forced the messenger to eat and swallow downe the writing of the accord of this truce thâ—… which contained aboue six sheets of paper the which the said Captaines did for that they would not yeeld to any peace noâ—… truce The Geldrois hauing absolutly refused the truce imploied all their best meanes to draw the Frisons to the obedience of the Duke of Geldres And therevpon Arkelens the Dukes Lieutenant caused the deputies of the townes of Freezland to be assembled the tenth of Nouember 1517. producing a certaine letter written by his master letting them vnderstand that it was neuer his intention to abandon the country of Freezland nor the good inhabitans thereof neither at the instant would he leaâ—…e them but rather hazard body and goods to mantaine and preserue them and that whatsoeuer concerning them had beene giuen out and affirmed by the Bourguignons was a meere lie to distract his good subiects by such false practises and that so long as they should remaine faithfull vnto him they should find him well affected vnto them The Cittizens answered that so theâ—…e would and desired to liue his most faithfull subiects euen vnto the last breath The Lieutenant was exceeding glad of this answere and that he had perswaded them therevnto for that he did greatly doubt that the commons would ioyne with the Bourguignon partie The Geldrois hauing twise broken the truce oppressing and molesting the subiects of Prince Charles both
by sea and land without any respect who durst not reuenge themselues in Freezeland Those that held the Princes partie were forced to send for deputies to Vtrecht to an assemblie that was held there Doctor Kempo Martua and Thyart Bo◅ma made knights and councelors to Prince Charles to show vnto the ambassadors and deputies of princes the rebellion and obstinacie of the Geldrois persidious br◅akers of the truce Intreating that noble assemblie to take some course in that behalfe that the Geldrois might obey or else that order might be taken such as they should thinke fittest for their better securitie In the meane time Arkelens went into Geldres to the Duke his maister where hauing staied sometime he was dismissed from his charge Martin van Rosse◅ Seignior of Puydroyen being substituted in his place They came both together into Freezeland being arriued there Rosse◅ called an assemblie in the towne of Sneeke of the states which held the duke of Geldres partie to appeare there the second of August where among other poynts he propounded that the imposts of wine beere such other like things shold be takē away as they were already in those townes which h◅ld the Bourguignon party for that the comodities which did pay a custome to the Geldrois were transported into the townes of the Bourguignon faction to be freed to the great preiudice of the duke and the townes vnder his obedience That the said imposts being taken away they should finde some meanes to entertaine their troopes and to defray other charges of the countrie Vppon which proposition after long consultation it was resolued that the imposts should bee taken away and that they should agree to giue him a yearely summe of money towards the maintenance of his house and state There were also certaine articles propounded by the saide states which they required to haue confirmed by the Duke the which Arkelens carried with him promising to make a good report and to do his best indaeuour to procure the Duke to ratefie them There was a certaine Pirate at sea called Grand-Pierre or great Peter with the Duke of Geldres commission who made as great spoiles at sea as the Geldrois did at land for there were not any ships which past him from North or South Esterlins or others but they were all good prize But aboue all he did seeke to ruine the Hollanders for as many as he tooke he threw them ouer-boord with out pittie or mercy The 28 of September after many great spoiles which this Grand-Pierre had done at sea being 25. ships strong in the which he had 1200. men giuing it out that he went to Harderwycke to the duke he directed his course towards Horne hauing landed his men couertly for want of good guard hee surprised the towne by Scaladoe hauing spoiled it and his men laden with pillage hee retired presently to his shipps At his returne hee met with a ship of Enchuysen the which he borded himselfe and cast the maister and his seruant ouer into the sea for that they were Hollanders After the death of Don Fernando of Arragon King of Spaine Prince Charles of Austria Duke of Bourgongne c. Earle of Holland Zeeland c. receiued letters from Pope Leo the 10. and the Emperour Maximillian his grand-father With others written vnto Cardinall Pimero and the Councell of Spaine by the which they required them to receiue and inuest Prince Charles in the realmes of Castille Leon Arragon c. These letters being red in Spaine some would haue apposed and among others Don Piedro Giron eldest sonne to the Earle of Vrenate who by descent and genealogy pretended to showe that he was the nearest after Queene Iane who was ben◅med of her members to the crowne of the saide realmes thinking this occasion to be happely falne out for him by the death of Don Fernando father to Iane. Cardinall Pimero seeing this beginning of an alteration which might haue turned into a ciuill warre by the aduice of the deceased Kings Councell sent presently for Prince Charles who was then in the Netherlands to come with all speed and receiue the possession of the saide realmes These letters being come to the Court at Brusselles it was decreed that before his departure out of the saide country he should make choyce of some one to gouerne those countries in his absence For the which the Emperour Maximillian his Grandfather was appointed as Curator but for that he was for the most part absent out of those Countries and at that time busied in Germanie and in the warres of Italie he appointed the Lady Marguerit his daughter widdow douager to the duke of Sauoye aunt to Prince Charles to be Regent and Gouernesse of the Netherlands as she had bene in the yeare 1508. The Lord of Cheures his gouernor remaining neare his person The which being thus appointed and all his equipage ready the Prince accompanied with the knights of the order and the states of the Netherlands with many Princes Ba rons Knights and gentlemen parted from Brabant and arriued in Iune 1517. at Middelbourg in Zeeland where he staied till the twelfe of August and then with a prosperous winde he had a short and happy passage comming to the coaste of Spaine about the towne of Tassone in the countrie of Asturia The country-men of the quarter seeing so great an armie at sea feared they had bene the French or some other pirats and enemies so as hauing hidden their wiues and children in the mountaines they presented themselues in armes vpon the sea-shoare Prince Charles reioiced to see them hauing commanded to put forth their standards ensignes banderolls and flags with his armes he caused them to cry Spaine Spaine where-at casting downe their armes they fell vpon their knees receiuing him with great ioy being landed in Spaine he marched by land from one towne to an other where he was honourably receiued by the chiefe nobillity of the realme hauing attended his comming at Valiodolit where he made his entry with a royall and stately pompe The Prince hauing staied there about sixe monthes in February 1518. They beganne his coronation in Saint Pauls Church To this solemnitie came many great Princes strangers the Ambassadors of Kings Princes and Christian Potentates the c◅iefe officers of the crowne of Castile the Princes Dukes Earles Barons and the greatest of all Spaine were there euery man in his ranke and degree The chiefe Noblemen of the Netherlands had followed the Prince to shew themselues at this coronation among others those of the house of Melun of Croy Lalain Egmont Bossu Berghen Lygnel Horne Lanoy and many other Barons and Knights euery one richly attired in emulation of the Noblemen of Spaine both in their owne apparell and in their liueries and the furniture of their horses Wherein they did not onely equall the Spaniards but exceeded them On the 7. of February Prince Charles was crowned with the solemnities and
his speech Frederic duke of Saxony spake next who hauing shewed that the French King was excluded by the lawe and that Charles was a Germaine Prince hauing liued in Germany and spake the language hee concluded that the common-weale had neede of a mightie Prince and that he knewe not any comparable to Charles Therefore it was most conuenient to choose him Emperour but with certaine lawes and conditions so as Germany might remaine at libertie and that they might anoyde those dangers which the two Archbships sayd were to be feared After that the rest had approued his speech the Archbishoppe of Treues sayd I fore-see the destinie of Germanie an alteration at hand yet seeing it pleaseth you I must yeeld vnto your willes And for that it was then late they retired themselues Pope Leo the tenth was much troubled and in a worde feared the election of one of these two Princes for both were alike suspect vnto him To the ende that hee might preuent both of them hee labored to haue a third man chosen Wherein hee sought to imbarke the French King putting him in dispaire euer to attaine vnto it himselfe But hee feared also this third seeing no man so apparent and likelie as Frederic duke of Saxony a fauorer of Martin Luther who was his mortall enemie yet all these deuises and practises turned to smoke and so did all the solicitings guiftes presents and promises made by the French King the election of Charles remayning firme and constant The next day after the sayd election the Princes Electors beeing assembled they beganne to treat of the conditions they should giue and prescribe vnto Charles the which was debated some daies togither and in the ende all beeing concluded they sent the lawes and conditions in writing to Charles his Ambassadors remayning at Mentz After they had receiued them they put in writing the voices of euery Elector according to the custome with his hand and seale The day before the sayd Election they had presented the Empire to Frederic duke of Saxony but hee refuzed it with a Noble resolution excusing himselfe vpon his age hauing as wee haue sayd alreadie giuen his voice vnto Charles This done the Noblemen were called and admitted in then the Bishop of Mentz going vp into the pulpit in Saint Bartlemewes Church declared that Charles the fift of that name Archduke of Austria duke of Bourgongue c. Earle of Flanders Holland Zeeland c. and King of Spaine was chosen King of Romains in the place of the Emperor Maximilian deceased Then the Ambassadors which were come within a league were sent for Beeing come a councell was held for the gouernment of the common-weale and the charge was giuen vnto Prince Casimir to leauie men and to put them in garrison for feare of some Innouation The Electors did write vnto Prince Charles and sent an Ambassage vnto him to certifie him of all that had beene done the chiefe of which Ambassage was the Pallatin Frederic who arriued in Spaine in the end of Nouember with Letters intreating him to accept of the Empire which they offred him and that hee would make hast to come into Germanie King Charles hauing setled his affaires in Spaine hee gathered together a great fleete of ships and gallyes and taking leaue of his Princes and Citties hee imbarked and landed in England where hee was ioyfully entertained with great state by King Henry the eight and by the Queene his Aunte and by the French Queene married to the Duke of Suffolke the Kings sister who had beene promised to him in marriage she gaue him a very kinde and louely welcome Hee was very honourably intreated there for some dayes then being imbarked againe with a prosperous winde he past soone ouer to Flessinghe and from thence into Brabant where he was ioyfully receiued by all his subiects The Princes Electors hearing that hee was arriued in Brabant they sent other Ambassadors vnto him to haue him prepare to receiue the Crowne of the Empire with the accustomed ceremonies MARGVERITE OF AVSTRIA PRINcesse widow of Castille Dowager of Sauoy Aunte to the Emperour Charles the 5. Gouernesse of the Netherlands MARGARITA AVSTRIACA DVCISSA SABAV GVB BELGICAE From Daughter to an Archduke I became An Emperors Daughter to King Lewis sonne I first was promised with pompe and Fame But my place in his bed another won The Prince of Arragon was my first Pheere But being left a widdow I did wed For second Duke of Sauoy he being dead I from my Nephew did the gouernment beare THe Lady Marguerite of Austria daughter to the Emperour Maximilian and to the Lady Mary of Bourgongne was first married to the Prince Don Fernando of Arragon the onely sonne of Don Fernando King of Arragon and of Isabella Queene of Castile which Prince died soone after leauing no children Afterwards the said Lady was married againe to the Duke of Sauoy with whom she liued not long before he dyed Returning into the Netherlands after the death of her brother Philip King of Castile in the yeare 1508. she was by prouision admitted by the Emperor her father during his absence in Germanie and the warres in Italy to the gouernment of the Netherlands with George Duke of Saxony So as this yeare 1520. King Charles her Nephew went into Germanie to receiue the Crowne of the Empire leauing the said Lady his Aunte Gouernesse in his absence The Emperor elect parted from Brussells with a great and honorable traine came the 20. of October to Cologne where the Princes Electors did attend him and from thence they came to Aix la Chapelle At his entry into the towne the Knights of the order of the Golden-fleece marched first euery one in his ranck according to his antiquitie in the said order After followed the Princes Electors first the King of Bohemias Ambassador the Archibishop of Ments either of them with 700. horse The Archbishops of Cologne and Treues either of them with 600. horse the Cont Pallatin of Rhine the Duke of Saxony and the Marquis of Brandebourg euery one of them with 600. horse There were besides other great Princes which followed to do him honour and homage for their Seigniories being accompanied with many Nobles and great traines As the Duke of Iulliers George Duke of Saxony the Marquis of Baden the Dukes Henry and Erick of Brunswick brethren euery one of them with 600. horse the Bishop of Leege the Duke of Lunebourg father to the Duchesse of Geldre the Earle of Emden and his sonne the Lord of East-Friseland the young Prince of Cleues who was alwaies with the Emperor the Earle of Saint Pol and many others with a stately traine Then the Ambassadors of the Kings of England Poland Hongarie and Denmarke of the Venetians the Dukes of Sauoy of the Knights of Rhodes and of the great Maister of Prussia The Lady Marguerit his Aunte was in the traine with a goodly company of Princesses Countesses Ladies and Gentlewomen euery
estate And euery one knowing how long hee hath dealt in the affaires of this countrie and of the councel of estate may persuade himselfe that it is not without reason that hee doth attribute vnto himselfe this knowledge And therefore bee intreats all men of iudgement especially those that make profession of the religion to allowe him something which cannot bee knowne but to such as haue pierst into the bowels of the affaires of Spaine as he hath often and long time done But hee is content that all good men which haue interest in the cause should consider of that which is set to the viewe of euery man and knowne to all the world and then iudge of the king of Spaines resolutions that is whether the beginning of this monarchie of Spaine bee not wholly grounded vpon the strict leagues intelligences and correspondencies which the kings of Castile and Aragon haue had heretofore with the Pope which amities beeing many yeares since begunne haue still increased by the continuance of mutuall offices which they haue done one vnto another the pope augmenting this crowne of Spaine and the king of Spaine embracing the popes quarrels against all the world without any reseruation The popes haue augmented the house of Aragon with the realmes of Naples and Sicile and haue made the way for the house of Spaine to conquer Lombardie and to hold the princes of Italie subiect at his deuotion some by citadels some by feare and some by practises alwaies managed and coloured by the popes So as if at any time the house of France hath practised some little fauour from the Pope presently the house of Spaine hath felt the foundations of his Seigniories in Italie to shake and readie to fall the historie whereof is well knowne to all men of state If then there were no other reason but this onely the house of Spaine knowing well of what importance the estate of Italie is would neuer attempt any thing but as he should be instructed by the spirit of the court of Rome with the which no good man can haue any greater familiaritie then Christ had with Belial But euery man knoweth that the great empire at the Indies which Spaine doth at this daie enioy is due by the Spaniards vnto the free gift of the Romish Sea and likewise the coniunction of the crownes of Aragon and Castile to the popes dispensation as also the conquest of the kingdome of Nauarre and of late of the kingdome of Portugall and countries subiect to the crowne For these reasons then we must thinke that neither the king of Spaine nor any of his successors after him will euer seperate themselues from the amitie of that sea and consequently he will be of necessitie an open enemie to the true religion the which can no more endure the the pope and his adherents than the sea doth a dead carcasse And for as much as all the dangers whereunto the said prince may be exposed with these countries the which are very great to iudge according vnto man are yet nothing in comparison of the ruine of the true religion whereof they that persecute it are enemies and the said prince should be treacherous if he should abandon it for these considerations hee is resolued with the helpe of God to continue constant in his first resolution vnto the end of his life and if God giue him the grace so to assure these countries as after his death he will leaue it able to defend it selfe against the power of Spaine and his adherents The said prince is not ignorant what reports are spread abroad by his enemies in regard of that which is treated betwixt the Estates of Holland and his person and that before that hee would yeeld vnto them he had foreseene and dulie considered both by himselfe and with many men of worth and reputation and moreouer hauing condescended thereunto he had protracted the busines to auoyd the slaunders of the wicked and the suspition of some who are not of themselues badde but may interpret the said treatie sinisterly not knowing the true cause and ground But the said prince beeing vnwilling to make any long discourse vpon this point wherein hee should do himselfe wrong for that it could not be so simply written but it would tend something to his praise he is content to say intreats monsieur Norris to assure her Maiesty the lords of her councel al good men that if the said prince had not bin persuaded by many pregnant reasons which haue beene propounded vnto him by many men of qualitie whose pietie to religion affection to their countrie and wisdome to iudge are well knowne vnto him that it was necessarie and conuenient for the preseruation of religion and to keepe so many good men from vniust deaths by the crueltie of their enemies and that others liuing in simplicitie and ignorance should not bee seduced by the practises of the children of this world hee had neuer proceeded further and yet matters being as they are if they can shew him a more safe way hee protests that he is ready to follow it and to march constantly after him that shall guide him The said prince doth intreat all good men so to temper their iudgements as they giue no place either to slaunders or false reports nor to opinions grounded onely vpon suspition hoping that his word shall be sooner credited than a bare suspition the which may bee as soone refuted as it growes in the spirit of man without ground and assurance Nothing then hath mooued the said prince to take that course which he hitherto followed but this holy resolution aboue mentioned And if it shall now please her Maiestie to vnderstand what meanes the said prince propounds vnto himselfe for the maintenance of so iust and yet so difficult a quarrell to obey her Maiestie to whom he desires to continue a most humble seruant and not to forget to aduertise her as much as he may of the estate of his affaires hee intreats the Seignior Norris to acquaint her Maiestie with that which followes That first of all the great and eternall power of God is knowne vnto him not onely by his holy doctrine where he hath learned it but also by many experiences which hee hath made and diuers effects which he hath felt in the aduancement preseruation of the true Church and first in the time of his ancestors in the kingdom of Bohemia and in his time in Germanie Switser-land England Scotland France and in the end in these countries and euen in his owne person And that in all these kingdoms and prouinces God hath made it visibly known to all the world that he suffered men to propound in their councels but he knew how to dis pose of all things and to him alone belonged the honour and glorie of the preseruation of his people And although that this resolution he setled in his heart and that he referres himselfe to his holy prouidence yet he knoweth the
side the Estates sent doctor Iunius thither to dissuade them who preuayled so much with his reasons as neither the duke of Arschot nor the prince of Chimay could doe any good considering that they of Gant had renewed a more firme league with the generalitie And as a great number of them of Bruges were retyred out of the towne it was easie for the prince of Chimay to conclude this reconciliation with the prince of Parma the which was proclaymed with great triumph and pompe vpon the fiue and twentieth of May with reasonable conditions to draw on them of Gant Scluse and Oostend The Scottish garrison which were in it were left to their choice to retyre or to continue in the king of Spaine his seruice of the which few remained and although that colonel Boyde did soone find how little the prince of Parma did esteeme him yet he durst not trust the Estates By this treatie of Bruges they of Franc and Dam were also reconciled in restoring the Clergie men vnto the possession of their goods and leauing all exercise of the reformed Religion suffering euery man to liue with libertie of his conscience not committing of any scandale and enioying of their goods the which continued not long The Seignior of Croisilles of the house of Montmorency was appointed gouernour there without any garrison seeing that the Catholickes who had fled away before and the Clergie were fully restored The prince of Chimay after the publication of this treatie of reconciliation required of the ministers of Bruges wherein it was thought that he did both mocke them and their Religion a certificat of his good life and profession But beeing departed with his Minister home to his own house they soone left their Religion the prince discharging all his houshold seruants which desired to continue in the profession thereof by the which renunciation and trecherie he purchased euen with the same partie which he tooke dishonour for euer with a marke of inconstancie and lightnesse The Contesse of Meghen discouering his heart and his manner of liuing would no more follow him but retyred to Scluse and from thence in Holland The prince of Parma hauing at that time seized vpon the village of Burcht on Flanders side vpon the riuer of Escaut halfe a league from Antuerpe and hauing caused it to be fortified to keepe any thing from passing by water to Gant Brussels or Macklyn they of Antuerpe sent their shippes of warre thither to chase them from thence or to hinder the fortification but it was in vaine by reason whereof they made another fort on the other side of the riuer vpon Brabant side about the village of Hoboken right against Burcht to defend their nauigation to the said townes then they pierced the dike betwixt Burcht and the head of Flanders the which drowned the whole countrey vnto Beueren and Calloo At the breaking of which dike they made a fort opposite to that of Burcht the which did batter one another continually with their great ordnance and with musket shot hauing nothing but the said breach betwixt the two forts But this fort was made by them of Antuerpe somewhat too late many shippes being passed by this hole to Calloo during the siege of the towne They of Bruges Franc and Dam being by reason of their reconciliation well accorded with the king of Spaine yet were they no lesse free from enemies round about them than if they had beene besieged for that they of Gant Scluse and Oostend cut off their victuals vpon all passages wherfore they did write to them of Gant on the seuenth of Iuly to induce them to their party shewing that they being one of the foure members of Flanders they had no reason to reiect the reconciliation with their king and not to ioyne with the other three members alreadie reconciled alledging many persuasiue reasons the which for breuities sake I omit Hereupon the Estates of Brabant Holland and Zeeland sent their deputies to Gant to shew them that such priuate reconciliations could neuer bâ—…eed a good peace but rather a dangerous and miserable warre vnsheathing more the enemies sword against their brethren and friends And if it happened that Brabant with Holland and Zeeland were in warre against them that Flanders would be more miserably oppressed than euer considering the hinderance of the nauigation by sea whereof the Spaniards were barred the breaking of the dikes in the land of Waes and the inundation which should cut off their victuals on all sides besides that Fraunce nor England would neuer suffer the Spaniard to lodge so farre within the countrey whereby they might doubt to haue warre against him And touching the two points which the king of Spaine demaunded which was the Romish Religion only and the absolute obedience which he maintained to bee due vnto him as for the Religion if onely the Romish were receiued there the reformed then must bee quite banished And to assure this obedience they must repayre and build the citadels vp againe and make new the which must be continually entertained with strong garrisons and so they should be in worse estate than before These and such like reasons were layed before them of Gant on the Estates behalfe with good hope to bring a goodly armie shortly to field the which should come into the country of Flanders as soone as they had woon the forts of Zutphen whereof they hoped soone to see a good end the which retayned the Ganthois for a time and kept them from making of any reconciliation vntill that their affaires were otherwise disposed as we will presently shew At that time there was a Dyet of the Electors and other princes of the empire held at Bottenberch in Germanie to treat of the meanes to keepe the Empire in quiet rooting out all distrust which was among the princes by reason of the diuersitie of Religion whereby it was easie to comprehend that Monsieur Segur embassadour for the king of Nauarre being sent vnto the said princes to draw them into league with his master and them of the Protestant Religion in Fraunce and withall to moderate the difference of Religion betwixt the Protestants of Germanie and the French should returne with small fruit of his embassage for they said that Augustus duke of Saxonie answered them That hee would not trouble the prosperitie of his Estate with the affaires of Fraunce and that the Landtgraue of Hessen had sayd That age and experience had taught him how dangerous a thing it was to enter into league with any strangers And therefore they did imagine or else some would persuade them that the French vnder colour of Religion did seeke to make some broyles in Germanie and in the meane time to assure their affaires that the prince of Orange and the English might the better settle the estate of the vnited Prouinces against the violence of the Spaniards who began now to prosper more than they did before Among the townes of the vnited
army led by Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt who beseegeth Crevecâ—…ur in vaine warre made in Freezeland by Cont William of Nassau for the Estates The Earle of Solms makes warre in Flanders Otmarson in Oueryssel and many other forts in Freezelond recouered by the Spaniard The Archduke Ernest comes to be Gouernor of the Netherlands for the King of Spaine Michell Reuichors a Preest vndertakes to kill Prince Maurice for the which he is executed whereof the Archduke Ernest being taxed he seekes to excuse him-selfe by his letters to the Estates where-vnto they make answer The sayed Archduke makes warre against the King of France Prince Maurice deliuers Cowarden beseegeth Groning and takes it Peter de Four pretends to kill Prince Maurice for the which he is executed Cont Phillip of Nassau ioynes with the Duke of Bouillions troupes The marriages of the Earle of Hohenlo and the Duke of Bouillon Huyville and the Castle surprized by the Estates in the country of Liege and soone recouered by the Spaniard The death of the Archduke Ernest Collonel Mondragon a Spaniard comes neere vnto the Estates campe he is pursued by Prince Maurice The Earles Phillip of Nassau and Ernest of Solms are hurt taken prisoners and die Cont Frederic of Nassau remayning prisoner The Earle of Fuentes makes sharpe war against the French King The Spaniards offer a peace in the Netherlands Liege in Brabant surprized for the states but recouered the same day Cardinall Albert made gouernor for the King of Spaine he takes Callis from the French King who recouers La-fere from the Spaniard The Cardinal beseegeth Hulst in Flanders the which in the end yeeldeth The king of Spaine dispenseth with him-selfe for the paiment of his debts The English and Estates shippes takes Cadiz in Spaine The Mareshall of Biron makes warre in Arthois he takes the Marquis of Varâ—…nbon gouernor of the country A league betwixt the French King the Queene of England and the Estates against the Spaniard Prince Maurice defeats the Earle of Varax by Tournhout who is slaine there Amiens surprised by the Spaniard beseeged and taken by the King the which Cardinall Albert offers to succor in vaine Prince Maurice beseegeth and takes the Townes of Alpen Meurs Rhinberg Grol Brefort Enscheyde Oldâ—…nzeel Otmarsom Goor and Lingen all in three months The King of Denmarkes Ambassador to the Estates and to whâ—…t end The King of Spaine makes a peace with the French King The Admirall of Arragon sent Ambassador to the Emperor and to what end Peter Panne vnder takes to kill Prince Maurice and is executed The Estates subiects sayle to the East Indies Atumult at Emden the King of Spaine giues his eldest daughter to Cardinall Albert. AFter the Death of Alexander Farnezâ—… Duke of Parma Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt his Lieutenant during his absence in France was by prouision appointed to the gouernment by the King of Spaine of all that which remained vnder his obedience in the Netherlands attending the comming of Ernest Archduke of Austria the Emperor Rodolphus Brother being chosen for Gouernor lieutenant and Captaine generall To which Earle of Mansfeldt as the Spaniards haue neuer fully trusted the Noblemen of the Netherlands there were ioyned in all affayers the Earle of Fuentes a Spaniard Brother in law to the Duke of Alua and one Stephano Ybarra Superintendent of the Kings treasure a Spaniard also without the aduice of which two hee could not doe any thing neither yet treat nor dispose of a denier About the end of this yeare 1592. as Cont Charles of Mansfeldt was sent vnto the fronters of Picardy to prouide worke for the roialists to the aduancement of the league and to beseege Noyon the which he did and tooke it the King being otherwaies imployed the vnited Estates on the other side sent Phillip Earle of Nassau with some 4000. horse foote into Luxemburg to make some enterprize as well vpon the towne of Saint Vyt belonging to Prince Maurice by inheritance as else where and also to force them to their contributions The Earle of Mansfeldt father to Count Charles to make head against him sent the Earle of Barlaymont thether with the garrison of Liere Macklin and others places both Spaniards and Italiens But Count Philip seeing his men laden with bootie which they had gotten as well in Luxembourg as in Cempeine hee retired quietly without any losse The gouernment of the Kings countrie beeing as wee haue sayd put into the hands of the Earle of Mansfeldt the father an old and pollitike captaine with the assistance of the sayd Earle of Fuentes Stephano d'Ybarra and other Spaniards and of the Spanish faction they were of opinion to breake quarter and as they were wont to say to make foule warres not suffring any souldiars of what qualitie so euer captaines or other Officers to bee ransomed nor exchanged for other prisoners thinking thereby to make their men more resolute to fight and to vanquish or die for if they escaped and were noâ—… slaine in the fight being prysoners there were no ransome exchange nor mercie for them And by this meanes they should also coole the heate of the Estates souldiâ—…rs from the doing of such violent executions by the right of warre for the leauy and payment of their contributions for they made a generall defence vpon all the fronters ioyning to the confederate Prouinces with other accustomed places dated the fift day of Ianuary in the yeare 1593. not to pay any such easments and taxes to the Estates collectors and Receiuors But Mansfeldt and his associates were much abused by this manner of proceding for their souldiars who commonly seeke more for profit then honour had rather draw a ransome from their prisoners then deliuer them into the hangmans hands or by this willfull breaking of quarter to suffer themselues to bee hanged Moreouer the gentlemen the Clergie and such as receiued rents were more willing to pay a light contribution to the Estates to saue the rest then to receiue nothing at all and moreouer to haue their castles houses and farmes burnt at the first roade they should make The vnited Estates made a publication to the contrary of the 27. day of Februarie by the which they declared that the Spaniard sought nothing else by the breaking of quarter and for biding to pay the contributions but vtterly to ruine all the Netherlands and the inhabitants thereof And therefore they signified vnto them of the Champian country that were of the aduerse partie that if they did not aduise otherwise for there safâ—…ties after the 10. of Aprill next ensuing that there would be no quarter for any person place Bourrough or village as now many did reside there and were free with any safegard of the sayd Estates lying vnder the command of their enemies This countermande of the Estates was the cause that all the world ranne to Brusselles to complaine of the first proclamation so as nothing was put in execution but all things remained
to bee his wife although the King had entertained the Emperor the Archduke Ernestus and the petty Kings of the League in France with hope of this alliance had before the treatie of peace by the Kings aduice and commaundement and of his councell of Spaine sent Don Francisco de Mendoza Marquis of Guadalesta Admiral of Arragon in Ambassage to the Emperor to demaund sixe points of great importance of him the which if hee had obtained and put in execution they would haue greatly serued for the augmentation of the lymmits of his Estate ioyned to them of the Infanta and to make warre with more ease against the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces To euery of which points answer was made by the Emperor and replied vnto by the Admiral and by his Imperiall Maiestie againe answered the which we haue thought good to insert in this place the better to conceiue the Cardinals designes the which hee hath sought since to put in execution by the sayd Admiral of Arragon although with little successe and lesse honor as wee shall see The first of these six points was That it would please his Imperiall Maiestie for the reasons which had beene afterwards deliuered vnto him to make the King of Spaine viccar of Beçanson This vicariat or Vicontie of Beçanson which is an Imperiall towne in the Countie of Bourgogne did belong vnto the deceased VVilliam of Nassau Prince of Orange whose goods which were verie great the King of Spaine had confiscated lying in the French country and throughout all the countries of his obedience Wherefore hee required that the Emperor vsing the right of confiscation against the sayd Prince and his children would conferre vpon him the Vicontie of Beçanson by meanes whereof hee might in succession of time get into his power and controwle by his officers all the changes counter changes and other businesses which passe at Beçanson for France Germany the Netherlands and Italie the which doe import him much to know but aboue all to haue an entrance into the dutchie of Bourgongne To whom the Emperor made answere That his Imperiall Maiesty was not ignorant how much it did import the townes vnder the King of Spaines obedience that were neighbours to Beçanson that the said towne should bee maintained in peace vnder the deuotion of the Empire Wherefore his Maiestie would aduise as soone as might bee by what meanes hee might graunt the said Vicariat And although by this answere the Emperor did not flatly refuze the sayd Vicariat to the King of Spaine yet the Admirall after that hee had thanked his Imperiall Maiestie made shew that hee was not much pleased with this answere and said that hee tooke it for a repulse after such great pursuit shewing that without regarding the excuses which some ill affected to the Empire might pretend of some allyances it should for the same reasons be the sooner graunted thereby to make the Emperors authority more eminent and more commodiously to preuent all mischiefes which growe on euery side And as the beginning in euery thing seemes most difficult which beeing once well aduanced makes the worke halfe perfect So if his Imperiall Maiestie doth passe the sayd Vicariat as it is alreadie graunted they will easily finde the meanes to confirme it and to put it in execution The Emperour seeing himselfe thus importuned and prest desiring first to see what the issue should be as well of the treatie of peace which they expected as of the marriage of Cardinal Albertus his brother and of the designes alreadie proiected vpon Germanie beeing loath to doe any thing in hast which hee might afterwardes repent and reape small honour by and the French King take it in verie ill part hee answered againe That for certaine great considerations hee must conferre with the Princes of the Empire touching the asoresaid Vicariat And to the end it might bee done with great authoritie and assurance hee would exhort them to second him Intreating the King of Spaine in the meane time for to take this delaie in good part And thus much for the first demande The second was That his Imperiall Maiestie would openly declare himselfe against those that hinder the progresse of the peace betwixt the Estates of the Netherlands This was as much to say as by an intestine ciuill warre to set all Germany on fire which was the maine point whereat the King of Spaine and the Pope had long aspired whereof they had oftentimes seene some little flames the which notwithstanding by the wisdome of the Princes were soone smothered and quenched Wherevpon the Emperor answered That vpon this article hee attended the report of such as had beene deputed by the Empire whereof his Imperiall Maiesty would not faile to aduertise the King of Spaine vpon all occurents and how much his Imperial Maiesty desired that the sayd countries might bee reduced to a good peace These deputies were certaine Ambassadors as well from the Emperor as from the Princes of the Empire who sent Charles Nutzel of Sonderspuehel to the Estates to request them to receiue the sayd Ambassadors who had a short dispatch as wee haue sayd The Admiral replying to this answere sought to taxe some Princes of the Empire and to incense the Emperor against them as if they had beene the fauorers and supporters of the warres in the Netherlands saying That it would please his Imperiall Maiesty to imbrace the action of the Netherlands that what hath beene begunne may not bee in vaine and that when it shal please his Maiesty to vnderstand how the Princes of the Empire which haue the charge stand affected that it will then please his Imperiall Maiesty to iudge betwixt his Maiestie and his rebells Giuing all the world to vnderstand whose fault it is that the peace is not aduanced punishing them that are coulpable according to the paines appointed by the constitutions of the Empire and the rather for that suffrance and dissembling it doth feed and nourish the mischiefe By this replie the King of Spaine could not more openly accuse the said Princes of the Empire then hee did councelling him to punish them as those which by their winking and dissimulation gaue nourishment vnto the mischiefe hindring the course and aduancement of the peace But the Admiral did therein much mistake himselfe being ignorant or at the least not considering that the Estates of the vnited Prouinces hauing absolutly reiected abiured the King of Spaine refusing to trust any more in him had resolued neuer to enter any more with him into any conference of peace nor with any other comming on his behalfe Wherefore the Emperor who had so often prest them by his Ambassadors and Agents and had now sent to them againe but in vaine sayd That vnto that day he had giuen sufficient proofes of the good affection hee bare to the peace of the Netherlands and when hee shall haue heard the report of the deputies hee will proceed as farre as his authoritie
and Charolois And to that end to cause the generall Estates of the said countrey to assemble or the particular Estates in euerie prouince or els to obserue any other course that shal be thought fitting for this donation cession and transport to signifie it to take an othe to the Estates and the subiects of the said countries to demaund the inuestiture and admittance to euerie peece and seigniorie if the case shall so require As also to receiue a fit othe of them to bind them to al that wherunto they were reciprocally bound by precedent othes Andvntil our said daughter shall haue taken or caused to be taken in her name the reall possession of the said Netherlands and countie of Bourgoigne and Charolois in that maner as it is set downe by her patent wee doe make and constitute our selfe possessor thereof in the name and behalfe of our said daughter In witnesse whereof we will and ordaine That the same letters patents bee deliuered vnto her granting vnto our daughter the Infanta to retaine admit and establish in the said Netherlands and Bourgoigne Gouernours Iudges and Iustices as well for the preseruation and defence thereof as for the administration of iustice and policie and the receit of reuenues or otherwise And moreouer to do all that which a true princesse ladie of the inheritance of the said countries by right or according to the customes might or ought to doe and as wee haue done and might yet doe alwayes obseruing the conditions hereunto inserted To which effect we haue quitted absolued and discharged and doe quit absolue and discharge by these presents al bishops abbots prelats and other church men dukes princes marquesses earls barons gouernors heads and captaines of the countrey townes courts presidents men of our counsell chancellors them of our treasure and accounts and other justices captaines men of warre and souldiers of forts and castles their lieutenants knights squires vassals magistrats bourgers inhabitants of good townes boroughes franchises and villages and all and euery of our subiects of our said Netherlands and the countie of Bourgoigne and Charolois and euerie of them respectiuely of the othe of fidelitie faith and homage promise and bond by the which they were bound vnto vs as to their lawfull prince and soueraigne lord willing and expresly commaunding them to sweare and to accept the said Infanta our daughter for their true princesse and ladie and to giue her their othe of fealtie faith and homage promise and bond after the accustomed maner according to the nature of the countries places fees and seigniories And moreouer that they shew vnto her and to her future husband all honour reuerence affection obedience fidelitie and seruice as good and loyall subiects ought and are bound to their lawfull prince and naturall lord as they haue hitherto made demonstration And to supply all defects and obmissions as well in law as in fact which may bee omitted in this present donation cession and transport and which might be wel inserted of our owne motion certaine knowledge and full and absolute royal power which by these presents we will vse we haue derogated and do derogate to all lawes constitutions and customes which may impugne and contradict these presents for such is our good will and pleasure And to the end that all that is formerly said may be for euer firme and stable wee haue figned these presents with our name and caused our great seale to be hanged thereunto willing and commanding that it shall be registred to be held of force in euerie counsell and chamber of accounts Giuen in our citie of Madril the 6 of May 1598 of our raigns of Naples and Ierusalem the 45 of Castile Arragon Sicile and others the 44 and of Portugall the 19. It was paraphed N. D. V. Signed Philippes And vnderneath By the King signed A. de la Loo This resignation was also ratified by the letters patents of prince Philip at this time king of Spaine the 3 of that name as followeth Philip by the grace of God Prince sonne and onely heire of the Realmes Countries and Seigniories of king Philip the second of that name my lord and father To all present and to come greeting Whereas my said lord and father hath resolued to marie the ladie Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia our most deere and well beloued good sister to the Archduke Albert our good vncle and cosin And that according to the same his Catholike Maiestie hath determined with our liking and consent being thereunto induced for certaine great reasons and respects for the common good namely for the generall quiet of all Christendome and in particular for the peace tranquility of the Netherlands to the end that our said sister may be prouided for according to her qualitie and great merits to giue vnto our said sister the Netherlands and the countie of Bourgoigne in that forme and maner as it hath beene made and past as it appeareth by the letters patents which my said lord and father hath caused to be made signed with his hand and sealed with his great Seale wherof the tenor followeth word by word Philip c. All which being here aboue inserted it is not needful to repeat Wee let them know that hauing particularly vnderstood all that is mentioned therein considering the publike good that may thereby come vnto Christendome especially by reason of the singular loue which we are bound to beare and do beare vnto our sister the Infanta for her graces and great merits we commend approue and allow and by these presents hold for good notwithstanding any preiudice that may grow thereby to vs or our successors hereafter And for the same reason we consent and are content by these presents that the said Netherlands and countie of Bourgoigne and Charolois shall be giuen and transported to our good sister the Infanta as my said lord and father hath done And to the end it may subsist the better for the greater assurance corroboration and strengthening of that which his Maiestie hath disposed and decreed in fauour and for the aduancement of our good sister wee dispose and ordaine as farre as it is needfull by these presents in fauour thereof and in the same forme and manner in euerie point of our owne proper and free wil without any extortion constraint deceit fraud nor any respect fatherly reuerence nor feare nor by any other indirect persuasions our will and intention being that the said countries shal belong and appertaine vnto our sister the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia and to her successors conformable to the disposition of the king my lord and father And to the end it may take full effect and remaine firme and stable for euer wee haue renounced and do renounce by these presents in fauour of our good sister for vs and our successors all benefits which may by right come to vs or them to contradict these presents or that it were by the law Derestitutione in integrum to the
the magistrat restored whereof he was one hee put in practise causing it to be executed among others vpon Lewis Malapert and Iean Viuien great marchants from whom especially from Viuien although he died of the plague he caused all his goods to be taken yea euen his bed Whereof complaints came to the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces who hauing written diuers times to them of Aix yea euen with threats matters were somewhat moderated with Ellerborne who restored all for a certaine summe of money About that time there was great preparation of men made for Brabant with prouision as it were to raise a campe whereupon the vnited Estates gaue charge to the earle of Hohenloo to guard the quarter of Bomel with twentie foure companies of foot and foure cornets of horse that the Spaniards might get no footing there for that they saw that the archduke Albert did draw men from all parts comming from France and other places The duke of Cleues and Iuilliers hauing his sences better setled was this yeare put in possession of many of his townes Prince Maurice to gratifie him sent him two goodly horses by his chiefe counsellor the seignior of Sonsfeldt and then there was much speaking of a mariage betwixt the said duke and the duke of Lorrains daughter the which tooke effect the yere following Let vs now returne to that of the Infanta of Spaine with the archduke Albert. ISABELLA AVSTRIACA PHIL. II. CATH HIS REG. FIL. ISABELLA CLARA EVGENIA INfanta of Spaine Duchesse of Brabant of Lembourg c. Countesse of Flanders Arthois Bourgoigne c. Palatine of Henault and Namur Ladie of Salines and Macklin My father minding for to make a royall mariage Twixt me and th' Archduke Albert gaue me for my heritage The Netherlands with Burgondie and Countie Charolois To hold in chiefe of Spaine and I of him did make my choice But the conditions ouer hard and far too strict withall Retain'd the Netherlands in too much seruitude and thrall But Guelder Friseland Utrecht and the Hollanders also Ouerissel Groning Zutphen and Zeeland will not once show Obedience to the Spaniard nor the house of Austria And doe the great'st reuenue of my liuing beare away But Brabant Flanders and Arthois Henault and eke Lembourg To me are true with Burgondie Namur and Luxembourg THE XV. BOOKE The Argument CArdinall Albert assembles the Estates at Brussels touching the donation of the Netherlands The articles propounded vnto the Cardinall vpon the receiuing of the Infanta He leaues his Cardinals habit and goes to fetch the Infanta He writes to the vnited prouinces and causeth the prince of Orange to write to prince Maurice his brother The Estates resolue rather to warre than to a fained peace and send their Embassadour to the Queene of England to that end who doth in like manner resolue to warre The Admirall of Arragon marcheth with the king of Spaines armie towards the Meuse takes Orsoy and some other neutrall places Prince Maurice camps at Gelderscheweert The death of Philip the second king of Spaine Embassadors from the princesse of Cleues to the Archduke Albert and his answer The murther of the Earle of Broâ—…ck by the Admirals men He takes many townes in the countrie of Cleues besiegeth Rheinberck which yâ—…elds he threatens them of Wezel and passeth the Rheyn against whom prince Maurice fortifies himselfe and brings his armie to Doesbourg where he attends him The inferiour circlâ—…s of the Empire assemble at Dortmont The Admirall takes Deutecom He wasts the neutrall countries of Westphalia Berghe Marcke and Munster and takes many neutrall townes where his Spaniards commit horrible cruelties and inhumanities The princes of Germanie take it ill and procure a decree from the Emperour against him which he regards not and against the Estates who iustifie themselues The princes of Germanie arme against the admiral He brings his armie into the Isle of Bomel The Estates armie at sea spoiles the Canaries and some other Islands The armie of the princes of Germanie consumes The Spaniards retire from Bomel and build S Andrews fort Prince Maurice intrencheth himselfe in the head of the enemie The archdukes armie retires out of the Isle of Bomel leauing S. Andrewes fort and Creuecoeur well furnished Soone after the garrisons mutine for their pay Prince Maurice besiegeth these two forts the which yeeld and the garrisons serue the Estates The archdukes and the Infanta's comming into the Netherlands and their instalment The Emperour sends vnto the Estates concerning a peace The Estates resolution to make warre in Flanders Prince Maurice besiegeth Nieuport takes some forts from the Spaniards ouerthrowes the archdukes armie he being in person and takes the admirall prisoner the which is called The memorable battaile of Nieuport then he returnes with his armie into the vnited prouinces The exploits of the galley of Dordrecht THe acts and dispatches of the donation of the Netherlands made by the king of Spaine vnto the Infanta his daughter for the aduancement of her mariage with Albert Archduke of Austria as then a Cardinall beeing come to Brussels in Iulie the said Cardinall Archduke caused them presently to be published and copies to be giuen forth together with the agreation of the prince of Spaine procuration from the Infanta and letters sealed vp from the king and the prince his sonne to the gouernors and Councellors of all the Prouinces which were vnder the obedience of Spaine commanding them to send their deputies to Brussels with commission and full authoritie by the 15 of August following Where the deputies of euery Prouince in particular beeing arriued at the day appointed the next day they assembled in the towne house to shew their commissions and to treat vpon that which was to be done concerning the said act of donation and letters come out of Spaine whereupon in the beginning there grew many difficulties and although there were diuersity of opinions vpon the accepting of the Infanta by her procuration and to take the oath vnto her in regard of the priuiledges of the countrie especially of the dutchie of Brabant the which receiueth no princes but in their owne persons yet all beeing well considered in the end all controuersies ceasing the cardinall archduke in the name of the said ladie and by vertue of her procuration was accepted and an oath taken vpon certaine conditions which follow 1 The first article contained the agreation of the donation and transport of the Netherlands together with the mariage of the princesse and ladie thereof with the said cardinall 2 The second how shee should be receiued and the oath taken 3 That his hignesse should consummate the mariage within three moneths 4 That the king shall giue an act that the twelue articles comprehended in the said transport shall not be in any sort preiudiciall vnto the Netherlands 5 That he shall free the countrie from all contributions oppressions of souldiers and other exactions and that hereafter his highnesse shall be
with expectation to the great amazement and griefe of many good men which did hope to haue seen an end of these long ruinous and bloodie warres and the conclusion of a good firme and honourable peace or long truce But seeing the hearts of kings are in the hands of God who directs all their actions and resolutions as he thinketh best let vs Netherlanders hauing compassion one of anothers miseries pray incessantly vnto him to inspire these princes and Estates with mild and peacefull spirits for the finishing of this good worke if it may be for his glorie and the good of the countrie whereby there may ensue a Christian peace quietnesse and vnitie in the Netherlands on either side and loue each to other refraining to shed blood and lastly that the Netherlands may thereby attaine vnto their ancient and flourishing estate and gouernment God well serued and euery man to enioy his owne freely and without feare the which the Lord God of his mercie graunt FINIS A Table of all the memorable things conteined in this Historie of the Netherlands A. ABot of Saint Vaast of Arras what he was 798. Accord of the Lord of Montigny cheefe of the mutines with the Spaniards 689. Accord betwixt Iohn of Bauaria and the Duke of Brabant 133 Abbay of Ouwerghem spoiled and diuersly censured 391 Adâ—… Countesse of Holland 45. marries with the Earle of Loos ibid. Adolph Prince of Gelders prisoner 174 Accord made by the Spaniard with the towne of Gand 862 Act of great resolution done by a Sea Captaine 661. Act of promise of the confederate Noblemen to the Gouernesse 407 Act like a Romaine done by Captaine Bordet 514. Act vnworthy and cruell of Captaine Pont well reuenged 661 Admirall of Arragon sent Ambassador to the Emperor 1148. hee passeth the riuer of Meuze and takes Orson 1174. ransomes Wezel 1182. takes many neutrall places 1191. and comes neere vnto Bomel 1210. is taken prisoner 1248 Aduice of the Prince of Orange for the making of a councell of Estate 712 Aduocates in Arras executed wrongfully 675 Albert of Bauaria 16. Earle of Holland 105 subdues the Frisons 111. his death 116 Albert Duke of Saxonie Gouernor of the Netherlands 207 hee gets the hereditarie gouernment of Friseland 219. tyranizeth ouer the Frisons 222. slaine before Groning 294. Allyance betwixt them of Ostergoe and Groning 213 Alcmar in trouble 210. besieged by the Duke of Alua 519. endures three assaults 524 the Duke forced to raise his Campe 527 Alexander Farnese Duke of Parma succeeds Don Iohn 981. makes a Bridge to shutte vp the riuer of Antwerpe 865 Alost solde by the English to the Spaniard 833. Alpen taken by Prince Maurice 1129 Agent from the great Commander into England and to what end 887 Albert Cardinall of Austria succeds his brother Ernestus 1114. hee takes Calais and Ardres 1115. excuseth himselfe and layes the fault vpon the Admirall 1202 Albert prepares his army to goe against Prince Maurice in Flanders ibid. Alliance betwixt the Flemings and Brabansons against the Duke of Saxonie 207 Allennes thinking to surprize Courtray hee looseth Menin 716. afterwards hee surpriseth Courtray 730 Allen a Cardinall writes against the Queene of England 996 Ambassadors from the Emperor to the vnited Prouinces touching a peace 1051. from the King of Poland to them 1128. from the King of Denmarke vnto them 1134. from the Duke of Wirtemberg vnto them 1158 Ambrose le Duke Sargent Maior in Arras how he behaued himselfe 673 Andrien van Assendolf pentioner of Harlem beheaded 500 Amsterdam against Harlem their skirmish at Sea 503. in the end it yeelds to the Estates 655. Amiens surprized and spoiled by the Spaniard 1126 recouered by the French King 1128. Aâ—…ne of Poelgeest mignion to the Earle of Holland murthered 109 Anthony Perrenot Cardinall of Granuelle called into Spaine 349. hee crosseth the petition of the Estates of Brabant 381. a legend of his life 344 Antwerpe perplexed for the new Bishops 347. sends their Deputies into Spaine 348 they intrenche them-selues against the Castell 595. are spoyled by the Spaniards 596. a tumult at a generall Procession 705. Priests and Monkes chased away 706. are blockt vp by the Prince of Parma 863. they compound and yeeld 884 Answer from the generall Estates to them of Lille Douay c. 691 Appologie made by the Prince of Orange in answer of his proscription 764 Armie of the Germaines to succour Nuys 174. of Duke Cassimire to succor the States 673. at Sea sent by the Spaniards in the yeare 1588. 998. of King Philip in Piccardie 323. of the Duke of Parmaes to succour the League 1043. of the States vpon the coast of Spaine and at the Ilands 1213 Arnold Earle of Holland slaine by the Frisons 9. Arnold Duke of Gelders offers the combate to Adolph his sonne 174 Arnold of Groue-velt Gouernour of Sluys 957. Arnold resignes the Duchie of Geldres to the Duke of Bourgongne 174 Arnhem assured for the Estates 875 Articles of the priuiledges of Brabant 1371 Articles set downe by the Inquisition of Spaine against the Netherlands 442. confirmed by the King of Spaine 443 Assemblie of the Estates of Friseland 213 Assembly at Bolswaert 214 Assembly of the chiefe of the Nobilitie at Dendermond 415. an other assemblye of the Nobles 368 Articles of peace betwixt France and Spaine 144. Audenarde abandoned by the Protestants who had surprized it 496. besieged and yeelded to the Duke of Parma 8â—…2 Arras the chiefe towne in Arthois in great troubles 673 Arschot in Brabant yeelded to Dom Iohn 654. Audience of the Deputies of the Estates with the French King 860 Axel in Flanders taken by the Estates 920 Attempts of them of Amsterdam against them of Harlem 504 Ambassadors from England and France to the Estates 818 Appologie made by the Protestants for their taking of armes 428 Admirall of Arragon set at libertie 1259 Adolph Earle of Berghen taken prisoner 1264. Ambassadors from the vnited Prouinces to the King of England 1297 Ardenbourg abandoned to Prince Maurice 1307. Archduke Alberts men comming to relieue Sluys put to rout 1309 Archduke Albert hinders the assembling of the generall Estates 1320. hee prepares for warre 1321 Admonition to the vnited Prouinces against a peace 1328 Admirall of Dunkerke taken at sea 1351 Archduke Albert iealous of the Duke of Bouillon 1354 Accorde made betwixt the Earle of East-Frise-land and the Towne of Embden 1365. B. BAerle taken and recouered 772 Baltazar Gerard killes the Prince of Orange 832. is executed ibid. Baron of Enghien beheaded in Henault 107. Baron of Battembourgh Lieutenant to the Prince of Orange at the reliefe of Harlem 513. Baron of Montigny prisoner in Spaine and poisoned 454 Baron of Selles sent from the King to the Estates 653 Barons of Batenbourg executed by the Duke of Alua 449 Baron of Anholt slaine at the siege of Lochum 808. Bastard putatiue of the Emperor beheaded in Holland 824 Baron of Boxtell Gouernour of Boisleduc 700. Backerzeell offers violence to
Maximilian made King of the Romains New knghits made by the King of the Romains 1485. The 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 deale 〈◊〉 factions The Ganthois and Brugeois mutine againe The Siegnio Lanchals beheaded The Emperor gâ—…es with an army â—…gainst 〈◊〉 Flemings The Flemings accorded with the King of the Romains The â—…mings are 〈◊〉 The Emperor â—…kes the aâ—…ord made with the â—…mings The Flemings alâ—…e thâ—…m selus with the Brabansones against the Duke of Saxony The King of the Romaines comes into Hollands Rotterdam yeelded to the King of Romaines A peace concluded betwixt the King of Romaines and the Flemings The Brugeois 〈◊〉 againe Montfort beâ—… by the Duke of Saxony 1490. An accord betwixt the duke oâ—… Saxony and 〈◊〉 Vicont of Montfort 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…umult 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The French King makes warre in Arthois The battile of Hinges The Ganthois reuolt Hulst surprized by the Ganthois Dixmuyden taken from the Ganthois Charles duke of Gelders deliuered out of prison 1492. The furie of the Pesants at Harlem The Duke of Saxony comes into Holland He punished Harlem and Alcmar The duke beseeged Scluse Gand submits to the duke The duke ruins the factions in Holland and zeeland The Duke of Saxonie seeks an occasion to oppresse the Fâ—…sons 1493. The Dukes troupes spoile Gelders The Emperor Frederic dies The Emperor sends to pacifie the troubles of Friseland The Groningeois sent to the Emperor The same Commissioner sent into Friseland by the Emperor Maximilian 1494. An Assembly of the States of Friseland A new Potestate chosen in Friseland An Assembly at Bolswaert They refuse to allow of the new Potestate 1494. Philip of Austrias titles Maximâ—…lians second marriage The Archduke Philip put in possession of the Netherlandâ—… A sentence giuen by 4. Electors against Charâ—…es duke of Geldâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the Archduke 〈◊〉 The fâ—…ctions oâ—… Fâ—…seland deâ—…d sucâ—… of the Duâ—…e of Saxony A crueâ—…l murther of a kiâ—…sman 1497. Baten-burch surpriâ—…d by Duke Albert. The Duke of Saxony made here ditarie gouernot of Fâ—…iseland Many 〈◊〉 ingaged to the Duke of Saxony for his entâ—…taynment The Frisons refuse Duke Albert for their gouernor The Duke will make vse of the â—…ctions 〈◊〉 â—…iseland The Vetcoopers dravve strange 〈◊〉 â—…to Friseland They câ—…l 〈◊〉 duke of Saxony into Fâ—…sland The duke makes an excessiue demand â—…nell 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Duke tyâ—…s ouer the Frisons The fruites of their 〈◊〉 He dies at Emden Duke Henry leaues Friseland to his yonger brother The Frisons complaine to the Archduke Philip. An answere to the Frisons The â—…chduke 〈◊〉 anâ—… his wâ—…e goâ—… into Spâ—…ne They are hoâ—… 〈◊〉 enter 〈◊〉 by the French King The Archduke 〈◊〉 into Germany 1503. Dâ—…h â—…o the Dâ—…e Douâ—…ger of Bourgongne Marguerite of Austria marred to the Duke of Sauoy 1504. The warre reuiued betwixt the Archduke Philip and the duke of Gelders The exploiâ—… of both armies Duke George of Saxony coâ—…s into Friseland He makes a composition with the Frisons 〈◊〉 Dâ—… of 〈…〉 1505. 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 〈…〉 〈◊〉 bâ—…sieged by the Archduke 〈◊〉 takâ—…n in 〈◊〉 Diuision in the Duke of 〈◊〉 campe before 〈◊〉 The Grâ—…geois treate with the 〈◊〉 of â—…mden The Eâ—… of 〈◊〉 â—…de Prâ—… of 〈◊〉 The Earle of Emden Builds acittadel at Groninghen The Earle of Emden receiues entertainment from the duke of Saxony The Earle of Stâ—…lburche made the Dukes Lieutenant in Fâ—…eland The Duke of Gâ—…ldres reconcilâ—…d to the King of Castille The King and Queene of Castâ—… gâ—…e into Spaine An 〈◊〉 froÌ„ the â—…nch kinâ—… to the King of Caâ—…ille 1506. The King Queene of Castill in 〈◊〉 at Sea goâ—… into â—…aine They put to land in England The duke of Gelders begins waâ—…re A Comete A childe in Holland crying in the mothers beâ—…y Philip King oâ—… Câ—…stille dies sodenly The Earle of Nâ—…u brings some â—…vvels out of Spains 1507. The Duke of Gelders 〈◊〉 into Brabant Charles his Inheritance 1508. The duchesse of Sauoy gouerneâ—…e of the Netherlands The death of Aâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bourgongâ—… Puydroien tatakâ—… and razâ—…d 1509. The gouernor of Freâ—…eland dies The Duke of Gelders makes warre against them of Oueryâ—…sel War betwixt the Duke of Gelders and the Bishop of Vtrecht 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…n 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…f 〈…〉 1512. 1513. A 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 thâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…or 〈…〉 〈◊〉 Dâ—… of 〈…〉 The duke of Saxony makâ—…s an vnreasonable dâ—…mand of thâ—… Fâ—…ons Henry duke of Bâ—… slâ—…ne at an assault Dam taken by assault The Groningâ—…ois 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to thâ—… Duke of Gâ—…ldres The duke of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 plexed for 〈◊〉 of money The Geldâ—…ois enter 〈◊〉 with an army 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 oâ—… 〈◊〉 1515. Prince Charles of Austria takes possession of the Netherlands The Death of the King of Arragon Duke George of Saxony resignes Freeseland to Prince Charles The Lord of Iselsteyn takes possession of Freeseland for prince Charles Tâ—…e gouernâ—…nt of 〈◊〉 committed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Châ—…les The bishop of Vtrecht 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 1527. The Duke of Geldeâ—…s besieged in 〈◊〉 A trucâ—… concluded Outrages done by the Geldrois to breake the truce The Duke writes vnto the Frisons Deputies of the â—…risons of the Bourgongne partie â—…ent â—…o Vtrecht Demands of the Duke of Gelders to the Frisons A notable 〈◊〉 Hoâ—…ne surprised by a Pitat and spoiled Prince Charles sent for to receiue the Crowne of Castile Arâ—…agon c. Prince Charles goes into Spaine Prince Charles arriues in Spaine 1518 The Coronation of the King of Spaâ—…ne The blacke troope defeated The Emperoâ—…s will for the bâ—…rying of his body The death of the Emperor Maximilian 1519. His course life An assembly at Frâ—…cfort for 〈◊〉 choosing of a newe Emperor A commendable thing in the Electors Ambassadors from Prince Charles to the Electors Ambassadors from the French King The electors answer to the Ambassadors The Elector of Mentz his speech The Elector of Treues speech The Elector of Saxonies speech Charles King of Spaine chosen Emperor Charles King of Spaine comes into England 1520. The Emperors entry into Aix Ships of Holland taken by the Danes The Earle of Maeurs sent gouernor into Frisland Nicuport by Schoonhouen taken The Frisons send to the Imperiall diet 1521. The first Edict against them of the religion The miserable estate of Friseland The first cause of the warre The Duke of Bouillon desies the Emperor The Emperors 〈◊〉 inuades the duke of Bouâ—…lons country The French kingâ—… 〈◊〉 Tournay besieged by the Emperors men Sloten besieged by the Bouâ—…gnons Lemmer yeelded â—…wicke taken without any resistance 1523. The emperors second voyage into Spaine The peasants warre in Germanie 1524. The Geldrois begin warre against the Emperor 1526. The duke of Gelders seeks to be reuenged of the Groningeois The suburbes of Groningen burnt The Groningeois giue themselues vnto the Emâ—…or Collonel Schenck reâ—… Groninghen for the Emperor The Duke of Holsteynes troupes defeated Dam yeelded by the Geldrois Wedden yeelded Coeuoerden yeelded A peace betwixt the house of Bourgongue and the Duke of Gelders The
without any armes and that if for certaine conuenient causes the Spaniards could not so soone depart out of the Land they desired him that hee to shewe his good-will would presently cause the castell of Antwerp and the towne of Lire to be deliuered vnto the States otherwise they could not abstaine from armes nor agree to any truce but to the contrary would doe their vtter-most endeauors by force of armes to take those places they likewise sent him a coppy of the vnion or agreement made by the States in Brussels whereof mention is made before This vnion aforesaid made by the States beeing shewed vnto Don Iohn hee partlie discouered the politike dealing of the Estates of the land togither with the readinesse and affection of the countries adioyning to ayde them in regard of the vprightnesse of their demandes and that there were many men amongst them that would not bee mooued nor perswaded by all his faire goodly smothe flattering and dissembling speeches wherein hee planted a great part of the foundation of his proceedings according to the generall opinion that the vnexperienced people of Spaine and Italie haue of the small courage vnderstanding simplenesse and bad agreement of the Netherlands as the duke of Alua sayd that hee would smother and drowne the Hollanders in their butter and milke hee was mooued to yeeld by the Ambassadors of the new Emperor Rodolphus to that end purposely sent into the Netherlands together with the Ambassadors of the duke of Cleaue and the Bishop of Liege but most of all by reason that hee perceiued the States to haue many souldiers and a great army in the fielde at Waure in Brabant and for that the Spanish souldiers were in a manner inclosed and might easily bee brought into want of all necessaries and on the otherâ—… side hee being as then wholy vnprouided and vnfurnished of all meanes to helpe himselfe mooued to come to an agreement of peace and for that cause thought good for a time to desist from his pretence and to cause the Spaniards to depart out of the countrey hoping thereby to breake and disanull all the states vnion promises and mutuall contracts and so in time to settle himselfe in the gouernement and to winne mens hearts vnto him and hauing done so to set them at diuision and thereby to attaine to his desire which without doubt hee might easily haue brought to passe if hee could haue couered his dissimulation with more patience and humility and his yong vnbridled courage with a kind of staidnes and fidelity and his hatred and cruelty with moderation and aduise but many men that had trauailed presently perceiued that hee was too great and high minded to bee ruled by aduise and to young vnexperienced and simple to gouerne of himselfe And his vaine opinion of himselfe was such and so great that hee had a conceit in his head to make himselfe King of England by deliuering the Queene of Scottes out of prison and destroying the Queene of England where-vnto hee had obtained the Popes good liking and furtherance and to that end dealt secretly with the house of Guise and the holy league wherein he was crossed for that the States found it not requisite that the Spaniards should goe out of the countrey by sea where-vpon it seemed that hee left off his purpose touching England till a more conuenient time or else till the Queene were dead which the King vnderstanding it being likewise made knowne vnto him by the Pope himselfe became very iealious and after that sent nothing but strange and limmitted instructions vnto him and when hee sent his Secretary Escouedo into Spaine for an other commission and more money the King by the meanes and councell of his Secretary Anthonio Perez caused him to bee secretly murthered being thought to be the onely man that mooued Don Iohn vnto such high aspiring conceits so as it was verily beleeued that in the next yeare after Don Iohn was secretly brought vnto his death as hereafter wee shall shew following in the Historie The reason that mooued the states generally to make peace was that thereby they might bee rid of the forraine souldiers out of the Netherlands wherevnto those that thought to haue the gouernement of the land much mooued them alledging that of force they must cause the Spaniards to leaue the countrie although the priueledges and freedomes were not in all points fully granted vnto saying that if they would after make warre againe they should easily effect it when the Spaniards were once gone and could want no meanes therein The Baron of Champigni was likewise the chiefest cause that promise and contract was made to punish the Spanish and Dutch soldiers for their insolencies thereby to make the better account and reckoning with the Dutchesse which otherwise would still find matter of complaint and discontentment where-vpon both parties being thus minded by meanes and solicitation of the Emperors Ambassadors and other Princes vpon the twelfth of February in the yeare of our Lord 1577. they being at Marche in famine made concluded and confirmed this contract which vpon the seauenteenth of the same moneth was proclaimed and published in Brussells and Antwerpe and called by the name of the perpetuall Decree the contents whereof were as followeth PHILLIP by the grace of God King of Castile Leon Arragon Nauarre Naples Sicilia Maiorque Sardenia and of the Islands of India and the firme land lying in the Ocean seas Archeduke of Austria Duke of Burgondie Lorraine Brabant Limbourgh Luxenburgh Gelder and Myllan Earle of Hasbourgh Flanders Artois and Burgondie Palsgraue of Henault Holland Zeeland Namure and Sutphen Prince of Swauen Marquis of the Holy Empire Baron of Friseland Salines Mechelin of the towne and territories of Vtrecht Ouerissell and Groning and Dominator in Asia and Affrica greeting For that since Iuly last past to out no small disliking and great griefe there hath many times happened great deuision alteration and trouble in our Netherlands by reason of the insolent behauiours of our Spanish and outlandish soldiars from the which hath sprong many inconuenyences disorders and miseries like-wise to our great dislike and greefe which as yet vntill this day as euery man knoweth continew and remaine therein and for the consolation comfort vnity peace and quietnes of our said Netherlands and for the better ruling and gouernment of the same haue sent thether our deare and well-be-loued good brother Don Iohn of Austria Knight of the most noble and worthy order of the Goulden fleece who since his beeing there in our said Netherlands hauing dealt spoken and conferred first in our towne of Luxenbourg with our louing faithfull trusty seruants and friends the right reuerent father in God Mathias Lord Abot of Saint Gildin elected bishoppe of Arras Charles Phillip of Croy Marquis of Haurec c. our Nephew and one of the Gentlemen of our chamber Charles de Haunart Barron of liddelkercke burgraue of our towne of Brussels and Adolfe van
of Brabant established at the Hage for that which depends of the vnited prouinces who also had some particular charge from prince Maurice as beeing of his ordinarie councell Who beeing arriued in England they had audience of her Maiestie and were gratiously receiued by her sending them to treat with her councell of all matters wherof her Maiestie desired to be satisfied and for the which they were sent thither in the Estates name so as in the end hauing giuen contentment vnto her Maiestie they agreed vpon all things the sixt of August According vnto which accord and resolute determination of the Estates to maintaine themselues by armes against the king of Spaine and the archduke Albert her Maiestie did also resolue for her part to the continuance of the warre the which could not be so preiudiciall vnto her as to the Spaniard who beeing alwaies armed both at sea and land entertained her rebels in Ireland to small profit whereas her Maiestie on the other side might get from him as well vpon the coasts of Spaine and Affricke as at the east and west Indies the which shee did for the most part at the charge of her marchants who are greedie of gaine And although her Maiestie at the same time had receiued some losse in Ireland by the earle of Tyron through the fauour of the Spaniards yet in September following their accord was past and solemnly ratified on either side after that the said embassadours were returned into Holland The seigniour of Buzenual embassadour for the French king with the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces parted presently after their embassadors from the Hage to goe vnto the king to know his pleasure if after the conclusion of the peace with the Spaniard he should be continued in his embassage but the peace beeing finished and hee hauing dispatched some of his priuate and domesticke affaires in France he was sent backe againe into Holland by the king his master to continue his charge there At his returne he propounded many reasons and excuses to the Estates which had moued the king to make peace with the Spaniard assuring them that he would be no enemie vnto them nor contrarie to their gouernment but as much as lay in him the peace excepted he would fauour them and continue in their alliance with promise to pay them the money wherewith they assisted his Maiestie during the warres Whilest that the archduke Albert disposed of the affaires of the Netherlands with the councell of Spaine or Spaniards in heart at Brussels and made his preparatiues for his voyage Francis of Mendoza marquesse of Guadaleste admirall of Arragon and generall of the armie began to march towards the riuer of Meuse prince Maurice hearing of his approach about the end of August the Estates hauing lien still all the sommer watching which way he would turne the head of his armie made them also readie to stand vpon their guard that the Spaniard should not passe the Rhine and as there was at the same time a shippe of warre of the Estates in the riuer of Meuse before Venloo whereof one Iohn de Raet a Hollander was captaine the Spaniards assailed it tooke and burnt it where they had but sixe prisoners the rest saued themselues by swimming In the beginning of September the admirall past the riuer of Meuse with all his armie neere vnto Ruremond it consisted of 178 ensignes of all nations Spaniards Italians Bourguignons Germans Wallons Irish and others making about fiue and twentie thousand foot and twentie eight cornets of horse beside other twelue which he left in Brabant so as all the archdukes forces among the which there were many of the reliques of the French league might be about 30000 men the which without doubt was a goodly armie able to amaze a world the which being past the Meuse dispersed it selfe at large in the countrie of Iuilliers the diocesse of Cologne and country thereabouts so as approching neere the Rhine the admirall sent colonell Borlotte to passe first and to helpe to make the passage for the rest the which he did at the village of Kerckraet betwixt the townes of Cologne and Bonne whereas he drew downe all the boats he could find hauing past onely with eight hundred men of his regiment and some field peeces with the which going downe the Rhine lower than Cologne he chased away all the Estates ships which were vpon the riuer Hauing gathered all the boats he could together he past the rest of his regiment and some more artillerie The admirall Cont vanden Berghe and other noblemen of the armie marched that way and approaching neere vnto the Rhine they came first with their troupes before the towne of Orsoy seated vpon the Rhine and belonging to the duke of Cleues being easie to fortifie the which duke William had begun to compasse in with rauelins after the manner of the castle of Antuerp whereof the foundations are laid but for the great charge they left it vnperfect which notwithstanding might be easily finished which towne the admiral summoned and required to haue it opened that he might passe the Rhine the seignior Horst marshal of the countrey of Cleues and the secretarie opposing themselues pretending their neutralitie the admirall tooke an axe and began to beat vpon the gate his men taking downe the sides of their wagons of Brabant which are verie long would haue scaled the wales wherewith the bourgers being terrified vpon promise that they would but passe the Rhine they suffered him and his men to enter Hauing the said towne at his deuotion he presented himselfe before the castle in the which there were a garrison of some souldiers for the duke of Cleues with three Capuchin friers and a hangman holding many halters in his hand asking them if they had rather be hanged than to yeeld the castle the which did so terrifie the souldiers as they presently yeelded the place where he went to lodge and from thence did seize vpon and ransome all the small townes and places thereabouts Hee presently caused Orsoy to bee fortified with all speed whereas there past three regiments of Spaniards with that of the earle of Busquoy and twelue cornets of horse the which did campe right against the said towne whilest that the admirall caused a mightie fort to be built at Walsom for which fortification he cut downe all the trees in that quarter the which he did betwixt the first and the eight of September before that the archduke Albert was parted from Brussels The Estates of the vnited prouinces and prince Maurice being awaked at this sodaine inuasion began to thinke of their affaires and calling together their ordinarie garrisons which had beene idle all the Summer they sent them to the rendezvous about Arnhen in Guelderland imbarking great store of artillerie bridges boats and all other things necessarie whither the prince parting from the Hage went vnto them the fourth of September and the eight day he went to the fort of
Netherlands but rather attended all good and sincere friendship neighbourhood correspondencie and neutralitie and not to bee in this manner spoyled and ruined Hauing heretofore written often and seriously vnto you to let you vnderstand our intention and that of our deere and well beloued brother but seeing that you haue not in any sort respected our letters wee are forced to prouide for it and seeke to preuent it by a seuerer course Wherefore wee commaund you admirall of Arragon of our imperiall power and authoritie and all your commaunders officers and souldiers as well in generall as in particular and first those that are not vnder our obedience nor subiect to the empire vpon paine of death where they shall be taken and all other our subiects depending mediately or immediately of the holy empire members vassals men holding in fee or hauing goods and possessions there vpon paine of banishment and proscription of the holy empire and the losse of all benefices freedomes priuiledges dignities fees and goods in what places soeuer they bee lying and beeing within the holy empire or the Estates and allies thereof the transgressors beeing apprehended vpon the fact to be put in execution without any further inquirie or information Wee doe expresly inioyne and commaund that you and all others presently vpon the sight or signification of this our imperiall charge and commandement or the authenticall copie thereof shall retire without any further indammaging our countries or the lands of the holy empire nor the townes castles gentlemens houses boroughs forts nor villages belonging to the duke of Iuilliers and Cleues nor to the dioces of Munster nor elsewhere of what name and qualitie soeuer they be and that presently you quit and restore them vnto their lords and masters repairing all dammages which you haue done them and that you restore vnto them of Wezel before your retreat the money which you haue extorted from them And to the end that you admirall shall make it appeare that the wicked murther of the earle Vanden Broeck doth displease you you shall cause all them that murthered him to bee corporally punished according to their merits restoring vnto the countesse his widow all the goods gold siluer iewels and plate which were taken from her or the iust value thereof That all persons as well ecclesiasticall as ciuill armed and vnarmed bee set at libertie by you without any ransome And that hereafter you shall not attempt any thing more against the said countries places subiects or others nor oppresse them in any sort whatsoeuer nor yet shew your selfe slacke nor disobedient if you will auoid the aboue mentioned paines according to the which you shall order and gouerne your selfe for such is our intention and will Giuen at our castle of Padibrath the thirtieth day of December 1598. Signed Rodulphus The emperour did write in like manner to the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces commanding them to retire their forces out of the countrie of Westphalia and other places of the empire vpon paine of imperiall proscription in substance as here immediately followeth Rodulphus c. To all and euery the Estates generall of Holland and Zeeland and the prouinces associate vnto them their colonels commanders of horse and their lieutenants captaines ensignes officers and generally to all their men of warre both of horse and foot howsoeuer they bee called and of what qualitie or condition soeuer they bee to whom this present commaundement or the copie thereof shall come or bee signified so farre forth as they bee lodged or entred vpon our limits of the holy empire the Estates or members thereof or that are vnder their protection gouernment or in any townes forts and castles We giue you to vnderstand that wee haue seene and heard the complaints and grieuances of our princes and Estates of the lower circle of Westphalia and especially of the most famous Iohn William duke of Iulliers Cleues and Mont our most deare and well beloued cousin how that in autumne last as wel the king of Spaines souldiers as yours haue entred and lodged in the said quarters committing great spoyles and that among others many electors princes and noble men had instantly required and besought vs to interpose our imperiall authoritie And although wee haue written thereof at large vnto the commaunder and captaine general of your vnited prouinces by letters of the nineteenth of September and the second of October yet we vnderstand that you haue not onely neglected it but doe euen at this houre maintaine your armie in the territories of the duchie of Cleues and that of late you haue taken the towne of Seuenter and the fort of Tolhus called Colnits and that you haue also seized on the towne of Vreda in the countrie of Munster and carried away many persons both spirituall and temporall out of that quarter vnto the towne of Groll the which neither your captaine generall nor you nor all your men of warre can iustiâ—…ie in a friends countrie allied vnto the holy empire hauing sworne faith and loyaltie vnto vs and hauing no communitie with this warre Considering also that our princes electors lords and estates expecting no actes of hostilitie from you but all amitie and good correspondencie redoubling now their complaints with those of the poore afflicted beseech vs that wee will take some more rigorous course and settle a conuenient order Wherefore we commaund you all in generall and euery one in particular of our imperiall power and authoritie that is those which are not our subiects nor vassals of the empire vpon paine of death wheresoeuer they shall bee taken and for the subiects mediat or immediat vassals and freed men remaining vnder the holy empire vpon paine of proscription and priuation of all their benefices priuiledges freedomes rights of fee goods lands and inheritances wheresoeuer they be vnder vs and the holy empire that as soone as euer that this imperiall commandement or the copie thereof shall be signified vnto you you cause all your forces to retire out of the limits of the empire without doing any more wrong vnto any person and that you restore vnto their lords and masters all the townes castles gentlemens houses places forts retrenchments places where they take toll by what name soeuer they be called to repaire the damages inlarge all prisoners whatsoeuer depending of the holy empire without ransome and neuer to attempt in hostile manner any thing against them nor the lands and subiects of the empire nor to doe otherwise nor to shew your selues vnwilling as it doth concerne you and you desire to auoyd the said punishment According to the which you shall rule your selues for such is our pleasure Giuen at our castle of Padibrath the 30 of December 1598. Signed Rodulphus To these two imperiall commaundements directed to the admirall of Arragon and his Spaniards on the one part and to prince Maurice and the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces on the other there were letters added
patience and rather make the best interpretation of this action to the emperour and other princes of the empire than by badde reports and fruitlesse and false complaints and badde conceptions aggrauate the kings sincere actions bringing our innocencie into danger and it may be vnder a pretext of commiseration and succours required kindle a fire which would spread ouer the whole empire the which may not bee quenched but by the generall ruine of the whole By which friendly behauiour and admonitions wee had thought to haue cut off all occasions of complaints and that there should be no more mention made vnto the emperour nor in any other courts and estates of the empire whereof notwithstanding wee vnderstand the contrarie and feare that in this assemblie through the exclamations of some mooued with hatred and spleene conceiued against the king and the catholike religion or through indiscretion or malice tâ—…usting too much to the light promises of the enemies of the countrie or through ingratitude or such like that such false reports are againe brought in question By reason whereof wee haue thought it expedient as wee haue done by letters to his imperiall Maiestie and by word of mouth to M. Charles Nutzel his Maiesties commissioner in these parts to oppose vpon euery article the kings merits and iustifications against such friuolous complaints and to send them in writing to the princes and estates of the empire and to you in your assemblie intreating you in his Maiesties name and ours not to haue any sinister impression without cause of his Maiesties sincere intention by an vndue commiseration or spleene rising from a little disorder which bee the ordinarie fruits of warre least you fall into greater inconueniences and troubles which would bee the cause of a farre greater mischiefe whereof you should reape nothing but a late repentance But rather vsing your accustomed wisdomes and discretions according to the loue and affection which you beare to the publike quiet measuring the good with the small losses and hindrances which haue happened vpon the frontiers of the empire ioyning to these of the king you will interpret it in the best sence and comfort and feed with hope such as haue beene partakers of these losses giuing others which are farre off to vnderstand to what a good end all may sort without giuing credit vnto the complaints which haue beene wrongfully made as well vnto the emperour and vnto the estates of the empire the which beeing most notorious should suffice any man of vnderstanding to excuse and iustifie his Maiesties actions and ours Yet for that in these concurrents of time some mens iudgements are so depraued as these nouelties sound so strangely in their eares as they neither can nor will comprehend the true ground and therefore matters remaine thus obscured and darkened For whose better satisfaction wee thinke that the king hath therein satisfied if as these false reporters by lies and slaunderous suggestions doe charge his Maiestie wee on the other side doe shew by the deduction of alliances and treaties as well of the whole empire as of the princes and estates with the house of Burgoigne that his Maiestie in stead of seruices against his enemies and rebels hath receiued disseruices although that according vnto diuine and humane lawes yea and according vnto the constitutions of the empire they were thereunto bound and obliged Contraâ—…iewise it appeares with what bountie moderation clemencie and with what charge his Maiestie hath amidst so great troubles and tumults of warre preserued the whole dioces of Cologne and neighbour countries beeing in great danger to bee all lost and the catholike religion supprest and put downe and that to the great hindrance of his owne affaires By which merits and good deedes they of the dioces of Cologne and Westphalia were the more bound so as no man of iudgement if hee will not bee noted of ingratitude can iustly blame his Maiesties actions nor ours touching the lodging and wintring of his armie contained with all militarie modestie and they should not giue place to so many fruitlesse clamours and complaint at the least if such men be any thing affected to their countries good to stir vp in stead thereof new troubles new warres whereof there can be nothing expected but fire and flame and a totall deuastation Wherefore wee trusting in your wisedomes and discretions and assuring our selues that you will therein do all good offices to his Maiestie and the Estates of the empire seeking nothing more than by the effects to attaine vnto a good peace and to discharge the frontiers of the empire of the said armie as soone as may be wherein if through the presumption rashnesse or bad practises of some I be hindered we protest openly that the blame of all the mischiefe shall be layd vpon the authors and procurers of those hindrances and not vpon the king And to the end that the reasons here produced for his Maiesties iustification and ours may bee the better represented vnto his imperiall Maiestie and to your excellencies and the necessitie which hath forced vs thereunto wee intreat you that in stopping your eares to all false reports which else would increase daily you will now resolue to assist this warre with all your meanes and to conuert it to a good peace with which hope we wil attend your iudgement and aduice beseeching God c. From Rees the twentieth of Ianuarie 1599. Signed Francis of Mendoza great Admirall of Arragon The same deputies of the admirall on the seuenth of February following presented a certaine declaration in the assembly of the deputies of the princes and Estates of the said fiue circles in the said towne of Cologne in the name of the king of Spaine the archduke Albert the cardinall Andrew and the said admirall in a sharpe and Iesuiticall stile in the which are related particularly and at large the iustifications reproches instances and pursutes made vnto the emperour and to the princes summarily set downe in the admirals letters All which discourse seemes rather to be made in contempt and mockerie and the more to incense the Germans as if they did them great wrong to complaine of the admirals actions and of his armie and that they were yet beholding vnto them The which they did onely to win time and to haue the bad season of winter spent and to see if the Germans would doe any thing as it seemed they threatned them This discourse is so tedious as it would tire the reader and so impudent and arrogant as we haue thought good to omit it To the which answer was made and all the points of the reproches and accusations made in the said declaration examined debated and reiected as false calumnious to the preiudice of the emperors honor of the princes and the Estates of the empire The fifteenth of December the same yeare 1598 there died in the towne of Leiden in Holland that worthy and learned personage Philip of Marnix seignior
about the general to whom he was too open who gaue aduice vnto the Spaniards of all that past among the Germans holding Freniz marshall of the campe in greater iealousie than any other by reason of which distrusts there was no respect among the commanders contending one against another by aduancing nothing for the generall yea the Spaniards sought to corrupt some in the campe as it was discouered by letters of captaine Palants and others who thought to draw away two or 300 horse at a time besides the free accesse of them of Rees vnto the camp did debauch many Whereupon the generall was constrained to make a proclamation That no man should presume vpon paine of death to confer eat nor drinke with the Spaniards nor with them of the said towne Finally they held this bodie of the German armie as a Poliphemus who hauing lost that one eie which he had goes without any conduct loosing by little little his vigor bloud and life finding no hope of recouerie if prince Maurice did not approch with his forces and by his good conduct and direction restore it both sight bloud and life But their matter must bee far sought and if there had bin any good disposition yet the Germans durst not notwithstanding money comming afterwards vnto the campe from the princes it reuiued the Germans and began to daunt the Spaniards What the issue of this armie was we will presently shew and now we will returne into the island of Bomel and see what the admirall of Arragon and prince Maurice did fronting one another The Estates hauing for a long time held a fort in a little island called Voorn which is in a maner of an ouall forme vpon the banks whereof are good trenches which they must win before they could enter into the island the which lies in the middest at the meeting of the two riuers of Meuse and Wahal the which hauing with their mingled course enuironed the sayd island either of them notwithstanding run in seueral streames vntill they come to win in one bodie of a riuer neere vnto Gorchom whereas the island of Bomel failes at Louestein This strong fort was a great gall vnto the Spaniard to which if he could he would haue done some affront So as the admirall and colonell Borlotte who was the chiefe conductor of this enterprise in the island of Bomel sawe there was no good to bee done against the towne for that they had come on so slowly for we must confesse the truth that if at their first entrance into the island they had marcht directly vnto the towne which lay then open by reason of their works and before that prince Maurice had leisure to assure it with great new trenches without doubtlesse he had put it in great danger the which hauing neglected they thought they had done sufficiently in the beginning to haue freed a passage into the said island So all the towne being well assured by the princes comming the supply of men and the finishing of their fortifications retiring on the 5 of Iune with all their losses behind the said towne and further into the island they went and lodged at a village called Rossum being but a good canon shot from the fort of Voorn where he remained almost a moneth without any attempt but the making of some trenches Prince Maurice knowing well that the Spaniards designe was vpon the fort of Voorn after that he had long attended to see if he would passe the riuer and to annoy him in his passage in the end he past himselfe in the night with 3000 men the third of Iuly came to his enemies quarter at Herwerden hauing at his backe the ioyning of the riuer of Meuse and Wahal together where with an incredible celeritie he intrencht himselfe against his enemies in the form of a halfe moon of the height of 2 men with ditches 12 foot broad 6 deep of so great a circuit as they easily might haue lodged six or 7000 men The Spaniard discouering this work the next day being the 4 of Iuly made sodenly thinking to hinder it he came in the afternoone with some troups of foot and horse and presented himselfe before this halfe moone thinking to draw the princes men out of their trenches but they being aduertised that the enemie was in ambush hidden behind the dikes kept themselues quiet the which the Spaniard seeing he returned soon after to charge with great troups falling vpon these trenches of the halfe moone like a sodaine lightning with such violence and furie as some hauing past the pallisadoes fought hand to hand The princes men vnder the valiant cōmand of sir Francis Veer monsieur de la Noue and colonel Edmonds defending themselues couragiously repulst them The captaine who had forced the pallisado lay slaine vpon the place to retire whose bodie they made a second charge at the which they carried it away but not without great losse of their men That which made the greatest spoile among the Spaniards were eleuen peeces of ordnance planted in three batteries vpon the fort of Voorn and three peeces from the trenches of Varyck and Hessel the which shot directly through the Spanish squadrons with the musketiers which galled them in flanke aboue the riuer al which forced them to retire hauing lost seuen captaines many officers and aboue 700 souldiers besides those that were hurt At these charges there marched in the first ranks among the Spaniards two monks carrying crosses and banners wherof the one was slain and the other taken prisoner being hurt in the head Prince Maurice lost the sergeant maior of sir Fr. Veers regiment being generall of the English with some ten or twelue souldiers and some twentie hurt The 5 of that month a troup of Spanish horse with 400 musketiers thinking to surprise the princes guard were so entertained as hauing lost a captaine left a Spanish earle behind them prisoner they retired with losse and shame We wil leaue them for a while in the island of Bomel in face one of another and will speake of the successe of the Estates armie vpon the coast and islands of Spaine hauing left them in the road of the great Canaries The 20 of Iune Peter vander Does generall of the Estates armie beeing arriued with all his fleet before the towne of Alegoena he cast anchor vnder the great castle which is on the Northwest part of the town from whence the Spaniards began to shoot at him and his whole fleet so as causing those ships to approach neerest which had the greatest ordnance hee began in like maner to batter the castle which was called Gratiosa spending some time in this sort during the which the general had his maine mast pierst thorough and his fore mast somewhat perished the viceadmirall which was the great ship of Amsterdam had six or seuen shot thorough her which slew some souldiers before they could get into their boats to goe to land Those of
were led by Marcellus Bax and Lieuin Seis lieutenant to Iohn Bax hauing receiued no great harme saued themselues and passed ouer the Meuse hauing lost about an hundred in Longstrate whereof the more part were taken and yet they brought away two hundred forrage horses and 25. prisoners with them The admirals armie lying for the most part in Brabant prince Maurice sent his cosin William earle of Nassau gouernour of Friseland with 10 cornets of horse 24 companies of foot giuing him commission to take 26 companies more out of other places with ordnance and munition and to take the towne of Deutecom from the enemie againe who went before it on the 24 of August making his trenches on the 25 day and the next day he planted two peeces of ordnance and then an other and so began to batter it which they within finding they demand to parle at the first summons making their composition to depart the which they did on the 27 day with foure ensignes Dom Iuigo de Ocaola beeing gouernour who also commanded the castle of Schuylenbergh the which was also yeelded for that hearing of the comming of the Germans armie whereof there was great brute and beeing besieged by the Estates he had called forth the souldiers fearing that otherwise he should not haue any good composition nor yet a conuoy These two places beeing taken the Estates were againe freed for their passage all abouts to the Rhine they put a garrison into Deutecom whereas they found 52 barrels of poulder which done the earle returned to the princes campe on the 29 of August He therefore caused a mightie fort to bee built in the village of Rossem a very commodious place beeing the narrowest part of all the island of Bomel bordering vpon the riuers of Wahal and Meuse with fiue great bulwarkes whereof two to the north and northwest and two others to the south and south west were washt by the Meuse hauing without that counterscarps vpon either riuer like vnto a halfe moone which made two little forts being distant some 1400 paces from prince Maurices halfe moone at Herwaerden which couered his fort of Nassau in the island of Voorn This fort cardinall Andrew of Austria lieutenant generall to the archduke Albert in his absence and his cousin german caused to be called by his name the fort of S. Andrew without doubt an inexpugnable fortresse for the building whereof they cut downe all the willoes and other trees in the island of Bomel the which was left naked of trees Which fort commonly called the key and by some the spectacle of Holland beeing finished the Spanish armie retired from thence and was put into garrisons but soone after they fell to mutine for their paie By reason whereof after that the cardinall Andrew the admirall of Arragon and other commanders and councellors of the Spanish armie had duely obserued and considered that notwithstanding the bridges of yce which God had giuen them vpon the said riuers the waters being so frozen as they might easily haue past both on foot and horse backe the forces which prince Maurice had left in those quarters would haue hindren and annoyed them much they thought it not fit to attempt any thing or at the least not to attempt to passe there whether it were for feare of being beaten or hauing past of a thaw which would haue staied them like mice in a trap besides it may be they had not their souldiers at commaundement by reason of the said mutinies as soone after it appeared very plainly The Germane armie being disorderly broken vp dispersed Genep was taken frō them on the fourth day of Nouember by the admirall who also threatened to besiege Emmeric the which was held yet by the Germans monsieur de Rheyet gouernor of the town doubting it and seeing the Spaniards lie before Genep he sent vnto prince Maurice for aid all the rest of the Germans beeing gone who presently sent colonell Edmonds and Duuen◅ord with fifteene companies of foot and fiue cornets of horse with monsieur Sidleniskie who comming before the towne on the sixteenth of Nouember and thinking to enter they found the townes-men and some of the souldiers in quarrel contrarie to the gouernours mind who durst not then aduenture to let in those supplies who stood still and knew not what to doe In the end colonel Edmonds went to the Rhine gate wherewith the bourgers fell into an vprore in the meane time certaine Germans who were well affected to the Estates beeing within the towne brake open the gate and so hee got in with the losse of few men and then marched along to the stone gate which they opened drawing in the rest of their troupes and so taking order for all things within the towne the colonels with monsieur Sidlenisky and the horsemen left the towne placing ten companies there vnder monsieur de Rheyet for the guard thereof and to preuent the admirals designe who seemed to haue an intent to passe with his armie along the Rhine by Berck and Rees and so to enter into the earledome of Zutphen Thus Emmeric continued still vnder the gouernment of monsieur de Rheyet but in the vnited prouinces paie his Germanes which lay in the towne although they were promised to be duely paied to make them the more willing to serue were so iealous of the others and so inconstant as they could not be staied for that the duke of Brunswick whose men they were had forbidden them and called them home making shewe as if he would imploy them against the towne of Brunswick with whom hee was in quarrell at that time and so vpon the eighteenth day of Ianuarie in the yeare 1600 they left the towne and so through the iealousie of these princes the best resolutions were crost and quite ouerthrowne Thus the great preparation made by the princes and Estates of Germanie which continued the space of a whole yeare vanished away like smoake loosing thereby much of their reputation and discouering their owne weakenesse and diuisions which defects the wisest men did iudge the Spaniards would afterwards make vse of to their aduantage whensoeuer they should command absolutely ouer the Netherlands thereby to make some conquest vpon the frontiers of the empire for it appeared plainely that the admirall sought to effect more by policie than by force spending more money than blood in all his enterprises for when as the admirall saw that prince Maurice had gotten Emmeric againe hee had no will to attempt any thing more that yeare in Cleueland wherefore hee did not onely forbeare to take any more townes for the wintring of his armie but hee also resolued to abandon Rees which serued him to no vse but as an vnprofitable frontier towne from the which he could make no great incursions nor much annoy his enemie neither could hee well hold it but either it should bee forced or else hee should be constrained to keepe a strong garrison to
as could escape the enemies furie hauing acquainted the deputies of the Estates of the accord that was made with him signed with the archduke Alberts owne hand and vnderneath By commaundement from his Highnesse Vasseur they did then beleeue that the archduke was in person in the armie the which before neither they nor prince Maurice could imagine Whereupon the prince was presently aduertised that the archduke was there in person with all his forces and that Oudenbourg Snaskerke were recouered againe by the Spaniard aduising him to be readie in good order and resolute to encounter the enemie Whereupon the said colonel was sent by the prince to ioyne with Cont Ernestus and the Scottishmen to stop the Spaniards passage at the bridge or at the least to stay him a while vntill that the prince should repasse the hauē with his army and cause the ships to retire as he did bringing with him six peeces of ordnance in the head of his foreward Cont Ernestus being vpon the way and marching towards the bridge with two peeces he found that part of the enemies armie was alreadie past against the which he must needs fight to stay them a while But as the Spaniard aduanced his passage and his number encreasing continually the partie being too vnequall the earle hauing maintained the skirmish a long time and very valiantly not being able to subsist any longer hee was forced to giue backe after that he had lost his two peeces and about 800 men most part Scottish men and among thē captains Arthur Stuart Robert Barckley Andrew Murray Iohn Kilpatrich Iohn Michel Iohn Stoachem and Hugh Nyesbeth Scottish captaines of sir William Edmonds regiment whereof Murray and Barckley being prisoners hauing receiued their faith that held them were afterwards most inhumanely murthered in cold blood euen in their armes that had taken them After the same barbarous maner were slaine the captains Turquean la Grappe and Walrauen of the regiment of colonel vander Noot of Zeeland and captaine Ghistels a Zeelander also of colonel Pirons regiment most of the souldiers that were not slaine in the fight beeing taken prisoners were against all law of armes miserably murthered Cont Ernest colonel Edmonds and some other captaines were pursued vnto Alberts fort whereas they saued themselues yet some of their men were slaine euen at the palisado of the said for t The victorious Spaniard puft vp with this good successe in the beginning and to pursue his victorie holding the Estates armie in his opinion alreadie vanquished and prince Maurice and prince Henrie with their hands and feet bound hauing resolued not to leaue one liuing in the whole armie but those two princes to serue him as trophies which designe was solemoly sworne by the captaines and their officers as since it hath beene voluntarily confest by the mouth of many of them that were prisoners in Holland and I my selfe haue heard it auerred in Vtrecht and that they had horror to take such an oath The archduke hauing past the bridge with his whole armie began to march with a stately countenance towards his enemie vpon the sands of the sea carrying with him eight peeces of ordnance with 9 cornets of lances 5 companies of harguebuziers on horsebacke 〈◊〉 of cuirasses and 600 Spanish and Italian horse of the mutiners of Dyest three regiments of Spanish foot two of Italians 5 of Wallons 2 of Burguignons 4 of Germans with some companies of the regiment of cont Frederick vanden Berghe all bending directly towards Nieuport with an intent to charge the prince and the Estates armie in their campe and trenches assuring themselues of victorie by their mornings good successe but the archduke found himselfe deceiued in the opinion which he had conceiued of the prince finding that he had repast the hauen and that he attended him in good order and with a resolute countenance to fight with him Then the archduke and the admirall of Arragon began to thinke otherwise of their affaires abating some part of their first heat so as making no such hast as before they began to dispose of their battailons and squadrons and to come and charge the prince along the seashore the tide beeing farre spent so as there was a great distance betwixt the water and the downes The prince obseruing his enemies countenance hauing disposed of the order of his armie as his little leisure would giue him leaue without any amazement for these first losses the which he kept secret for that he would not discourage his souldiers hauing the wind for him and the sunne in his enemies faces he fronted them a while in order of battel beeing thus disposed Cont Lewis of Nassau lieutenant of the Estates horse brother to cont Ernestus and cousin to the prince had the leading of the foreward with his companie of horse that of cuirasses of the prince commaunded by the seignior of Gant sonne to the seignior of Oyen a Gueldrois the companie of Cont Henry Frederic the princes brother led by captaine Bernard and that of Goddart of Bertenborch in the first squadron of the right wing Vpon the left the second squadron was led by captaine Macellus Bax with his cornet and that of the seignior Paul Bax gouernor of Berghen vp Zoom his brother that of captaine la Salle and of Peter Pauier hauing in the middest of the said squadrons and in the head of the first battailon the princes companie of gards commanded by the seignior vander Aa captaine thereof the companie of the earle of Hohenlo led by the seignior of Strydhorst with Sir Francis Veers regiment of Englishmen being generall of all the English nation that were vnder the Estates seruice himselfe marching in the head of his colonel companie with that of captaine Hamond Yaxlee his sergeant maior of Denis of Daniel Veer of Hamont of Ogle of Tirrel of S. Calisthenes Brooke of Foster of Fairfax of Grant of Holcroft In the second battailon was colonel Horatio Veer brother to the generall sir Francis Veer marching also in the head of his regiment with the companies of Sutton his lieutenant colonel of sir Th. Knowles cōmanded by captain Petfyn of Cecil of Purton of Morgan of Meetkerk of Scot of Vauesor of Caius Hartewiston of Dexbery In the third battailon commanded the seignior Tacco Hottinga with his companie that of the baron of Sidlenisky sergeant maior of the armie led by his lieutenāt of Gasper Euwsum by his lieutenant of Michael Hago of Frederic Gronsteyn of Iean Kyef of Hans van Osthem of Hans Vryes of Hans Zagreman of Quirin Blanw of Edsard Groenesteyn of Egbert Honing of Holsteyn of Assuerus of Gerrit Schau the yonger of Arnsma and of Ripperda which was the regiment of Friseland vnder cont William Lewis of Nassau their colonel gouernour of the said country of Friseland of Groning and of the Ommelands cousin to the prince and brother to the earles Ernest Lodowick of Nassau These 3 battailons of
captaine Mortier and Fernel gentlemen of the artillerie commanding at those sixe peeces that the enemie was neere enough to be endammaged with their cannon hee thereupon gaue them charge to shoote as they did all the commanders beeing retired euery one to his battailon the prince hauing encouraged his souldiers recommends vnto them their honours liues and the fruit of the victorie telling them that there was the place where they must either vanquish or die in fighting or else drinke all that water of the sea which he then shewed them to saue themselues then falling downe vpon his knees he made his prayers and implored Gods aid and succour and so did all his souldiers About two of the clocke in the after noone the princes armie marched with great courage and resolution against the Spaniards and hauing let passe some volleys of great shot which did no great harme but onely one peece past through a squadron of English footmen he began to charge along the sands his cannon hauing endammaged the Spanish horsemen who finding themselues galled on that side and withall the vice-admirall of the Estates houering vp and downe the road did annoy them leauing the sands they entred into the downs and then were there two demie canons planted vpon one of the highest downs which commaunded round about in which downes they did fight long and in diuers charges the victorie beeing long in ballance vnder a doubtfull fight inclining sometimes to the one partie and sometimes to the other first one retiring and then another the which no man can particularly describe for that the greatnesse heat and furie of the fight was in the downes among those sandie hilles in seauen or eight seuerall charges so as no man could discerne what was done in all places by reason of those little hilles but onely that which was before his eies the downes hindring the sight of that which others did So as in this battell euery one was for himselfe taking away the knowledge as well of those that prospered in their armes as of such as wanted helpe which made them thinke that euery one had enough to doe for himselfe without caring for his companion and that here he must either find his victory or his graue The battel continued so long as the tide came vp to the foot of the downs so as there were some among the Estates Frisons who seeing some of their horsemen turne their backes the which fell out often on either side thinking that all was lost and flying into the sea to get to their ships were drowned yet the body of the Frisons returning to charge on the one side generall Veer and colonel Horatio his brother with the English on another side the seignior Domeruille with the French and the other colonels in other places beeing incouraged by the prince did so gall and tire the Spaniards Italians that were mutined who were more obstinate in the fight than all the rest and behaued themselues as valiantly as any souldiers could doe besides cont Lodowicke of Nassau the earle of Solins the captaines Gant and Balen charged them so furiously with their horsemen out of the downs into the meadows as they durst returne no more into the downes for feare of the princes cannon which did much annoy them so as beeing prest by these troups their footmen beeing defeated of another side and all their caualarie disordered by the princes battel they find that all their resistance was in vaine and that their souldiers were too weake to endure so great force so as euery one seekes to saue himselfe some flying towards Nieuport the rest to other places of easiest accesse for them The duke of Aumale retired beeing lightly hurt The archduke seeing this disorder hauing no meanes to recouer that which hee had but newly lost he leaues his armes and turnes head with the first towards Bruges where he saues himselfe but looseth all his houshold artillerie and baggage and abandons all to the victors mercie who in his furie kils all be encounters without respect mercie or ransom The slaughter of the mutined Spaniards who had bin most wilfull in the fight was very great receiuing a iust reward for their cruelty in the morning the Scottish men sparing not any one for an expiation of their companions that were slaine the same day yea their choller and rage was so great as they that fledde and were ouertaken were slaine like beasts and some were murthered being prisoners euen in their armes that had taken them and would willingly haue saued their liues The victory continued vntill night chasing taking and killing The blood of men slaine dyed the fields and the slaughtered carcasses lay dispersed ouer the countrey vpon the lands downs and medowes so as the number of them that were slaine on the archdukes part exceeded 6000 and about 800 prisoners who were in great danger of their liues euen the admirall of Arragon being taken prisoner and led to Oostend if he had not bene in the princes company The prince and the Estates as well at the first incounter in the morning as at this battaile lost aboue 2000 men among others Bernard Couteler and Hamelton captaines of horse and some 20 captaines of foot but noe man of marke On the archdukes side were slaine the earle of Saume the earle of la Fere the Seneshall of Montelimar the baron of Pimereul Chassey Ottigny sonne to the president Richardot Dom Gaspar de Sapena colonel who died at Oostend Dom Diego de Torres Dom Gaspar de Loyaza Dom Gonzalo d'Espinola Dom Ioan de Pardo Dom Garciade Toledo Dom Lopes de Capata Dom Alonzo Carcamo Dom Louis Faccardo Sebastien Velasco Sebastien Doteloa Christoual Verdugues Mettheo d'Otteuille Ioannetin de Casa nueua the pay master Alines and many others which are yet vnknowne to vs and cannot recouer their names Among the prisoners besides Dom Francisco de Mendoza admirall of Arragon lieutenant generall of the archdukes armie there were Dom Baptista de Villanoua who was conueyed to Horne in Holland Dom Alonzo Ricquel to Delft Dom Gonzalo Hernandes de Spinosa to Vtrecht Dom Pedro de Montenegro to the Hage Dom Pedro de Velasco to Berghen vp Zoom Dom Pedro de Leusina to Enchuisen Dom Antonio de Mendoza to Berghen also with Dom Frācisco de Torres Among them of the archdukes houshold there was the cont Carlo Rezi Dom Diego de Gusman and Mortier all three pages and Dom Pedro de Monte-maior a gentleman taster his physition barber harbinger rider cooke porter the groomes of his chamber some of the archers and halbardiers of his guard and in a manner all his houshold 3 priests or monks 40 ancients 37 pencioners which are ancients and sergeants reformed as they tearme them They lost sixe peeces of ordnance and those two of cont Ernestus were recouered there were 136 ensignes of foot taken and 5 cornets of horse comprehending the mutiners standard and the colours that
were lost the same day were recouered Prince Maurice beeing victorious did camp that night vpon the place of battell the next day he returned with his armie to Oostend leading the admirall of Arragon with him wheras he the deputies of the Estates the commanders of the armie with many captaines and others assisting gaue solemne thankes vnto God for such an vnexpected victorie proceeding from his onely hand The prince staied at Oostend vntill the sixt day of the moneth to take some course for the supplying of his companies that were spoiled whilest that the souldiers did refresh themselues of their labours past Such as discourse of warre at their pleasures and consider not the variable euents which doe often happen vnlooked for would haue wisht that the prince should haue pursued his victorie after another manner and that the deputies of the Estates beeing in Oostend should haue sent forth both the horse and foot that were in the towne to cut off the passage at the bridge by the which the Spaniards were come the which was the archdukes onely retreat where they might easily haue beene taken and besides they might haue made a great bootie of their baggage which remained behind But such as talke thus although it had beene well done doe not say that the deputies might well coniecture but they could not precisely iudge what the issue would be so as they were not certainely aduertised of the victorie vntill it was compleat by the defeat and flight of the enemie so as they could not haue pursued them so suddainly but they would haue past the bridge as they did and brake it after them being late before the victorie was assured Besides there is an ancient prouerb That you must make a bridge of gold to a flying enemie And although the prince besides those troupes that were in Oostend had horse and foot enough that were fresh and fit enough to pursue them yet contenting himselfe with the victorie and to remaine master of the field he did forbid his men to follow after them for that he would not hazard them too much what did they know whether the archduke had any fresh troupes beyond the bridge who fortifying them that fled would either through shame or despaire haue made them returne to the charge Others demanded why the prince seeing his enemie was defeated and the countrey of Flanders and Arthois shaken returned not presently before Nieuport or at the least that hee besieged not the forts about Oostend the which it may be would haue yeelded presently whereby he should haue assured the towne better and made the whole countrie contribute To whom I must answer That the town of Nieuport was not to be taken suddainly nor yet the forts which are almost inaccessible by reason of the waters as it hath beene well knowne since were not to yeeld so easily as such conquerours haue imagined into the which colonell Barlotte a resolute souldier and not to be terrified with small matters was retired Moreouer the prince assured himselfe that the archduke would seeke to repaire his armie with all speed and therfore he would willingly attend the earle of Hohenloo his brother in law with his troupes to fortifie his campe Besides there were many things to bee ordered so as hee could not haue lesse than fiue or sixe daies libertie to prouide for all necessarie occasions and for his souldiers to refresh themselues and withall in a manner halfe the armie was busied to prouide for their companions and camerados that were wounded and to haue them drest also to assure themselues of their prisoners whereof a great number of them were also hurt The fift day after the defeat the prince beeing gone to set downe againe before Nieuport hauing againe past the hauen called backe his shippes landed his canon intrencht his campe and made his platformes for his batterie the same night there entred three regiments of foot into the towne the which they could not hinder for that the place was not fully besieged besides the fiue companies that were in garrison in the towne before so as the besieged about the twelfth of the moneth made a gallant sallie with about a thousand men betwixt one and two of the clocke in the afternoone and came and charged the princes men in their trenches ioyning vnto the towne with a furious skirmish the which was so well maintained and the besieged so repulst as they were forced to retire but not content therewith they returned the next day but they preuailed no more than at the first neither was there in both these skirmishes any great losse on either side All which the prince hauing well considered and the multitude of men that were within the towne that it would not bee easie to take by assault without greater forces than hee had and without a long siege the which would greatly haue weakened his armie and it may bee haue wasted the tenth part of his souldiers the which at that time and according to the place were fewe enough which he had no need to wast prodigally for such a paltrie place the which at his departure he must of necessitie haue abandoned although hee had forced it or els to haue beene in danger to haue beene soone taken againe besides at that time there was nothing to be gotten there therefore he resolued to raise his campe and to make an honest retreat Wherfore on the 17 of the moneth he commanded to imbarke all the cannon the tents pauilions and at the first high tide to haue the ships get out of the hauen to returne towards Oostend being resolued to besiege the forts of Isabella Clara and Grottendorst to the end also that he should be no more in danger to bee shut vp as the enemie had thought to haue done knowing well that the Spanish commanders prepared for a new armie to haue their reuenge if they might Moreouer in besieging the said forts if hee were willing to attend them and to fight with them with such forces as might haue come vnto him he had Oostend alwaies at his backe whither he might at all times retire himselfe without danger and goe to sea whensoeuer he pleased to returne into Holland So the next day the prince hauing repast the hauen of Nieuport with his armie he went to besiege the fort of Isabella lodging in the meadows towards the sea neere vnto the downes on which side by the meanes of Clara Grottendorst the said fort might haue bin relieued at need wherefore he caused 2 peeces of ordnance to be planted on the downs looking towards the approaches 4 others vpon Oostend side neere vnto the fort of Albert to batter that of Isabella and the 19 of the moneth he planted 6 cannons more and somewhat neerer with which 10 peeces he began to batter the next day 2 or 3 houres onely whereby they did conceiue that hee must vse greater force or else he should preuaile little Notwithstanding though al
that mony to the poore which would be much more acceptable vnto God And so Geertruy denbergh was freed from that practise THE XVI BOOKE The Argument THe castle of Crapoll surprised by the Estates Incursions made by them of Rhineberke into Cleues and Iuilliers The gouernour of Stralen ouerthrowne and taken The castle of Cracowe taken for prince Maurice The force of the vnited prouinces at sea An enterprise vpon Flessingue The duke of Neuers title to the duchie of Brabant Mutinies among the archdukes souldiers A practise to sacke Antuerpe The Estates prepare to go to field Rhineberck besieged The archduke resolues to besiege Oostend The description of Oostend Hee inuests it The prince sends to Oostend Rhineberck yeelded to prince Maurice He takes Moeurs Dom Catris generall of the Spanish armie slaine before Oostend Monsieur Chastillon slaine with a canon Vander Noot gouernor of Oostend leaues the towne A fire in the archdukes for t Aduertisements out of the campe The archdukes losse before Oostend The Estates resolue to besiege Boisleduc The archduke prepares to releeue Boisleduc The Estates raise their siege from thence Mastricht refuseth to receiue souldiers Oostend in danger to be taken They of Oostend parle with the archduke The treatie broken off The archduke giues a generall assault at Oostend His losse at it Sir Francis Veer retires from Oostend The sea ouerflowes Oostend Mutinie in the archdukes campe The Estates prepare to go to field Prince Maurice offers battaile to the admirall of Arragon The prince besiegeth Graue The admirall camps by him Graue yeelded to prince Maurice The mutiners of the admirals armie seize vpon Hoochstraten The admirall discharged of his generals place The mutiners of Hoochstraten banished Their answer to the proscription The popes Nuntio sent vnto them Eight cornets of the archdukes horses defeated Frederic Spinola brings six gallies into the Netherlands They are defeated by the Netherlandships The Estates make an incursion into Luxembourg A fight betwixt the gallies and the Estates ships Frederic Spinola slaine in the gallies The archduke besiegeth the mutiners in Hoochstraten Prince Maurice rayseth the siege He brings his armie before Boisleduc The archdukes armie followes him Marquesse Spinola reformes the armie Prince Maurice retires from Boisleduc The gouernour of Oostend slaine The Estates land with an armie in Flandes they take diuers forts neere to Sluce besiege Isendike and take it by composition Sluce besieged by the prince A generall assault at Oostend The mutiners reconciled to the archduke The marquesse Spinola comes to releeue Sluce he is repulst and the towne yeelded to the prince Oostend yeelded to the archduke A treatie of peace betwixt England and Spaine A discourse touching the peace in the Netherlands The earle of Hertfords embassage to the archduke An enterprise made by the prince vpon the Scheld and the taking of Wowe Spinola takes Linghen An enterprise vpon Berghen Spinola goes into Spaine Grol taken by composition Rhineberck yeelded to Spinola An enterprise vpon Sluce A tumult in Antuerpe Groningue castle rased The earle of Bronk murthered by the Spaniards A fight in the straits of Gibraltar betwixt the Spaniards and the Hollanders ships A treatie of peace betwixt the archduke and the vnited prouinces their deputies meet at the Hage The breaking off of the treatie ABout the fifteenth of Ianuarie 80 horse and some footmen of the Estates men surprised the castle of Crapoll in Lembourg forcing open the port with a petard where they found a good bootie of money iewels and plate which had beene brought by such as had fled thither for safetie There they tooke Harman Sohuyl the drossart brother to the rent-master carrying the best of the goods away with them and so left the castle beeing presently pursued by foure or fiue hundred horse as farre as the countrey of Iuilliers where they met some of their owne troupes who releeued them The Spanish garrisons lying in Rhineberck and in Gueldre all this winter made incursions into the countries of Iuilliers and Cleues the which they spoyled taking certain wagons belonging vnto the duke of Cleues the which they carried to Rhineberck and made good prize thereof for which cause the duke commaunded certaine ships of Berck to be staid at Duysseldorp Besides these iniuries the mutinous souldiers of Hamont to whom the towne and castle of Weert had beene deliuered for their securitie did wonderfully oppresse them of Iuilliers forcing them vpon some pretences to pay fortie thousand gulderns for which cause the garrisons vnder prince Maurice demanded the like summe in regard they gaue so much vnto the Spaniards their enemies and did not remaine neuters as they had promised so as the countrey was miserably oppressed and spoiled whereupon many townes and seigniories leuied men for their defence seeking by all the meanes they could to free the Rhine and offering a good summe of money for the same sometimes getting pasports from them of Rhineberck to passe vp to Cologne with ships laden with herring butter and cheese c. The house and castle of Cracowe with the lordship thereof being giuen as we haue said by the countesse of Moeurs vnto prince Maurice it belonging vnto the earledome of Moeurs was before in the yeare 1586 giuen by the duke of Parma vnto Salentin earle of Isenbourgh vpon some pretence which the said earl had euer since holden in his possession and now there lay one captaine Longehuyuen in it with 15 or 16 men it being a strong fort seated in a marsh Prince Maurice vnderstanding that this winter the ice in the ditches was not broken nor kept open he caused captaine Cloet to attempt to surprise it with 300 horse out of Nimeghen and some foot out of Wachtendonc and to that end Cloet went with his horsemen to Nieukerke on the 8 of Februarie Whereof Dulcken gouernor of Stralen being aduertised hee followed him with 400 horse and 4 or 500 foot and in the morning before sun-rising he sodainly charged Cloets companies in the village so as there were 40 of his horsemen wounded and taken before the rest by reason of the noise of people and barking of dogs could arme and get out of the village who being once out they put themselues in order of battaile but Stralen followed them not retiring with his troups by a deepe way which was of great aduantage to defend his footmen against Cloets horsemen hauing taken 30 of his men prisoners most being of prince Maurice his companie the which were soone taken from them againe for Cloet beeing much discōtented with this losse fetcht a compasse about by another way where he met with them entring vpon a heath charging them both before and behind he slew many both horse and foot vpon the place the rest fled into a certaine place where hee presently besieged them and forced them to yeeld vpō composition paying their ransoms he suffered 370 of the common souldiers to depart onely retaining Dulcken gouernor of Stralen
feare of his owne souldiers yet vpon his faire promises and the hope they had of the yeelding vp of Oostend and that the archdukes Estates wold make some great attempt the souldiers contented themselues so as for a time he was verie wel serued in the continuance of this siege The Estates of the vnited prouinces hauing taken good order for the defence of Oostend they intended to attempt something this summer and hauing conferred with prince Maurice their lieutenant generall about the end of March they began to gather an armie together the which was greater and better ordered than euer so as in Aprill and May they had the goodliest armie readie that could be seene not for number of men but for martiall discipline the princes campe being like vnto a towne furnished with all necessaries for the life of man so well fortified in the night lying in field and marching in the day time in such good order as it was not possible to get any aduantage ouer them Finally there wanted nothing to this bodie led by a wise head with such obedience of all the members as those which haue seene this armie consisting of six and twentie thousand fighting men horse and foot confesse that they had neuer seene the bodie of an armie more pleasant to behold nor more to be feared but aboue all in regard of the baggage the which was wonderfully well ordered All being readie the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces published a declaration at the Hage in Holland by the which they gaue a reason of their action and inuited the Brabansons Flemings and others to ioyne with them and to helpe them to expell the Spaniards and their adherents out of the countrey whose insolencies they described briefely with protestation to continue in their iust enterprise to maintaine the liberties priuiledges and freedomes of the countrey Which declaration being put in print was sent vnto all the prouinces but the people that were subiect to the Spaniard durst not moue nor speake a word attending an end of the siege of Oostend and what the armie of either side should doe The archduke hearing that the prince marched in so good order and that hee entred into the countrey of Liege being now at S. Trudon and at Maseek where hee made his prouisions besides that which hee had brought with him hee caused his troups also to march vnder the command of the admirall of Arragon to whom the prince did twice offer battaile the which remembring that of Nieuport where the archduke had beene so wel beaten and himselfe taken prisoner hee would neuer accept neither had he any charge to do it keeping himselfe within his fort Prince Maurice seeing how hard it would be to draw the Spaniard to fight hauing marcht farre into the enemies countrey without any incounter and taken from him the townes of Eindouen and Helmont with the castle he took another resolution and turning head marcht towards the strong towne of Graue the which notwithstanding it had a strong garrison he besieged and intrencht himselfe after his accustomed maner as well against the besieged as against the archdukes armie Graue is the chiefe towne of the land of Cuyck lying vpon the Meuse in times past it was vnder the duchie of Gueldres but afterwards brought vnder Brabant and was pawned to Maximilian earle of Egmont and Buren the which William prince of Orange who maried his daughter and heire bought and inioyed it long After the pacification of Gant certain Dutch souldiers holding it for the Spaniard were by the princes souldiers with the helpe of the bourgers thrust out and fortie of them slaine In the yeare 1586 it was besieged by the duke of Parma and soone yeelded by monsieur Hemert who was gouernour since which time being strong by scituation it was fortified with many bulwarks rauelins and counterscarps and is at this day one of the strongest townes in all the Netherlands The gouernour at that time was Antonio Gonzales a Spaniard the garrison consisted most of Italians and Spaniards and some companies of Dutch vnder Pangus Gallays of Tyrol lieutenant to colonell Tislingh put themselues into it being in all fifteene hundred men besides the bourgers who by reason of the souldiers insolencies were not aboue 3 or 400. The towne wanted neither ordnance munition nor victuals Vpon the eight of August they made a sallie vpon cont William of Nassaus quarter where the fight continued an houre with the losse of fifteene of their men the earle had thirtie slaine and wounded The admirall of Arragon with Frederic earle of Bergh and other commanders of the archdukes armie marcht towards the land of Cuyck and lay there certaine dayes whilest that the prince fortified his campe On the tenth of August in the morning hee marcht towards the quarter whereas the prince himselfe lay making a stand within a quarter of a mile in a village called Lynde where hee insconced himselfe and cast a bridge ouer the Meuse that hee might not bee distrest for victuals They of the towne discouering his approach made great signes of ioy in shooting off their ordnance which the admirall answered And on the 13 day early in the morning they made a sally out of the towne vpon cont Williams quarter and at the same time the admirall approached neere vnto the princes campe both with horse and foot but lying too open to the princes ordnance he retired to his lodging Vpon the fifteenth of August they within the towne made another sallie with three hundred men vpon the English quarter where they came to the push of the pike Among the English there was one captaine Keyes Hertoghen who was a Dane borne yet seruing among them with some sixteene or seuenteene souldiers slaines and of the towne there were fiftie slaine and hurt And on the seuenteenth day they made another sally with seuen hundred men vpon the English quarter but after some fight the ordnance forced them to retire with some losse of either side The admirals men skirmished sometimes with the princes guard and hee brought his ordnance so neere as he shot into the princes camp and slew many souldiers so as they were constrained to fortifie their trenches against him Among others Andreas de Roy an expert enginer and much esteemed by prince Maurice for his industrie and knowledge was shot looking ouer the rampars and so were diuers captaines And on the two and twentieth of August sir Francis Veer generall of the English was shot in the necke and cheeke so as beeing forced to retire himselfe from the campe by reason of his wound Henrie Frederic of Nassau prince Maurice his brother had the charge giuen him of the English quarter The admirall began then to bee scanted of victuals in his armie for that Brabant had bin quite spoyled and wasted the which together with their bad pay made the souldiers murmure so as finding that want would force him to retire from the place where
many yeares haue hazarded both life and goods without fee or recompence and as it were for the honor of God to maintaine their highnesses in their estates should bee in danger for want of other paiment to dye with hunger and miserie it is reasonable that the said squadron Electo and counsell should let all the world vnderstand with what vntruthes and horrible cruelties the sayd proscription is fraught to the end that the iustice of their cause being knowne by this declaration euerie one may iudge if the archdukes haue reason thus to thunder out their choller against them the which should terrifie women and babes but not men Choller makes their highnesses to say wee say choller for truth cannot iustifie it that they had assembled their armie together to succour the towne of Graue beeing then besieged by the enemie What meanes this was the towne of Graue besieged at Tillemont was it not besieged aboue a moneth after How could their highnesses succour Graue at Tillemont so long before it was besieged Hee addes with the like ground And going my selfe in person to put this designe in execution What is hee among vs or any other that did euer see him in the armie when as prince Maurice would come to visit vs and to charge vs vpon our owne dunghill beeing accompanied by them who had two yeares before so roughly entertained their highnesses neere vnto Nieuport The world knowes they sometimes busie themselues at Brussels sometimes at Gant to giue order to their affayres to the end their persons may bee no more subiect to bee exposed to such dangers Wee confesse notwithstanding that his highnesse after that the towne of Graue was lost came vnto the armie not for that they had any need of his person for hee came to whet his armes against his friends and faithfull subiects seeing that hee had found his enemies weapons so sharpe and his owne too much blunted in the countrey of Flanders to cut the knot of so strong an vnion If wee speake trueth or not they of Venloo and of Ruremonde can beare witnesse Hee sayes with the like truth That at such time as his highnesse did endeuour to succour the towne of Graue we vnder colour of a mutinie did abandon our ensignes Arithmetike or the art of numbring should not bee practised by troubled spirits Choller is also an enemie vnto the memorie but if a friend helpe to supply the defect of anothers memorie hee deserues some recompence If for such a courtesie wee deserue reward it is in your highnesse to acknowledge it And to speake the trueth which all the world may well remember as well our friends as our enemies but that some haue shadowed it with passion vntill that their troubled spirits may bee purified with the light of trueth wee say That wee did imploy our selues to serue their highnesses without any respect to the extreame necessitie and desolation whereunto wee were brought for want of money so long as the admirall of Arragon who was our leader and not his highnesse was camped neere vnto the towne of Graue neither did wee begin to seeke any meanes for our pay vntill that the armie was retired farre from the towne and that the sayd admirall of Arragon had no further meaning to make any attempt to succour it nor against prince Maurice his armie This was apparent when as the seigniour of Grobendonc gouernour of the towne of Boisleduc after that hee had laboured long in vaine propounding all the reasons hee could deuise to persuade the admirall to seize vpon the towne of Rauestein and by that meanes to cut off the victuals which came vnto prince Maurice his armie the onely meanes to hinder his designe in the end seeing hee could not preuaile hee returned with much discontentment then wee began to embrace the pursuit of our iust and reasonable cause If all those that haue taken this course are to bee held for traitors and rebels there is not any one in their highnesses seruice that can be free from this imputation for who are they that were euer payed taking any other course Their highnesses name Dyest Weert and Carpen places which can beare witnesse of our words the remembrance beeing yet fresh of that which hath lately happened It is also obiected That there is little due vnto vs or nothing at all and that our demaunds are false being men newly come out of Italy and other places and that a little before we had beene fully payed at Dyest Weert Carpen c. If that be true or not the accounts can witnesse and if the summe of three millions of gulderns bee held little by their highnesses yet is it a verie great summe vnto vs. But admit the summe bee small as their highnesses say it is so much the more easie to find it neither should they for a small matter haue suffered vs to fall into this extremitie As for treaties and intelligences which wee haue with their highnesses enemies wee find it strange that they maintaine and hold it to bee contrarie to all law and reason seeing that in their proscription they confesse that it hath beene to maintaine our selues with them for when as wee did see their highnesses armes turned against vs as intestine enemies in stead of giuing audience to our iust complaints was it not time beeing reasonable creatures to doe that which brute beasts doe teach vs which oppose themselues with all their force against those that seeke to oppresse them Our actions then are not without some ground of reason nay they are rather grounded vpon reason it selfe and vpon the common law necessitie beeing free from all law euen the law of nature which hath giuen this instinct to all creatures not to forget any thing which may tend to their preseruation It is a lamentable thing that they which for so many yeares haue hazarded their liues and powred out their blouds so willingly for their highnesses seruice should bee now forced to hold their liues as it were in fee of their enemies and their highnesses on the other side should seek al means to root them out depriuing them of their liues wiues children food and friends as doth plainely appeare by the said proscription His highnesse remembers the example of Dauid who retired himselfe to Achis king of the Philistâ—…ms his capitall enemie when hee was forced to flye from before the face of Saul his lord It may please his highnesse to let the most worthy Infanta vnderstand these reasons and not to thinke it strange if wee as souldiers haue sought to imitat the example of such a man of warre as Dauid was It is said That these course were neuer taken by others Whereunto wee will make no other answer but That all our companions know the contrarie How did they of Sichem carrie themselues who had their deputies continually at the Hage hauing egresse and regresse into Breda at their pleasures and remaining in Langthstrate vnder their wings which doe now
nobility in mindâ—… of that which you once haue done and that you will attempt to do it againe at someother time counseling them therefore by preuention so to shorten and clip your wings and to put such a bit into your mouth as they may be assured and out of doubt thereof These arguments and naturall reasons grounded vpon mutuall care cannot by any meanes be taken from you for say that the Emperor the Pope the King of France England and other Princes make promises and bind them-selues that the Articles concluded shall bee truly and fully obserued and kept what will that helpe you you must neuer the lesse lay your head in your reconcled ennemies lap you must liue vnder his fauor and at his deuotion but when soeuer you are executed or other wise oppressed and haue no meanes nor power to helpe your selues which of these cautions will you charge with his promise before what iudge wil you plead your cause who shall serue execution vpon the principall debtor or the suerty paraduenture you thinke that if the Pope warrenteth the contract and put his seale there-vnto with declaration that the old cannon which is not to hold any faith with heretickes in that respect shall bee of no force that as then you are well assured but say that the Pope that now is did it who shall assure you that his successor will confirme it may he not say my predecessor erred I haue the the power to breake as being voyde and of none effect what so euer is done against the Catholike Religon let it bee done by whome soeuer it will but bee it that the Poope saith not so may not the King of Spaine him-selfe maintaine and say that vppon many waighty reasons hee being a soueraigne monarch who is not subiect to any iudge what soeuer may discharge himselfe of his contract and dispence there-with according to the argument of Docter Ayala aforesayd as in effect the King that last died brake and recalled al his contracts made for certaine years with the Italian marchants and thus you shall finde your selues intrapped on euery side wheresoeuer you turne you As touching the securitie of Princes and Potentates it is meere follie once to thinke that any sureties will beginne or vndertake for to make warres in your behalfe no man halteth for an other mans lamenesse the charges and the troubles of warres are so great as no man will take them in hand for the loue or profit of strangers yea men feare to enter thereinto although they should thereby reuenge their owne wrongs Looke into the Articles of peace made betweene the Kings of France and Spaine in the yeare of our Lord 1598. haue not the Spaniards by taking of townes vpon the confines of the Empire by ouer running Cleaue-land and other neighbour countries and by ransaking spoyling and offering of a thousand wrongs broken the same and yet France will not make any warres in the behalfe of those countries looke into the example of the Queene of England of famous memorie late deceased that although the King of Spaine sought by many practises and open force to inuade her crowne and countrie yet how vnwilling shee was neuerthelesse to assaile him with a iust offensiue warre but was content to defend her owne notwithstanding that by your aide and with halfe charges shee might haue assured her Estate What hope haue you then to expect that any forraine Prince when soeuer you shal be oppressed and that the charges must onely fall vpon him will reuenge your wrongs To speake of the Emperor it is needelesse for that no man is so simple as not to conceiue that there is more partialitie then trust to bee expected at his hands But you say the Emperor and the Princes of Germanie yea and the whole Empire doe of themselues offer to imbrace our cause and as good mediators will procure vs a good peac shall wee distrust both enemies and friends and heare no mans counsell I answere that you haue more then to many reasons to suspect all whatsoeuer that commeth from the Emperor not onely in regard of his neerenesse of bloud vnto the King of Spaine and the Arch-duke but in respect of his owne actions and proceedings against them of the Religion of Aix and namely against his owne subiects in Bohemia Hungaria Austria Slesia and other his countries hauing also winckt at the Admirall of Arragons actions and left the oppressed subiects of the borders of the Empire comfortlesse As touching the Empire and the Princes thereof although that many of them are well to be trusted yet diuers of them depend vpon the Pope and consequently on Spaine In the yeare of our Lord 1598. you saw the bad agreement that was amongst them and the slowenesse they vsed in helping and comforting of their oppressed members togither with the badde gouernment of their affaires by reason of the great number of diuerslie affected leaders All of them togither by their Ambasages and admonitions seeke to procure a peace for the profit and commoditie of the Netherlands but much more for their owne perswading themselues that by the Netherlandes warre they receiue some hurt and preiudice and fall into many extreamities seeking and desiring therefore to cease them let the Religion and your preuiledges doe as they may And whensoeuer artciles should bee broken they will doe much lesse for you then they haue done for their vnited companions and members of the Empire negligently ouerslipping the great daunger that approcheth them as soone as the Netherlanders which God forbid should bee brought into subiection and they that vnderstand the same as there are some will neuer giue you counsell to liue vnder the Spaniardes subiection but will humblie thanke you that you still continue as a stronge bul-warke for them and turne awaie the warres Touching other Princes of Christendome there is no hope to be had in regard of their weakenesse Therefore beloued Netherlanders helpe your selues and God will help you be not deceiued by cunning practises seeing you haue by armes maintained your cause so long put not your trust in any man but in the vprightnesse of your cause and Gods assured aid who for these 37. yeares in strange alterations and feareful accidents hath vpholden defended and brought you to this present estate from henceforth by his mighty hand shall lead and conduct you if you hold fast by his word and will follow his starre of direction as the wise men in the East did thinke often vpon things past set former actions before your eyes and therein as in a cleare glasse you shall rightly learne to know Gods mercies shewed vnto you were not the first beginning of these troubles wonderfull and strange In anno 1566. there rose such a zeale in the chiefe Noblemen of the Netherlands to defend the liberties of their natiue country as they bound themselues there-vnto There was such an assemblie of the common people in all townes by thousands such a
and assistance of the Emperors Maiestie Princes Estates and commonalties of Germanie for the maintenance and support of their resolued vndertaken and now for many yeares continued gouernment might obtaine the meanes to chase away from their frontiers all such as seeke the subuersion of the Netherlands they would acknowledge it for a great grace and fauour whereof if they might bee assured they would vppon their request make a more plaine and ample declaration and let them know by the effects how much they did grieue at these bloudie warres But if the sayd Treatie tended to no other end they then intreated the Emperor Princes and Townes in regarde of the good of the Netherlands and the reputation of the whole Empire to take their refusall of a pasport with the time and place of meeting in good part Touching any wrongs done or insolencies committed by their souldiers vpon the frontiers of the Empire as also concerning the raising of new licences tolles and other Imposts they sayd that they did hope to take such a course as they should haue no iust cause of complaint But in the troublesome time to giue ouer any townes and Fortes which they for the good and seruice of the Empire and ◅o withstand the enemies inuasion had beene forced to take to their great charge and till then held they did presume that the Emperor Princes and Townes would hold it to bee contrarie to all pollicie and lawes of Estate and so much the rather for that the Marquis Spinolas desseigne was to passe his armie ouer the Rhine from whom the frontiers of the Empire were to expect no better then they had found at the hands of the Admirall of Arragon in the yeare 1598. This was the Estates answer vnto the proposition made by the Emperor Princes and Townes desiring Maximilian de Co◅hi to make a fauourable report of their sayd answer their letter bearing date the last of May 1605. In March this yeare Cont Frederic Vanden Berghe Brother to Cont Herman had a certaine enterprise vpon Rhinberk the which beeing discouered fayled so as hee was forced to retire yet without any losse of his men This yeare in Aprill the King of England sent his Ambassador into Spaine to see the King sweare the peace and at the same time hee sent Edward Lord Seymor Earle of Hertford sonne to the Duke of Somerset vnto the Archdukes to the same effect who arriuing at Dunkirke with a gallant traine of Noblemen and Gentlemen were honourably receiued there by Diego Ortes Gouernor of the Towne The Baron of barbanson brother to the Earle of Arenbergh Captaine of their Highnesse Archers attended him there All the Ordinance of the Towne was shotte off in a manner against the Estates shippes of warre which laye before it who in like manner to doe the Earle honor discharged all their Ordinance Hee had the like reception giuen him at Nieuport by Dom Pedro d'Alega the Gouernor and at Bruges by Monsieur de Croselles of the house of Montmorencie Gouernor of the Towne and great Bayliffe of Franke. Thether the Earle of Busquoy Maister of the Ordinance was sent to entertaine him The Earle comming to Alost hee was mette by the Earle of Ligny the Baron of La Bastie a French-man with diuerse other Gentlemen whether the Duke of Aumale sent a Gentleman with letters of congratulation vnto the Earle The Earle approching neere vnto Brussells within a mile of the towne hee was first mette by the Duke of Aumaule then by the Duke of Arschot the Marquis Spinola two Poland Dukes the Marquis of Hauerec the Earle of Aremberg the Prince of Palestrina the Prince of Caserte Dom Louis de Velasco Cont Theodore Trivulce Cont Frederick Vanden Berghe and many other Noblemen and Gentlemen The next day after his arriuall at Brussells hee was visited by the Marquis of Laguna sonne to the Duke of Medina Caeli Ambassador for the King of Spaine with the Archdukes At the Earle of Hertfords comming to Brussells the Archdukes were attended on with great estate wherof I will make some particular relation and first of the Inf◅ntaes ladies without any distinctiō of precedence First there was the Lady Iohanna of Chassincourt her Chamberlaine the chiefe of her Ladies of honor were the Countesses of Vsedale Busquoy and La Fere her Maides of honor were the Lady Claudia Catherina Liuia her Sewer and cousin to her Chamberlaine the Lady of Croy her Caruer the Lady of Selles the Lady of Montmorencie the Lady Maria Manuel a Spanish Ladie the Lady Magdeline de Bye the Lady of Marle the Lady Vincentia of Ferrara the Ladyes Ermesyna and Clara daughters to the Earle of Aremberghe the Lady of Balanson Cousin to Varambon the Lady Marguerite of Bourgondie Cousin to the Earle of Busquoy with twelue other waighting women most of them Spaniards There were then also present to honor the Infanta the Countesse of Mansfeldt daughter to the Earle of Egmond the Countesse of Aremberghe the Marquesse of Berghen the Countesse of Egmont the Countesses of Barlaimont Lalaine Solue Bossu Fontenay Berghe Bye Essingen Fressin and Bruay the Countesse of Saint Aldegonde the Countesse of Bassigny and the Countesse of Malespina The Lady of Brabanson the ◅ady of Liekerke the Lady of Terrayse the Lady of Blancheual the Lady of Liques the Lady of Chassey the Lady of Liliers and diuers others Vpon the Archduke their attended the Earle of Essengen the Earle of Saint Aldegond the Marquis of Monte-negro his Mayordomo Don Pedro de Ponce the Vicont Octauio his chiefe chamberlaine DonGaston Spinola vice chamberlaine Don Innigo de Mendosa Don Diego de Mexia Don Diego d' Acuna Don Alonzo d' Aualos Don Inigo de Borgia Brother to the Duke of Gandia and Captaine of the Castle of Antwerp the Earle Enenbergh Cont Frederic vander Berghe captaine of the garde the Lord of Brabanson brother to the Earle of Arembergh captaine of the Archers with many others Besides al these attendants there were diuers knights of the order of the golden fleece as the Duke of Arschot the Marquis of Haurec the Earle of Aremberg the Marquis Spinola There were also the Earle of Egmont the Earle of Solme the Marquis of Robaix sonne to the Earle of Ligny the Marquis of Renty sonne to the Earle of Solme the Earle of Busquoy Henin Hochstrate Rassingen Isenburgh Bee Euerbergh Bossu and Fresin most of them young Earles The Lord of Seuenbergen Sonne to the Earle of Arembergh the Lord of Chalon Nephew to the Earle or Mansfeldt the Lord of Wesemael the Lord of Vendesy of the house of Montmorency Of strange noblemen there were the Duke d' Aumale the Duke of Ossuna Don Iohn de Medicis base brother to the Duke of Florence the Prince of Caserta a Neopolitaine the Prince of Palsterino a Columnese the Marquis of Malespina of the house of Paluoisin Cont Thedore Triuultio Don Louis de velasco generall of the light horsemen with many
in Holland taken by the Protestants 589 Creuecaeur yeelded to Prince Maurice 1230 Cruelty of the Spaniards against the French at Mons 490 Cruelties of the Spaniards in Neutrall countries of Germanie vnder the Admirall of Arragon 1174 Cruelties of the Liegeois 164 Confirmation of the Baron of Montignies accord with the Spaniard 689 Cloet Gouernor of Nuys cruelly executed 920. Conuoy of three thousand going to Cologne defeated by their owne party 952 Conditions whereby the Estates did yeeld vnto the tenth penny 467 Conuoy of the Spaniards defeated by the Lord Willobies troopes 952 Conuoy from Bruges to Ypre defeated 830 Castle of Gand besieged by the generall Estates 612 Castle of Huede treacherously deliuered to the Prince of Parma 660 Collenborch taken by the Estates 1047. Crapoll Castle surprised by the Estates 1261 Cracowe taken for the Estates 1262. Catris Generall of the Spaniards slaine before Ostend 1270 Cornets eight of the Archdukes horse defeated 1290 Crueltie of the Earle of Embden 1293 Crueltie of the Spaniards 1301 Cadsandt taken by Prince Maurice 1306 Coxie taken by Prince Maurice ibid. Conuoy going to victuall Sluys put to route 1311. Considerations concerning a peace in the Netherlands 1322 D. DAniel vanden Meulen sent for to Brussels and why 1171 Death of the Emperor Charles the fift his qualities 528 Death of the Princesse of Orange 803 Death of the Duke of Parma 1061 Defeate of the succors of Harlem and of the Prince of Oranges Armie 510. of the Princes shippes before Harlem 513. of the Protestants at Austerwele 422. of the Protestants of Amerongen 422. of the Estates at Gemblours 654. of the Estates men at Costeyns-dyke 879. of the Spaniards at Tournhout 1126. of the Marquis of Warembom by the Estates 1024 Deliuery monstrous of 365. children at one birthe 52 Deputies from the Queene of England to the Estates and from them to her 984. from Brusselles to the Estates of Aâ—…thois 695. from Antwerpe to the Gouernesse 423. from the Nobilitie to an Imperiall Dyet 372. from the Estates to the French King 868. from Groning to the Emperor 1055. from the Queene of England to treate with the King of Spaines deputies at Bourbrough in Flanders 995. from the Duke of Cleues to Prince Maurice 1185 Denremonde Nihouen and Audenarde surprized for the Archduke Philip 200 Denremonde redeemes it selfe from spoile 860. Dearth extraordinarie of corne in the Netherlands 931 Deâ—…cription of Groning 1087 Delf rebels besieged and yeelded to Cont Albert 106 Delfois doe great seruice in Friseland to Cont Albert. 112 Disunion among the Prouinces of the Netherlands 708 Description of the Duke of Aluas Image 461. Deuenter in Ouerissel besieged by the Estates 687. sold to the Spaniard by Stanley 942. beseeged and yeelded to Prince Maurice 1048. Deutecom taken by the Admirall 1186 Diuision in Holland during their Earles absence 72 Disgrace done to the Earle of Osteruant at the French Kings table 110 Discourse of Maister Francis Baldwins shewing the true meanes how to pacifie the troubles 356. Dissimulation of the Duchesse of Parma with the Nobles 421 Discourse of aduice to the Earle of Leicester 932. Diuision among the Nobilitie of the Netherlands 349 Dislike betwixt the Duke of Parma and Champigny 1019 Dinant beseeged by the Earle of Charalois taken and razed 157 Dinandois brake the peace with the Earle of Charolois ibid. Double practise at Bryele 730 Dousbourg yeelded to the Spaniard 874. besieged and yeelded to the Earle of Leicester 924. Dourlans in Picardie taken by assault by the Spaniard 1106. Dordrecht surprised by the yong Earle of Egmont 195. Dix Muyden taken from the Ganthois 210 Duke of Lorraine inuades Holland for the Bishop of Vtrecht and defeates Robert the Frison 24 Duke of Saxonie ruines the faction in Holland and Zeland 211 Duchesse of Parma writes to the King and delayes the Estates of Brabant vnder a proiect of moderation of the bloudie Edict 373. she entertaines them with pollicie 385. she playes her part 421 Duke of Alua sent Gouernor into the Netherlands 431. seekes a quarrell against the Queene of England 460. thinking to assure Flushing he looseth it 473. he spoiles Macklin 495 hee labours to bee called home 532. Duke of Medina Celi sent to gouerne the Netherlands 479 Duke Iohn Cassimire succors the Estates 673. hee comes to Gand. 676. he retires with his armie 686 Duke of Parma Gouernour of the Netherlands 681. hee passeth the Meuse 682. comes before Antwerpe 863. and takes it 884. hee goes to the Spawe 1019. his death 1061. Duke of Bouillon marries the Prince of Oranges daughter 1102 Dunkerke taken and burnt by the French 326. recouered by the Bourguignons basely yeelded vp by the French 827 Dyest yeelded to Don Iuan 654. is surprised by the Estates 746. beseeged and yeelded to the Spaniard 825 Deane of Emmerics speech vnto the Admirall of Arragon 1186 Duchesse of Parma departs out of the Netherlands 444 Disposition of Prince Maurice Campe before Sluys 1310 Death of Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt his life 1319 Demands of the Councell of Estate of the vnited Prouinces touching the warre 1321. E. EDward Duke of Gelders takes his brother prisoner and defies the Earle of Holland 107. Earle of Benthen slaine 34 Earle of Loos defeates the Earle of Holland in Zeland 46 Earles of Holland and Geldres make warre against the Bishop of Vtrecht 42 Earle of Saint Pol made Reuward of Brabant 135. Earle of Enghien beheaded in Henault 106 Earle of Embden made Protector of Groning 230. buildes a Cittadell there ibid. Earle of Meghen at Vtrecht 421 Earle of Arembergh defeated and slaine in Friseland by Cont Lodowicke of Nassau 449. Earle Adolph of Nassau slaine in Friseland with Arembergh 449 Earle of Meurs leuies Reysters for the Estates which mutine 931. his death 1025 Earle of Hochstrate adiorned by the Duke of Alua iustifies himselfe by writing 445. hee hurts himselfe by chance whereof hee dyes 458 Earle of Bossu chased away from Bryel 472. Earle Lodowicke of Nassau brother to the Prince of Orange enters Friseland with an armie 449. beseegeth Groning 455. defeated through the mutinie of his Germaines 456. surprizeth Mons 477. comes to succour the Protestants of the Netherlands is defeated and slaine with his brother and Duke Christopher 545 Earle of Lodron taken prisoner by his soldiars 460. intreates them cruelly in Antwerpe 462. Earle of Ouerstein drowned at Antwerpe 597. Earle of Bossu intreates them of Rotterdam in Holland ill 473. hee is taken prisoner by the Hollanders and carryed to Horne 528. hee is Generall of the Estates Armie his death 687 Earle of Marke Lieutenant to the Prince of Orange surprizeth Bryele 472. he becomes maister of a great part of Holland for the Prince 488. accused to the Estates for his crueltie 515 Earle Uanden Berghe takes Zutphen and other townes in Gelderland for the Prince of Orange 488 Earle of Solms makes warre for the Estates in Flanders 1073. hee marries the daughter of the Earle of Egmont 1103 Earle
Netherlands 217. goes with his wife into Spaine 226. is crowned King of Castille in the right of his wife 228. his death 232. Philip Earle of Hohenlo presseth the Spaniard in the Isle of Bommel 1024. marries the Prince of Oranges daughter 1012. comes to the battaile of Tournhout and giues the first charge 1126. his death 1355. Philip the second King of Spaine 317. his last departure out of the Netherlands 337. seekes peace with France 1141. hee giues his daughter the Infanta in marriage to the Arch-duke Albert 1160 Philip-ville yeelded to Dom Iohn 659 Philip of Montmorencie Earle of Horne imprisoned by the Duke of Alua 437. executed at Brussels 451 Philip Earle of Egmont makes an attempt vpon Brussels to his great dishonour 706. is taken prisoner in his towne of Nyenhouen 730. is deliuered for Monsieur la Noue 883 Philip of Marnix Signior of Saint Aldegond prisoner to the Spaniards 530. his speech to them of Antwerpe during the siege 868. his death 1205 Philip Earle of Nassau makes a road into Luxembourg for the Estates 1063. hee chargeth the Spaniards is wounded taken prisoner and dyes 1104 President appointed in the Prouinciall councell in Holland Zeeland and West-friseland 146 Preaching forborne in Antwerp 400 Prince of Spaines speech to the Duke of Alua 415. Princes of the Empire in Armes against the Admirall of Arragon 1209 Ponthus of Noielle Siegnior of Bours procures the Castle of Antwerpe to be deliuered to the Estates 645 Proclamation of the Estates for the obseruing of the pacification of Gand 604 Proclamation of the Duke of Parma against the towne of Aix 1027 Proclamation of the King of Spaine dispensing with the payment of his debts 1123 Protestants of Amsterdam propound fiue articles to their Magistrate 425 Pedro Dordoigno sent to kill the Prince of Orange executed 824 Protestants defeated at Austerweel 422 Protestants of the Netherlands make warre at Sea vnder the Prince of Orange 463. Proceeding vpon the petition of the Nobles in the Netherlands 390 Practises of Charles Duke of Bourgongne to ruine the house of Brederode 169 Protestants request for a religious peace 666. Proscription against the Prince of Orange 763. Preparation of the Spanish armie at Sea in the yeare 1588. 998 Preacher murthered at Deutecome 1200 Protestation of the Prince of Orange for his taking armes 491 Prince of Iuilliers and Cleues vnfortunately married 880 Practise to betraye Gheertruydenberg discouered 1259 Q. QVarrell betwixt them of Bruges and Antwerpe 200 Question among the Clergie of the Netherlands for incorporating of spirituall liuing to the new Bishopricks 347 Question in Spaine about the choosing of a Generall to subdue the Netherlands 415 Queene of England offers succors to the Estates 890. shee publisheth the reasons that mooues her therevnto 894 R. RAmeken a Forte in Zeland besieged and yeelded to the Protestants 518 Reconciliation of Arthois Henault c. to the Spaniard 708 Refusall to surpresse the new Bishops augments the troubles in the Netherlands 351. Remedie to stanche the bloud in the Prince of Oranges wound 801 Religious peace made 669 Resolution of the Estates of Holland 557 Renold Lord of Brederode and his brother imprisoned by the Bishop of Vtrecht 169. his processe beeing referred to the Knights of the Order he is absolued 170 Retreat of the Spaniards out of the Netherlands 625 Retreate of the ministers out of Antwerp 426. Retreat of many Protestants out of the Netherlands 410 Relation of the enterprise at Antwerp 812 Returne of the Spaniards into the Netherlands 809 Reâ—…er van Bron chuysen captaine for them of Vtrecht 196 Riuer cut from Vtrecht to Leck 107 Rhinberk besieged in vaine by the Spaniard 924. taken by Cont Charles of Mansfeldt 1025. besieged and wonne by Prince Maurice 1129. recouered againe by the Admirall of Arragon 1284. taken againe by Prince Maurice 1286. and last of all by the Marquis Spinola 1364. Richardot sent into Spaine by the Duke of Parma 1020 Robâ—…rt Dudley Earle of Leicester Generall for the Queene of England 910. discontented with the Estates 921. at his going into England hee appoints a Councell of Estate 930. prepares to raise the siege of Sluis 961. hee excuseth himselfe vnto the Estates for not doing it 964. hee failes to surprise Leyden 979. is called home into England and resignes his Gouernment vnto the Estates 982 Romerswall yeelded to the Spaniard 53 Rotterdam yeelded to the King of the Romaines ' 207 Rouard of Brabant what Office it is 1â—…6 Rowland Yorke made Gouernor of the Fort at Zutphen 928. sells it to the Spaniard 943. Ryperdas speech to them of Harlem 497 Roeroort surprised by Schenck 991 S SAint Quintin besieged and taken by the King of Spaine 323 Saint From in Liege yeelded to duke Chaâ—…ls of Bourgongne 162 Sarras Gouernor of Flussing vnfortunate 477. is charged by the Spaniards and repulseth them at Sooteland 478 Saint Guislaine a towne in Henault assured for the Estates 655 Saint Andrewes Fort besieged by Prince Maurice and yeelded 1230 Sanchio de Auila sent to succor Ter-goes and performes it happely 479 Scandall how interpreted 883 Sanchio de Auila sent to besiege Flussing 477 Sas by Gant seized on by the Spaniard 827 Sentence for the razing of Culembeurgs house 444 Schonhoven surprised by the Countesse Iaqueline 134. yeelded to the Spaniard by composition 586 Sentence of the Inquisition against the Netherlands 443 Separation of the confederate nobles of the Netherlands 410 Separation of the three iurisdictions of Holland cut to releeue Leyden 560 Sevenberghe taken and the Lord of it driuen away 139. taken by the Earle of Mansfeldt for the Spaniard 1035 Schulenbourg taken by the Spaniard 877. Seege of the Protestants of Zeeland before Ter-goes their army flies awaie amazed 478 Sichen in Brabant yeeldes to the Spaniard 654. recouered for the Estates and after yeelded to the Spaniard 826 Slyckembourg taken for the Estates 877 Sluis besieged by the Duke of Saxony â—…11 besieged and taken by the Spaniard 961 Shippes and men comming out of Spaine defeated by the Estates shippes 1347 Spinola marcheth with his army towardes Frisland 1347 Spaniards repulst at an enterprise vpon Berghen 1349 Spinola goes into Spaine 1353 Sentence pronounced against the Gouernor and Captaines which yeelded Linghen to Spinola 1354 Spinola seekes to enter into the Suider Sea 1359. Shippes of Holland taken by the Danes 251 Skyrmish at Rymenant Leguer 662 Spel a Prouost Marshall hanged at Brussells 462 Specification of the oppressions done by the Admirall of Arragons men in a neutrall Country 1190 Soubourg a Fort in Zeeland besieged by the Flussingers and yeelded 508 Spaniard beaten at the Bryele 472. they surprise Berghen vp Zome 474. they faile to surprise Camphere 475. they quit the siege of Leyden and flie 570. they mutine and faile to surprise Vtrecht 573. they surprise Alost in Flanders 590. they assemble in the Castle of Antwerp 596. they depart by accord 626. they are chased out of the I le of Bommel 1024. they mutine and