bonos Quidue agat interea Miles dum cessat ab Hoste Ne se desidiae dedat Inersque siet Denique faelici postquam fera praelia dextra Egeris volitas clara per ora virûm Parcere num victis deceat vel perdere prorsus Quidque horum illustret nobilitetque prius Haec tibi MARS plene ostendit docuitque vt Alumnum PALLADIS vt fueras ante in amore pari Et quoniam in bello multum sibi vendicat Ipsa FORTVNA hanc flexit quo tibi adesse velit Annuit haec siquidem fausto tibi Numine olim Praesenti ac prompta se fore dixit ope Ergò vt caepisti pergas DVX Inclyte bellum Quod nunc prae manibus prouehere atque sequi Donec ad optatum finem perduxeris aqua Cum sit causa DEO grata amica bonis Idem Ad Eundem FOrtunae donum est generis quod Clara propago Te Illustrem efficiat nobilitetque Domum Quod verò proprijs meritis virtuteque adeptus Longe praecellit splendidiusque nitet Namque tua in bello Generosa fortia facta Fermè Orbis totus nouit ad Astra vehens Haec te perpetua decorabit gloria laude Et tibi post obitum Vita perennis erit Tu interea PYLII transcendas Nestoris Annos Et placidos habeas ac sine nube dies Vt Patriae atque Orbi praesis victricibus armis Et cum Pax fuerit Consilio atque fide In illustrissimi eiusdem D. Effigiem depictam MAgnanimi effictam quicunque conspicis arte NORICEI effigiem nobile cernis opus Sed si animum videas quem picta ostendit Imago Dices nil toto magis in Orbe micat Omne Insigne huic vni fata simul dedere DII superi vnde hominum constat tutela Hunc tegite vestris accumulate bonis Vt Victor referat multos ex Hoste triumphos Semperque aeterna gloria Illustris viuat Petrus Bizarus Belga A Table of the principall contents in this Booke THe Translatours Collection of the succeeding Gouernours in the Netherlands and the originall causes of the ciuill warres there 1565. page 1. The Originall warres there vnder the Dutchesse of Parma page 4. Captaine Churchyards seruice page 5. The ciuill warres there vnder the Duke of Alua. pag. 15. The warres there vnder Don Lewis Requisensius pag. 20. The warres there vnder Don Iohn de Austria p. 24. The warres there vnder Alexander Prince of Parma against the Arch-Duke Mathias for the States p. 30. Maister Henrie Knowles seruice p. 46.47 Sir Iohn Norice knight his first comming into the Netherlands 1577. p. 27. His proceedings there vntill 1588. p. 102. The warres there vnder Francis Duke of Aniow for the States against Alexander Prince of Parma p. 43. Captaine Edward Stranges seruice p. 45. The warres there vnder Parma against the Prince of Orange p. 54. Fiue seuerall messengers sent to murther the Prince of Orange p. 55. His death and funerall p. 59. His Title and Epitaph p. 65. The warres there vnder the Prince of Parma and the States p. 67. The warres there vnder the Prince of Parma the Erle of Leycester p. 74. Captaine Thomas Louel Captaine Charles Blunt now L. Mountioy Captaine Thomas Vauiser now Sir Thomas Vauiser p. 74. Captaine Iohn Pryses seruice p. 79. Sir Phil. Sidneyes seruice there his death funerall p. 88. The Erle of Essex his seruice at Zutphen p. 89. The Lord Willoughbie his seruices there p. 88.103.104 Sir Thomas Cicil now Lord Burley p. 84. Sir Henrie Norice p. 88.89 Sir William Russels seruice there p. 95. In Ireland p. 145. The wars there vnder the Prince of Parma against Count Maurice p. 103. The death of Parma where the Belgick historie endeth p. 111. The seruice of Sir Thomas Morgan p. 18.19.32.41.47.106 The seruice of Sir Roger Williams p. 38.42.97.98 His seruice in the Portugale voyage p. 113. The voyage to Portugale p. 112. Sir Edward Norice his seruice there 113.116 A Iournall of Sir Iohn Norices seruice in Fraunce 1591. p. 119. His memorable seruice at Brest in Britaine 1594. p. 134. A briefe discourse of his seruice in Ireland against the Arch-rebell Tyrone 1595. p. 144. Sir Thomas Baskeruil Sir Francis Vere and Colonell Huntley p. 98. Sir William Pelham p. 101. Sir Thomas Knowles p. 74.138 FINIS Tabulae THE TRANSLATORS COLLECTION OF THE succeeding Gouernours in the Netherlands and originall causes of the warres there BEfore I come to the Consequent I must begin with the Antecedent before I frame the vpper building I must fixe a foundation so before I come to the causes of the Ciuill warres in the Netherlands I must by due course of the Dutch and Latin Historie which I fellow set downe the succeeding Gouernours in those Countries by foure circumstances briefly gathered out of my Authors first booke Histor Belgic as he largely by substance deliuereth for former causes of later consequents The first circumstance is this The deriuation of the gouernment of those Countries by processe of time for many yéeres vnder foure Dukes of Burgundy and as many Archdukes of Austrich of which that Philip was the later Archduke who being sonne of Maximilian before Archduke of Austrich and Emperour of Germany and sonne in law to Ferdinando King of Spaine leauing behind him his two sonnes Charles the elder and Ferdinando the younger with foure daughters suruiuing deceased out of this mortall life in the yeere of our Lord. 1505. The second circumstance is this That the said Charles as elder brother Archduke of Austrich and King of Spaine sailing by sea thence into the Netherlands Anno 1517. taking possession of those Countries for his owne behoofe within two yéeres after that is to say Anno 1519. on the 28. of Iuly was elected at Frankford in Germanie both King of Romanes and Emperour of Germanie by the name of Charles the 5. Emperour and so continuing in magnificent and memorable honour and renowne many yeeres gouerned those Countries yet not without some seueritie as it is said Much like the Eagle which seeming naturally to affect her young ones will yet nourish them with great austeritie Although euen in his time for the Religion of the Gospell the ciuill broyles beginning in Germanie he sought by his great wisedome and grauitie to appease the same yet happily liued he after this in great honour and felicitie for he liued and saw his foresaid younger brother Ferdinando chosen Caesar at Colen Anno 1530. and on the fift of Ianuary 1531. crowned King of the Romanes who became an earnest fauourer and furtherer of the Gospell He liued also and saw the felicitie of his lawfull begotten sonne Philip both Duke of Burgundy Archduke of Austrich and King of Spaine Anno 1542. but he liued not to see the life and death of his base begotten sonne Don Iohn de Austria who died as afterwards shall appeare in this historie Anno 1578. To be short he liued yet to see his
went the Prince Elector of Colen by name Truckses on the left hand of him went the Erle of Hoghenlo There followed these personages thrée other Lords vz. William Erle of Nassaw Philip Erle of Nassaw and the Erle of Solmes which were the last of the chiefe Mourners for this deceased Prince 13 Then came after these the Generall States 14 After them the Councell of those States 15 Next vnto them the States of Holland 16. and their Councell 17 Then followed the Prouinciall Councell 18 The President of Holland 19 Then the high Councell and the President 20 The Secretaries of the States 21 The Consuls and Senatours of Delft 22 The learned Preachers 23 The Captaines of the Guard 24 The Captaines of the warres 25 The chiefe officers of publike authoritie in the Common wealth whom last of all followed a multitude of common people innumerable With this solemne sorrowfull and mournfull funerall was the good Prince of Orange buried in the chiefe Church of the citie of Delft on Friday the third of August 1584. as aforesaid He liued almost 52. yéeres vz. 51. yéers 11. moneths and 25. daies accompted from his birth He was of bodie well compact of stature little more then meane of good complexion aburne beard somewhat full faced Who so will desire to know his sharpnes of wit and disposition of minde may best discerne them by his honourable actions and godly gouernment so many yéeres 26 His title was this William by the grace of God Prince of Orange Earle of Nassau Catzenelenburg Dietst Viand c. Marquesse of Der Vere and Flushing Burgraue of Antwerpe Barron of Brede Dyest Grymberg Arkize Nozeroy c. Lord of Castebelyne c. Gouernour Generall of the Low Countries viz. of Brabant Holland Zealand Vtrecht and Frizland Admirall of the seas in the lower Germanie 27 His matrimoniall state was first ioyned with the onlie daughter and heire of Maximilian of Egmond and Erle of Buren and Leerdam c. of whom he begot Phillip Erle of Buren which in the yeere 1577. was captiued by Duke de Alua sent into Spaine who is now Prince of Orange Also by the same wife he had one onlie daughter named Marie married to the Erle of Hohenlo He had to his second wife the Ladie Anne onelie daughter of Maurice Duke of Saxonie Prince Elector by her he had one onelie sonne named Maurice at this present Generall of the vnited Prouinces and Admiral of their seas and by his said second wife he had also two daughters the one named Anne and the other Emilia He had to his third wife Charlot of Burbon daughter to the Duke of Montpensyer of whom he begat six daughters namelie Ludouica Iuliana Elizabetha Flandrina Katherina Belgora Charlot Brabantina Aurelia Antwerpiana And he had to his fourth and last wife the Lady Loyse daughter of Iaspar de Coligni Lord Chastillion and high Admiral of Fraunce slaine at Paris in the yéere 1572 of her he begat two sonnes the one named Frederick the other Henry of Nassau and he left begotten of an vnknowne woman his base sonne named Iustine of Nassau at this day Admirall of Zealand These twelue sonnes and daughters left the said deceased Prince of Orange behind him as aforesaid 28 His progenie was this he was the sonne of William of Nassau the brother of Henry of Nassau who had both to father Iohn brother of Enghelbert both which had for their father also Iohn Earle of Nassau and the Ladie Leona his wife to their mother 29 His brethren were these This Prince William of Nassau was the eldest of fiue brethren with himselfe namelie the foure other were Lodwicke Adolphe and Henrie which three were slaine in these wars of the Low Countries the fourth being Iohn the second sonne of Nassau as yet liuing at Dilemberge This Lord hath liuing also manie sonnes and daughters of which sonnes the two eldest Earle William and Earle Phillip did beare armes in the Low Countries stoutlie against the Spanish forces 30 His sisters were many married to many mighty personages full of issues so as Iulian mother of this Prince William Countesse of Sheerenbergh a chaste wife and painefull Ladie when she had liued seauentie fiue yeeres in the yeere of Christ 1578. saw which came of her and her issue Earles Sonnes and Nephewes to the number of 123. personages A goodlie great and most rare blessing of God no doubt and a token of Gods great louing fauour and comfort vnto those noble Parents in their life time and a singular great comfort and mutuall consolation vnto the posteritie after their death vpon which Princes death the authour of this Belgicke historie hath written both this title Epitaph and verses in Latine following ILLVSTRISS MEMO GVLIELMI PRINCIPIS AVRAIci Comitis Nassouiae Cattorum Dietzii Viandae Marchionis Verae Vlissingae Burgraui Antwerpiae Vicecomitis Bisontij Baronis Bredae Diestij Grinbergae Arlei Nozereij c. Domini Castrobellini c. Propraesidis Generalis per vniuersam Belgiam Praesidis Brabantiae Hollandiae Zelandiae Vltraiectini Frisiorum c. Admiralij HEROIS FORTISSIMI ORTHODOXAE Ecclesiae propugnatoris literatorum maecenatis Patris Patriae Belgarum Assertoris pro quibus nec sibi nec suis pepercit Delphis sclopi ictu transuerberati Ioh. Esychius Quod habuit extremum in Dominum suum Clementiss Honoris Monumentum cum luctu posuit Vixit Annos LI. Menses II. Dies XXV obijt Anno Christi M. D.XXCIV Sexto Idus Iulij CARMEN EPITAPHIVM QVem non Hispani imperiosa potentia Regis Dirùm tot annos fulminantis impulit Quem non insidiae scelerum noxâ ante reclusae Terruere non tot Principum inconstantia Princeps Auraicus Belgarum assertor vltor Ecclesiae Ille terror inquirentium Horrisonis praesente Deo Tranquillus in Vndis Burgundio superatur à Falsario Oppetit Quartus pulchram per vulnera mortem Nassouiorum qui iacent pro Belgica Vah Satan ad facinus quem Auri sitis alta coêgit Os dum latice Proscriptionis proluis Infaelix de morte Ducis modò nuntius atra Nox tequé Auctorem premant oblivia Sicut agit penna solvi metuente superstes Rumpatur Invidens Iberus Gloria Auraicum summis certantem Heroibus iam Dijs fidelium Triumphis institum Vnum hoc O Proceres advertite quemlibet ista Scelesto ab vno posse tolli machina Infestam Hispanus capitis septemplicis Hydram Quo iure quáve iniuria dum promo vet AD MAVRITIVM NASSOVIVM G. F. VLturus Patrem Patruum Virtutibus annos Olim Africanus antevenit Scipio Mauriti Patrias si vis vlciscier Vmbras Paterna stringe Scipio Vestigia FINIS The Ciuill Warres there vnder the Prince of Parma and the States MAnifestlie thus it appeareth in the sight of God and all the world what impietie malice mischiefe and crueltie the Pope and Spanish king hath with foxlike subtiltie
other enemies should lay downe their weapons and passe quietly euery man to his lodging requiring that the Protestants would make no further stirre but as quietly as were possible to march by euery mans owne doore and there to leaue the townes men in their dwelling places as they marched which request of the Prince was to Gods glorie and his honour in perfit order performed alwaies the Protestants kept them strong till the enemie were all lodged and then each man went home in peace All these things being done and brought to a good end without shedding of blood or spoyle of any Christian creature yet the Prince was after forced to flée to Breda as the storie now shall shew you following The noble Prince of Orange in Breda his owne towne seeing his sonne and heire taken from Louaine at schoole by the crueltie of the Duke of Alua and throughly considering the calamitie of Flaunders by the dealing of a tyrannous gouernour this warlike wise Prince with a fatherly regard and true affection to Gods word and the Netherlands began to stomacke the wrongs receiued whē he gouerned Antwerpe and the imminent danger that Flanders stood in and calling to minde al promises were broken that were solemnly made by the late Regent he consulted and communed of this matter with the States of Germanie and his friends there who counselled him to take armes in hand and raise a power at his owne house in Dillenbrough a parcell of Germanie ten great leagues from Colen and these great Captaines and worthie Germanes promised not only in person but also in purse and munition to assist him which they performed with great expedition at the time when he ariued at Dillenbrough where Churchyard being sent from the Lord high Chamberlaine of England saw the méeting of all this mightie assemblie and serued vnder Monsieur de Lume Counte de la March as Cornet-bearer to two hundred and fittie light horsemen all that warres which was against the Duke of Alua in his first comming to Flanders The Prince passed his musters beyond the Rhine betweene an Abbey and Andernake a walled towne in Germanie and had in his Armie two and twentie thousand foote and thirtéene thousand horse all Swartrutters so paying his souldiers with Dollars two moneths pay afore hand he passed this great armie in boates very néere Andernake marching from thence towards Aken a strong towne but by the way was a great mutinie betweene the Almaines and Burgonians who said the Almaines had lost the battell of Groning where Counte Lodwick and all his power was ouerthrowne those words made many a man be slaine but the broyle was pacified by the Prince who marched straightwaies to Aix a great Citie and the Armie encountred anon after the Duke of Aluaes souldiers horsemen some valiant of minde and some by sorcerie with words and characters in their doublets more mad than manly yet hoping in sorcerie ventured too farre and could not be killed with shot a desperate royster beholding the boldnes of these enchaunted persons against shot drew his sword and stroke one of these men on the face who quickly yéelded himselfe as after his fellowes did to the mercie of the sword The matter marshally a long while pleaded and orderly by Marshall law disputed the enchaunted men were all condemned to be hanged because against the law of Armes they had vsed vnchristian and vnlawfull meanes to murther men and shed Christian blood These men executed the Princes armie after a good summe of money paied for the raunsome of Aix the great towne departed towards Senttro another walled towne which redéemed it selfe in like manner All this while the Duke of Alua with thirtie thousand shot and foure thousand horse waited on the Princes power still skirmishing with braue souldiers against the Princes forces But almost forgotten at the entring of the Princes armie he bruted that he would passe thorow Liege a marueilous mightie towne where the Duke aduertised by espiall attended the Prince his comming suddenly without sound of Drumme the Prince parted a contrarie way towards a foord on the Maze néere Mastricke marching all the whole darke night very fast which lost some men and at breake of day came to a bare Village where the foord was to enter into Flanders so in all haste possible the horsemen passed bearing a croope behinde them each one a souldier but the horses so many and their legges holding vp the water the riuer rose so hie that many footmen were drowned and much victuall wet and lost yet before night all the armie left aliue were landed in as great safetie as could be wished But resting thrée daies there the Duke was in Mastrick not very farre off to giue the Prince battell so God sent a most faire day for that cause in his gracious pleasure The Prince ranged and set in battell marched on a goodly plaine towards Mastrick and the order of the field by excellent souldiers set and ranged in the most princeliest manner that might be Churchyard at all this The vangard battell and reregard so shining in armour and other awfull troupes of horsemen which seemed a great wood and terror to behold that in very deede the show and fight thereof would haue delighted any man liuing to behold for the march and order of the field was miraculous to consider on and most fearfull to match withall and encounter Yet the Duke of Alua a great noble souldier determined as it was thought valiantly to fight with all this braue armie so in short time the very same day the Prince came within shot of Cannon and at the length of Musket so néere the Duke that he sent a number of horsemen to make a brauado and plied it so fast with small shot out of the trenches for he was intrenched that it was thought a great slaughter would ensue Thus continuing all the latter end of the day in skirmish and great seruice at night the Prince was faine to lodge his power néere the very face of the Dukes army farre from water or wood but in the night season the Duke remoued his Campe and a farre off waited on the Prince daily who neuer did march backward but came as afore is said to Aix Senttro Tongre and other townes of good moment making his profit as he might euery where because some had broken promise with him in a most odious manner For some had falsified their faith besides odde trumperies they deuised and othersome poysoned the standing waters and pooles yea and in some places milke and drinke was infected Milles were all broken downe and no corne to be grinded by which Heathenlike foule hellish practises the Princes armie was like to perish yet a shift was found to bring the armie by little little from these miseries but forced to skirmish with Alua oftē The Prince came cunningly to a towne called Tongre finding there much of the Dukes prouision and a number of waggons full of corne and other necessaries
and their countrie fortified themselues and the same euery where Notwithstanding on the 7. Ides of Aprill Anno Dom. 1577. King Philip confirmeth this as a perpetuall decree Hereupon the Prince and the States doe call vpon the new Gouernour Don Iohn the Bastard of Austrich for money and hauing receiued some certaine pay doe satisfie in part the souldiers there so long soiourning So the Spanish Italians and Burgundian souldiers as well footmen as horsemen on the 11. of May doe forsake and depart from Vtrich and from all the Castles and Fortresses thereabouts About the same time the before named Countie Egmont captiue with the other two Noblemen taken by the Spaniards the last yéere and besides these Valdesius with fiue or sixe others taken by the States were all dismissed and sent home and at length all other strangers also vnto whom their promised pay being now made Countie Maunsfeld Gouernour of Luxenberg performeth safe-conduct departing out of Luxenberg into Italy very rich and passing ioyfull To conclude Don Iohn who before the departure of the Spaniards out of the Netherlands could not be made gouernour of the same now in the meane time prepareth himselfe to take vpon him that gouernmēt at Louaine where when very many Noblemen came to congratulate his thither comming on the Calends of May this said yéere 1577 he with a great number of Noblemen of his traine in great solemnitie honour and triumph went to Bruxels where on the 4. of May he was enstalled Gouernour General for the Spanish King ouer all those Netherlands The people verely perswading themselues that henceforth now perfect stabilitie of peace would possesse their expectations But within a while after he seeing the gouernment of the Countrie in his absolute power and possession began forthwith to execute that authoritie which in secret manner he had from the King enioyned him And hereupon priuily conferreth out of hand with the Germane souldiers as yet staying in the Netherlands to this end especially that he may haue certaine chiefe Cities there by some suttle sleight or cunning deuice rendred into his hands But his Letters mentioning those secret deuices were intercepted as God would haue them in France and so his fraude or guile being now discouered he aforehand taketh the citie of Namur But when he attempted the like thing against Antwerpe his enterprise had no successe for the Castle being fortified and defended by Boursius in the behalfe of the States this meanes policie and power sufficiently preuailed against the enemies enterprise Againe also Bergen opt Zome Breda and Shertogenbusch this Don Iohns forces were discomfited by Champigny in the States behalfe valiantly encountring and ouermatching the enemie at all assates Hereupon the Prince of Orange and the States doe write vnto the Spanish King accusing the said Don Iohn of his indirect dealing contrarie to the confidence they reposed in him They also certified his Maiestie that this Don Iohn faining peace and the procuring thereof amongst them would not sticke to depart the countrie if he were sure to bring it to passe thereby that the Catholike Religion as he termeth it and the kings authoritie might so rest in safetie And yet in the meane time after all this protestation this Don Iohn sendeth for the Spanish and other dismissed souldiers to come backe againe To crosse him therefore another way preuenting his purpose the States doe cast downe the Castle of Antwerpe mistrusting he would forth with be their euill neighbour there first of all and incontinently they prepare them to warre against Don Iohn Therefore they send speedely for the Prince of Orange not farre off as then whom they condiscend to make the chiefe Gouernour of Antwerpe Hereupon groweth a ielousie whereby many of the Noblemen being mooued in some manner contrarily doe send for the Archduke Matthias brother to the then now still Emperour Rodolphus 2. and sonne of Maximilian before Emperour hoping vnder his authoritie to haue particular iurisdiction in the seuerall Prouinces there which thing when they of Gaunt did heare of they take the Duke of Ascot with others of that faction and commit them to safe kéeping Here it is especially to be remembred that on the 17. day of Iuly that yéere 1577. came first to the Prince of Orange a worthie and forward souldier Master Iohn Norice second sonne to the Lord Henry Norice Baron of Rycot in Oxfordshire a Gentleman of great courage and dexteritie who as Captaine Peter Cripse a follower of him in this his first seruice and in all others afterwards for a long time saith landed first at Dunkirke with thrée hundred Englishmen where he arming thē marched toward Antwerpe with them where the said Prince of Orange remained and so from thence to Brokam where he made pay to all his souldiers the last day of that moneth of Iuly 1577. aforesaid Duke Matthias being come into those countries and at the first thus forsaken of them whom he should haue had his assistance by the perswasion yet of the Prince of Orange is by the States chosen and ordained their chiefe Gouernour for the King and Don Iohn is publikely proclaimed an enemie to all the Low Countries Datum Bruxellae 7. Decemb. 1577. The States in this yéere send their Ambassadours vnto diuers Monarchs and Princes of diuers kingdoms and countries to excuse themselues and accuse Don Iohn of the misgouernment of the Netherlands In France they were offered by the King his brother and Quéene Mother both fauour and furtherance for their defence And here it is to be remembred that whereas by reason of the same request of the States made vnto the Quéenes Maiestie of England certaine euill disposed persons flattering the King of Spaine bore him in hand that the Quéenes Maiestie did ambitiously seeke to vsurpe the gouernment of those Low Countries contrarie to his good pleasure Her Maiestie therefore being giuen to vnderstand of those slanderous and false bruites giuen out against her to purge her selfe of such sinister dealing and of that false and vndeserued surmise suggested to the said King and dispersed abroad to blemish her Highnes credit and estimation with other Christian Princes to the intent she would rather be knowne to God and the whole world To eschue euill and doe good to seeke peace and insue it Psal 34.13 and not to be an intruder into those troubles as it was falsely surmised to nourish the ciuill warres in those Countries laboureth by princely and friendly meanes of perswasion to the Spanish King for carefull conseruation and preseruation of the same and likewise in Christian and friendly manner exhorteth the Prince of Orange and States of those Countries to submit themselues to their soueraigne Lord and King in all humilitie and obedience and so ceasing from ciuill discord if that they would reiect their weapons and practise to appease those troubles with patience no doubt of it God would worke in the Kings heart to forget and
forgiue all that was past to remedie all euils present and prouide for the best to come These friendly motions made by her Maiestie for both the King and his subiects written in Latin and in English seuerall copies were sent from her Maiestie to the King of Spaine by a wise and learned Gentleman named Master Thomas Wilks on the 20. day of December Anno 1577. In the beginning of the yéere following 1578. the said Don Iohn brought in a new Alexander Farnesius the sonne of Lady Margaret before named Duchesse of Parma and Regent of the Low Countries now by the name and title of Prince of Parma as another enioyned Generall for the Spanish King with his Spanish and Italish souldiers come into those countries In whom Don Iohn hauing great confidence proclaimeth open warres against the Prince the States and those Countries The Pope Gregorie alias ante Hugo the 13. of that name on the other side sendeth his Crosse and denounceth his curse against the Prince of Orange all the States and their partakers in those warres Hereupon Don Iohn taking great encouragement vnto himselfe and those whom he had in charge vnder him set vpon the armie of the States at the towne of Gembleu in the County Namure and there discomfited them with great spoyle and ouerthrow of them on the 30. day of Ianuary 1578. And so still prosecuting his purpose in hope of further victorie he subdueth afterwards Louaine Phillipville Limburge and certaine other townes which he together with the Duke of Parma his forces had accomplished before Iuly following In that Ianuary vz. on the 22. day about 7. of the clocke at night Duke Iohn Casimire Countie Palatine of Rhene and Duke of Bauaria landing at the Tower-wharfe in London was there by diuers Noblemen and others of England honourably receiued and conueied to Sir Thomas Greshams house the Queenes Agent in Bishops gate streete in London where he was feasted and lodged till Sunday next that hee was honourablie brought to her Maiesties Court royall at Whitehall and after lodged at Sommerset-house on the 8. of February following he was made Knight of the Garter and on the 14. of February hee departed homewards with great rewards giuen by the Quéenes Maiestie the Nobilitie and men of honour This noble Duke being a valiant Martiallist became afterwards a stipendarie warriour of great valour and accompt and did much good seruice against the Spaniards for the Prince of Orange and the States of the Low Countries The Warres in the Netherlands vnder the Prince of Parma for the King and the Archduke Matthias for the States VPon the first day of August amongst vs English commonly called Lammas day in the yéere of Christ our Sauiour 1578. which day the Spaniards doe highly honour especially Don Iohn who as this day ouercame the Turks in a battell by sea they endeuoured by all meanes to enterprise some great exploite so as they sent out of Louaine two scoutes or espials in very base apparell to prie about and descrie the Prince of Orange his Tents at that time remaining in the Leger which two souldiers should indéed vse al their endeuour to burne vp the houses neere vnto those Tents and whilest they should so set the inhabitants on worke to quench the fire al the whole Spanish host which consisted of foure thousand horsemen and seuen thousand footemen vnder conduct of Mondragon a Spanish Captaine although Don Iohn the Bastard of Austrich and Alexander Fernesius Duke of Parma were both in person there also should suddenly and at vnwares surprise and suppresse the Prince of Orange his armie But as it was Gods good pleasure and fauour to the contrarie those same two Spies were taken and the enemies were disappointed of their purpose being valiantly encountred by the English Scottish Frenchmen from nine of the clocke in the morning vntill foure of the clocke in the afternoone of the same day and that with a hot and fierce fight fortune so fauouring the States and their forces that they put their enemies to flight and pursued them to the vtmost the space of thrée miles and more The first of the English Captaines which set vpon the enemies was that valiant Lieutenant William Marckham a Nottinghamshire man sterne of countenance strong of hands and couragious of heart like a Lion casting downe ouerthrowing and ouermatching whomsoeuer he met with In whose commendations the States themselues sent diuers Letters into England But in truth the greatest glorie of this fight fell to the then couragious Colonel Norice who comming that Lammas day from Brokam aforesaid very early in the morning to Remingham Leger where the States armie were in fight with Don Iohn of Austrich the Graue van Busshy being Generall of the States armie he the said Colonell Norice ioyning with eleuen companies of Englishmen more vz. of Colonel Candish Colonel Morgan and Colonel Cotton who spent fifteene seuerall barrels of powder vpon the enemies at that time before they entred the Campe of the States euen there the said Colonell Norice hauing three seuerall horses one after another slaine vnder him with greatest valour pursued and subdued his enemies being only weaponed with single sword and his pistols which he vsed euen so surely as who had seene how couragiously he laid about him on euery side might well haue said he had seene a new Hector another Alexander or rather a second Caesar foyling his enemies euery where There were also present at this conflict three English valiant Gentlemen by name Bingams all brethren valiantly behauing themselues vntill two of them vz. Roger and Thomas were pursued by the enemie vnto the very death but the third which was Richard Bingham as it pleased God so to fauour him safely then escaping the enemies danger suruiued a man of good valour for his seruice afterwards in Ireland was knighted and there preferred to the gouernment of Connaugh of whose prowesse and fame they that wil may reade more amply both in Iohn Stowes Chronicle and in the Historie of the warres in Ireland In this fight for seuen houres space were slaine of the enemies fiue hundred besides a number drowned and of our Englishmen and of the Scots were slaine to the number of one hundred at the most yet it was thought the Camp of the States would haue been vtterly ouerthrowne that day if the English forces had not come in as they did Towards the latter end of the yeere 1578. after all these troubles and broyles Don Iohn de Austria hauing thus made his last mounting vpon the stage summoned by Death to sound a Catastrophen sickened in his Tent at Namours about the Calends of October and died as some thinke of the plague others rather beleeuing haue giuen it out that hée being sore grieued with a certaine odious disease what for sorow in minde conceiued at y e hatred of the countrie vpō bruiting of his
Sidney Master George Cary and Master Iohn and Master Robert Cary his brethren with many other Gentlemen who ariued at Flushing in Zeland where he withall these Nobles of England and his owne and their traine in princely and friendly manner was receiued by the aforesaid noble Prince William Countie of Nassaw and the other Nobles of the Low Countries conducting them from thence to Midleborow and so to Antwerpe in Brabant where on the 19. of February Anno 1581. the said Duke of Aniow was created Duke of Lothier and Brabant with great solemnitie which being ended the Nobilitie of England returned home againe and left him there Gouernour of those Countries he repaired with his traine of French Noblemen and Gentlemen into France where the King his brother Henry the 3. of that name furnished him with men money and munition for the better supportation and countenancing of his princely port and new attained authoritie in the Low Countries aforesaid And so on the 27. day of August in the yéere following 1583. for greater securitie of himselfe and his charge now taken vpon him he returned into Brabant with those forces containing in all companies foure thousand fighting men These being placed in a certaine Village neere vnto the citie of Gaunt straightway the Duke of Parma hereof vnderstanding and hauing in a readines a great number of his most valiant souldiers with their cariages and furniture maketh all haste possible to encounter him Again his cōming being no sooner perceiued by the Duke of Brabants espials but aduertised vnto him the Lord Pierri a noble Frenchman Campe-master of the Duke of Brabant commandeth his companies quickly to arme and encounter and with all carefull diligence and skilfull experience he aduiseth them of due obseruations in their warlike order of fight and how to march softly and fight slowly with the enemie Martialling his men on this manner first in the front of his battell next vnto the enemies were the band of English souldiers and to them were ioyned the troupes of Germanes next these were the bands led by Bouquoy and after these marcheth the worthie Generall Norice in the Rereward with thrée troupes of English horse foure troupes of French horsemen after these followed thrée troupes of French horsemen with certaine footebands of Flemmings and of Scots and last of all in the Rereward marched a band of English footemen and a great companie of pikemen Contrariwise againe the Duke of Parma had in his Vaward or front all Spaniards a great multitude whereof were very many footmen and more then a thousand horsemen for whom euery where by the way the Duke of Aniowes espials lay in ambush so as not a few enemies were slaine with the shot of the Ambush only of the Duke of Aniowes companie amongst others were wanting thrée or foure Captaines of hundreds After this welcōming made by the Duke of Aniowes souldiers vnto the Prince of Parmaes and his forces thus approching towards him which was short of Gaunt two Dutch miles being sixe of our English miles the Duke of Aniow and the Prince of Orange thought good to send Sir Iohn Norice to the Campe where the forces lay and thither he came with the thrée troupes of English horsemen and foure troupes of French horsemen as aforesaid for his conuoy into the Campe about twelue of the clock at night aforesaid where there were of all nations English French Dutch and Scottish some sixe thousand men And comming into the English quarter he enquired where his quarter was and where Capaine Edward Strange lay who had the commaund of all his house and his horses where finding him lying in a little cabbin hard by his Tent he asked him how he had bestowed all things for the enemie was hard at hand To whom Captaine Strange answered he had deliuered all vnto Captaine Peter Cripse to send it away to Gaunt Then said the General We haue the Vauntgard to day but I thinke the French are fled from vs and wee must then haue the Rereward in spight of our hearts So he hauing a squadron of horse lay from the Camp a quarter of an English mile where one William Winter a tall souldier being one of the Corporals and commanding the squadron sent out a very good watch so as the enemie must of force come by them and by no other way Two houres before day there came from the Prince of Parma certaine troupes of horse Albanoyses and Italians talking together and being within hearing of y e watch those which stood Sentinell discouered them and presently sent word to their guard lying in a house hard by to certifie the Generall that the enemies forces were at hand The word comming to the Generall he presently commaunded that euery companie should be ready to answere the alarme but it was found that as well others as the French were marched and retired towards Gaunt There the Generall stood fast vntill his owne companie came vnto him and presently thrée companies of Albanoyses came thither and offered to charge him he being accompanied with Master Henry Knowles a most worthie and gallant Gentleman all that day So the Generall marched from the quarter downe the hill and at the foote of the hill by the counsell of the said Master Knowles he armed himselfe asking Captaine Strange where the Turney horse was for he would ride vpon him that day hauing thrée other horses led euery one by two groomes a péece to serue for that day and being first mounted vpon the Turney horse the said Albanoyses durst not come downe themselues but sent against him those English Rebels which a little before ranne away from before Bridges They being both Targatiers and Musquetiers came downe the hill as the Generall made his retreit towards his owne battell of Pikes the English Rebels very hardly assaulted him amongst whom one of them calling to the Generall as he was in retreit which he could not long endure but turning vpon that Rebell with his Rapier he strooke the Rebell on the head with such a force that his Rapier bowed to his very hand vpon this came downe the troupes of the enemies horse and charged the Generall thrée waies vz. vpon the Rereward so that he and Master William Knowles were both faine to put their horses among their pikes for their safegard and so marching at the push of the pikes foure English mile they continued the fight still and none but this Generals Regiment consisting of seuen Ensignes which might be in number some one thousand strong vntill they came to the very walles of Gaunt The enemie forcing them so néere that they came and attempted to pill the waggons putting the whole force of the Campe so néere as the very towne ditch vntill such time as the Ordenance plaied so fast out of Gaunt that thereby the enemies were enforced to retire from those places Where the English forces vz. Colonell Thomas Morgan Colonell Cotton and Colonell North
with their forces ioyned themselues together by the Generals direction in continuall fight from the Sunne rising vntill the Sunne setting within which time about foure of the clocke in the afternoone Monsieur Rochpot the Duke of Aniowes Lieutenant and Monsieur Byron Marshall of the same Dukes Campe came foorth vnto the said Generall who said vnto him The Duke of Aniow our Master hath sent vs vnto you to giue you the honour of this seruice this day as most worthie thereof aboue all other Commanders The Generall gaue them thankes praying them to doe his humble dutie vnto his Alteze and to the Prince of Orange and so continued his seruice till after Sunne set as is aforesaid And besides this there came voluntarily diuers braue French Gentlemen out of the towne of Gaunt vnto the said Generall and besought him to vouchafe to accept of their seruice that they might traile their pikes vnder his Colours of which offer he curteously accepted at their request they also passing through the whole companie desired the souldiers to accept of them as their companions vowing to liue and die vnder those Colours While they were thus bickering both Armies together the Duke of Aniow and with him the Prince of Orange stand vpon the walles of Gaunt beholding them and encouraging their souldiers to the fight commaund them politikely to goe somewhat aside to the end that their enemies pursuing them might be the better beaten and foyled with the shot from of the Rampiers and Bulwarkes of the Citie Here againe with hot skirmishing a number were slaine on both sides as also diuers hurt and killed within the towne with the enemies shot at which time one Iohn Iux then seruing the Duke of Aniow and now the Quéenes Maiesties Trumpeter standing by the Duke vpon the walles of Gaunt was shot in at the mouth and Parmaes forces were compelled with the shot of their great Ordenance to retire So did the Duke of Aniowes armie couet in ranging to approch néere the citie still and the enemie returning with some breathing freshly assailed them From the wailes still was the Ordenance discharged with horrible shooting to the great slaughter of the enemies Here were slaine very many of Parmaes companie but very few of the Duke of Aniowes souldiers were either hurt or slaine In the euening Parma with his wearied remnants making haste out of the field as he that might haue done more harme if he had béen more diligent then he was néere vnto the citie he burieth about two hundred of his slaine souldiers the wounded persons hée gathereth vp where he can finde them carrieth them away in wagons and so departeth the field without more fight at that time That night the English were appointed to lie in a little Iland or péece of ground enuironed with water and had Réedes to make them cabbins for their succour Then the towne of Gaunt sent them very great store of victuals and Sir Iohn Norice at his owne charges sent them a pipe of Rhenish wine and thrée hogsheads of Claret wine to make merie withall And vpon this Monsieur the Duke of Aniow made his retreit for Antwerpe in Brabant and all the forces went after him where happened as followeth Now come we to the end of this Comedie interlaced with an interchaunge Tragicallie metamorphosed I meane of this Duke of Aniowes faire flourish at the first where in his faire shew and sunne shine he said of his honour Sol discutit fouet now contrariwise nubibus obtenebratur fallit in the end The historie affirmeth what time this Duke of Aniowes forces by conduct of Byron the french Marshall came first out of France as before we haue mentioned after spéeches and consultations had with him of diuers waightie enterprises amongst others he deliberately aduised himselfe how he might attempt to take into his iurisdiction manie of the Cities in Brabant Holland and Zeland hee determined to lose no opportunitie nor occasion to accomplish his desire and vse his absolute authoritie herein So as first he tooke Dunkerke for that was in his way out of Fraunce next after that Dixmew and afterwards Dendermond in processe of time he attempted further but that enterprise brought him euill successe at Bruges Aloste Newport and Antwerpe especiallie at Antwerpe he had his hardest successe and greatest dishonour growne by his minde alienated from his oth and metamorphosed in his manners For where before he smothered his affections with a kind of hote friendship now the sparkes flie first and the flame followeth of his fraudulent infidelitie For ambition had kindled the fire vaine glorie blowne the bellowes and hypocrisie had made way for the flame So as attempting to rule all things after his sensualitie when he went further in wilfulnes then wisdome required the Citizens of Antwerpe spying the flame of his furious outrage to burst out against them whereby the Citie was in an vprore they seeking their owne securitie doe strengthen themselues by force of armes to withstand his wilfulnes insomuch as euerie street and gate was out of quiet and a quarell thus begun was not so soone ended till this Duke had séene the slaughter both of many a Citizen and manie a souldier who before féeding the humour of their graund Duke and Captaine by their vnbridled wilfull boldnes mooning a most cruell tumult in the Citie spurred forth with hope of rich spoiles as if they all had béene of one mischieuous minde with one the same voice making a clamorous outcrie vpon the Citizens they rush and runne against them in hostile manner with their weapons shaken in their hands terriblie thus crying Ville Gaigne Viue la Messe tue tue the towne is wonne the Masse preuaile kill kill The cause hereof as it might best be imputed to the said Dukes displeasure conceiued against the Citie so a little after all this tumult he rode in a hot choler out of the City into his Pauilion which he had prepared for himselfe without in the fields whom when a certaine noble French man accompanied as hée went with the Duke out of the gate called Kipdorp he fayning to haue broken his owne legge by mischance the more exasperated the Dukes anger against the Citizens caused here another tumultuous terrible slaughter of Citizens and souldiers within the said gate called Kipdorp insomuch as 1500. French souldiers were there and at that time slaine amongst whom were about 320. Noblemen and Gentlemen of great name and authoritie The Duke of Aniow hearing the thundering thumps of the gunnes of the Citie supposing that this should signifie some euill presage to him and his retinue making haste away into his Tents and next day after remouing them thence got him and his retinue to the Castle of Bercheny a lodging place scarce fit enough for him altogether destitute of houshold furniture victuals and other prouisions néedfull from thence yet verie greatlie abashed at his owne doings and with penurie of
Baalac cursing the Israelites and the other more like Pharao persecuting and oppressing them but both of these most like the roring Lyon and hungrie Beare which Salomon speaketh of séeking now more and more the pray and spoile of the chéefe godlie Gouernour the Prince of Orange now ruling the Low-countries and defending their warres with the States whom the Pope and Spanish King had proscribed certaine yéeres agone and could no way come by his bodie to bring it into thraldome by wars threatnings nor subtil sleights to circumuent him Now therefore they the said Pope and king of Spaine practise subornation of murdering messengers to hunt and haunt his Court vnder colour of some far fecht and deare bought false friendship as in the last yéere 1582. one Iohn Iaureg with full purpose sent from the Pope and Spanish King to murder this good and godly Prince and Father of his Countrie then kéeping his Court within the Castle of Antwerpe accompanied with the foresaid Duke of Aniow the Councell of the States and the noble Generall Norice with others his faithfull friends euen then the said murthering messenger when he had discharged a dagge at the good Prince the wound as God would was not so desperate but that he recouered within a while after the malefactor in the very déed doing was apprehended stabbed with 27. wounds and afterwards beheaded bowelled and quartered in the market place of Antwerpe And praised he God who preserueth his Elect the said good Prince so recouering liued afterwards full two yéeres Although euen in the next yéere following 1583. another caitiue of Caines crew named Peter Dordoigne a Spaniard sent from that Romish Babylon and Spanish Periander comming in the month of May to Antwerpe about the like purpose was taken at Antwerpe before he could doe the déed as God would haue it who being thereupon imprisoned confessed that he was sent out of Spaine from the king himselfe with whom he had secret conference and encouragement to doe that mischéefe vpon the Princes person but the king concealing it not to be his fault commaunded him to lay the fault vpon one of his Secretaries and so this messenger had his iudgement and was put to death at Gronyng as guiltie in minde will and purpose to kill the said Prince But now in this yéere 1584. the good Prince being assaulted by thrée other seuerall champions of Sathan might seeme to haue sufficient warning by the former persons whom he should simplie suffer to be brought vnto his presence when that subtill Serpent the Diuell that old craftsmaster of theirs deuiseth sundrie meanes to worke mischiefe by As here by the first of these thrée whom I am to speake of vpon the 13. of Aprill one Iohn Ianson a rich Merchant vpon hatred which he conceiued against the good and harmeles Prince comming into a seller néere vnto a place where the Prince was then lodged had prouided with gunpowder to blow vp and destroy the Prince and all his retinue but though the Prince saw not the person yet he smelt the rat found him and laid hold vpon him as God would or euer he had power to performe that mischiefe and so the malefactor was headed bowelled and quartered for the same The second of these thrée and fourth in number of the murthering messngers hitherto sent was a Frenchman and Captaine of a band named Gottus who being captiued a little before by the Marques of Rombase one of the Duke of Parmaes Generals promised the said Marques if he would set him at libertie he would worke such way being very well acquainted with the Prince of Orange that he would with all possible spéede dispatch him out of his life saying that as he was very familiar with him and could easily vpon any occasion come to his presence and haue full conference with him so especially saith he if I shall be inuited to the Princes table to eate of his meate I can subtilly cast that few shall perceiue into some Eele broth which the Prince loueth very well such a powder as infecting the whole dish of meate shall if he eate thereof without long delay destroy him But this French Captaine Gottus hauing gotten himselfe at libertie haunting the Princes presence yet not so farre put in trust nor so much made of as he made account to haue béen and yet imployed in seruice for the Prince and States in a certaine Sconce before he either put his purpose in practise or performed his promise to the before named Marques was by Gods good will no doubt preuented and in defending that Sconce being ouerseene with drinke was shot into the head by a Musquet and so died presently in the said Sconce The last of the thrée missiue Manquellers this yéere sent being the fift and last of all y t were sent hitherto and most mischieuous souldier of Sathans cursed crew was a yong fellow named Balthazar Gerard a Burgunnian of seuen and twentie yéeres old of short stature hard fauour and base constitution dissembling himselfe otherwise to be called Francis Guyon the sonne of one Peter Guyon put to death for preferring the reformed religion when indeede this is that messenger of Sathan here of all others chiefly transforming himselfe as Saint Paul saith into an Angell of light This villaine commeth in the beginning of the moneth of May in the foresaid yeere 1584. vnto the Prince of Orange his Court O that he had here béen so simple as the Doue to haue shunned by flight this mischiefe at the first or as wise as the Serpent to haue vanquished the wisedome of the viperous wretch at the last and pretending to bring letters vnto the said noble good Prince importing great and rare newes out of France vsing a certaine protestation in expresse words of his zealous mind vnto the Gospell and adding for that cause he came farre to preferre his seruice vnto the Prince himselfe aboue all other Princes bringing with him and shewing forth also vnto the Prince certaine writings signed by Countie Maunsfeld called commonly flying seales vnder colour of friendship purporting enmitie namely how Luxenburge and the cities of other Prouinces might craftily be taken by the Prince of Orange his souldiers The Prince perusing ouer the writings and marking well the seales saying there could be no great matter performed by them commaunded him for a while to depart away Here before he went this villaine begged of the Prince some money to buy him hose and shooes wherevpon the Prince commanded his Secretarie to giue him some money for his said necessitie vpon the 8. of Iuly that yéere 1584 which he no sooner receiued but incontinently going his way from the Princes presence and comming to the vttermost court he bought with that money of two stipendarie watchmen two hand-dags But when this villaine had bought them calling to minde as hee afterwards being taken confessed what the Prince of Parma and one other named Assonuil had before
presentlie came vpon them with their pikes so that the enimie retired with the losse of a great number of men for the said Captaine Pryse and his souldiers had the killing of them euen at his will the space of two English miles and a halfe vntill he came vnto a place where a windmill stood whither were sent by the enimie a thousand fresh men to second the others the said Captaine Pryse being formost went so fast and the rest behinde still following the execution of the enimie and wearie had not with him at the encounter with this supplie aboue 50. or 60. men at the most whereupon this fresh companie of the enimie deliuered a vollie of shot upon the said Captaine and shot him through the thigh and killed some of his men but the said Captaine by the help of some special men about him was rescued from the enimie and presently the said Generall Norice sent him a horse to carrie him away downe to the water side Then the enimie following and killing some few of our men the ships of warre played vpon them so hotlie that they made them to retire to their Armie The Generall and Sir Iohn Broughe were carried into Counte Holloks Ship where being verie wearie and wounded they rested vntill the next day where there was a generall reuew what men were slaine on both sides there was found by the reuew taken by the Counte Hollocke and the English Officers of the enimy aboue 700. men slaine at the secong charge besides them which were slaine by the said Generall Norice at the Fort before the comming of the said Captaine Pryse being some hundred or there abouts There were slaine of our men that day not fullie 150. men as was found by a generall reuew of the said Officers And so the next day the said Citie of Graue was releeued the enimies bridge broken and Counte Hollocke sent into the towne seauen horses laden with butter cheese munition and other necessaries which was to the great honour of our English nation and the great comfort of that distressed garison The Belgicke historie maketh this report of the field fought at Battenborow aforesaid of the siege of Graue viz. Parma in the beginning of winter Anno 1586. by Counte Charles Maunsfield causeth the Citie of Graue to be besieged and compassed about with foure Bulwarks or Forts and entring vpon the bridge of Naia neere the riuer he causeth all the passages to be made sure within and without and all manner of victuals to be kept within the Citie In the Bulwarks he had placed some 1500. souldiers for a garison and besides 5000. Spaniards more or lesse the rest were seruing in the Tents almost halfe a mile from the Citie After these had for 3. months space and more besieged the Graue the Erle Generall came from Haghe by Harlam and Amsterdam in Holland vnto Vtrecht and sent about 400. horsemen into Velonia or Velna as farre as Niekerke to help the Citizens of the Graue Generall Norice and Counte Hoghenlo marched vnto them with 2000. footemen which carried victuals and prouision into the Citie for with their horsemen they could do no good These footmen at the first inuade the Bulwarke called the Molensconce halfe a mile from the Graue and after that fortifie themselues in a new sconce not farre from the Spaniards Bulwarks which they perceiuing came fiercelie vpon them with 3000. of their chosen souldiers to surprise them and at the second or third assault driue away their workemen euen in the verie erecting of their Sconce who meete some 900. of the garisons and there make a stand which the Spaniards perceiuing charged them a fresh and droue them away to the next Sconce though the Spaniards so doing fiue hundred of them were slaine manie were wounded amongst whom were seauen Captaines of companies and two men of great account from whom the Englishmen tooke away a brasse peece of Ordinance And thus was the field fought at Battenborow as that historie mentioneth so of the siege of Graue when Parma had beaten it with 24. peeces of batterie he so battered and rent the walles thereof that hee compelled the Citizens and their garisons to yeeld the Towne vnto him who entred the same with his forces and gaue them leaue to depart with wife and children and all that they had whither soeuer they would with bagge and baggage Immediatly after the seruice so done at the Graue and surrendring or yéelding the same vnto the enemie the Erle Generall caused the Lord Hemert a Martiall gouernour with certaine others to be apprehended caried to Vtrecht prosecuted by order of law and put to death in the presence of al the Captaines for most part of the souldiers lately seruing at the Graue although saith my Author they had done no treason nor made any secret confederacie with the enemie But through a certaine youthfull want of skill in Militarie seruice had rendred vp the towne of Graue vnto the enemie which act of the Generall saith my Author turned away the hearts of many Noblemen and inhabitants there from him especially because they saw one Welsh sometimes a Captaine of the English forces and a notable Traytor before taken by Countie Hoghenloe which with others moe such as himselfe was betrayed the citie Alosto in Flanders and deliuered it vnto the Enemie was not put to death but preferred in Militarie seruice and also Sir William Stanley and Rowland Yorke two notable fugitiues and false forsworne Traytors to their Prince and Countrie escaping vnpunished likewise The Erle Generall in the moneth of August 1586. hauing gathered a conuenient armie of English Dutch and other Nations sent the first companie vnder Sir Iohn Norice and Sir Thomas Cicill now Lord Burley Knights who placed them neere vnto Seuenter in Cleueland purposing to march towards the Prince of Parma and his forces But the Erle Generall himselfe the 6. of September Anno 1586 departeth from Arnhem in Gelderland towards Eltem in Cleueland honourably accompanied with Prince Emanuel sonne of Anthony King of Portugale the Lord Truxsis the Prince Elector of Colen Countie Maurice of Nassaw Countie Philip of Nassaw nephew to the deceased Prince of Orange the Counties Solmes and Obersteyn the Erle of Essex Generall of the horsemen the Lord Peregrin Bartu Lord Willoughby the Lord Iohn North Baron of Kirtlington Sir Philip Sidney Lord Gouernour of Flushing and others of great authoritie And hauing taken a view of his hoste his Excellencie numbred his footemen to be about 7000. and his horsemen 1400. But this armie seemed vnto him insufficient to giue Parma the repulse who was said to haue 12000. footmen and 3500. horsemen And for that he would deliuer the citie of Berck upon the Rhine from the present siege of the Enemie he determined therfore first by policie to assault Doesburgh in the Countie of Zutphen to withdraw the Prince of Parma from the siege of Berck aforesaid This towne of Doesburgh was
would forsake his trecherous course and become a faithfull obedient subiect He answered with great protestations that he was sorie for his offence and that there was no Prince in the world whom he did or would more honour and reuerence then her Maiestie neuer naming her Highnes but with his hat off all which shewes of obedience in him made many beléeue that he meant to become otherwise then since he hath proued himselfe But those that haue liued long in that countrey amongst them know by experience that they are a people full of malecontentment inconstancie rebellion and treason desiring no other gouernment but their owne rude barbarous and disordered kinde of life and manners most horrible and odious to all that feare God obey their Prince and loue their Countrey It was euer doubted by Sir Iohn Norice and to be beleeued of euery one that know the Rebell Tyrone that he neuer meant to be faithfull in his word wherefore his trecherous delaies could not be imputed to any remisse course held by Sir Iohn Norice towards Tyrone But there is no question had Sir Iohn Norice liued he would haue made it appeared vnto the world as he hath done heretofore that the zeale he did beare to doe her Maiestie and his Countrey seruice was such as that priuate malice in crossing him shuld neuer haue had power either to make him faile in the least point of his alleageance or to burie any of his honourable intended enterprises I haue heard him say my self and so haue others which now liue in Ireland that if he could but hope that the Rebel Tyrone would vnfainedly accept of her Maiesties grace and mercie towards him and that he the said Sir Iohn Norice might haue béen the instrument to haue perswaded him to become a faithfull subiect he would not haue cared what labour or paines he endured to be assured thereof It was thought that the prosecuting of Feugh Mac Hugh was contrary to the Articles agreed vpon betweene the Commissioners and the Rebell Tyrone and it should appeare that he disliked thereof For after his pardon was sent him by Sir Edward Moore and he in all things to the shew of the world readie to haue accepted thereof on the sudden his pardon was brought backe and he returned excéedingly discontented After the time of this last treatie with Tyrone which was in the latter end of Ianuary aforesaid he remained vpon the borders of the North still expecting direction how to procéed in those Northerne affaires which continued from the moneth of Ianuary aforesaid 1596. vntill the moneth of May in the yéere 1597. following for the space of foure moneths At which time he the said Generall Norice receiued aduertisement out of England that the Lord Borowes should come ouer Deputie into Ireland So vntil his comming the Generall kept himselfe vpon the borders of the North. It was thought at the Lord Borowes comming ouer the old grudge would be renewed but I think that matter was carried into England before the Lord Borowes departed thence For that after their méeting contrarie to the expectation of many Sir Iohn Norice caried himselfe very discréetly and respectiuely towards him besides that he made knowne vnto him the state of the countrey at that present together with his best counsell and aduice for the reforming of the desperate estate that then the kingdome was left in In so much as it was thought before Sir Iohn Norice his going into his gouernment of Munster that they were both good friends But now vpon the Lord Borowes his receiuing of the Sword Sir Iohn Norice was absolutely sequestred from all commaund except that of the Prouince and so sent downe into Munster with an opinion to get leaue to passe into England But that fell out contrary to his expectation So he hast ouer three moneths with a shew of his health although inwardly he felt his owne griefe And thus the cause of his conceiued griefe was the hastening of his death and so iudged of by most men which knew the same The manner of his death was answerable to his honourable life and knowne to some of his seruants and followers who now with great griefe must rew it He died the third day of September 1597. at his Brother Sir Thomas Norices house in the towne of Mayallo in the Prouince of Munster within the kingdome of Ireland at the 50. yéere of his age hauing spent 26. of them being the most flourishing time of his life in her Maiesties seruice against her enemies in the Netherlands Spayne Portugall France Britaine and Ireland as particularly before and here finally is mentioned The Honourable Lord Henry Norice Baron of Rycot father of the said Lord Generall had fiue sons moe all Martiall men vz. Master William his eldest sonne seruing in Ireland and there deceased Sir Edward his third sonne seruing lastly at Ostend now liuing Sir Henry Norice his fourth sonne and Sir Thomas his fift sonne both seruing lastly in Ireland hurt and died there but buried in England and Master Maximilian his sixt and youngest sonne died in France The honorable Ladie Margerie Mother to all these died at London 1599. The said honourable Lord Henry their father died at Rycot Anno 1601. Thus being intreated to set downe what I knew that passed vpon Sir Iohn Norices side at his latter daies in Ireland I haue although not iournally yet of my certaine knowledge truly and duly described all the notable occurrents that passed from his last comming out of Britaine to the time of his death in Ireland as before is said All this seruice in Ireland was set down by Daniel Gyles sometime Page and after lately seruant to the said Generall Norice at his death as aforesaid FINIS 1547. 1. Edw. 6. Exordium de quatuor circumstantijs The first circumstance Historia Belgica lib. 1. The second circumstance Historia Belgica lib. 1. The third circumstance Historia Belgica lib. 1. The fourth circumstance Historia Belgica lib. 1. Historia Belgica lib. 2. Anno 1566. The States finding thēselues greatly iniuried and grieued by y e Spanish Inquisitiō do exhibit vnto the Regent a iust protestation of their cause The keyes and custodie of Antwerpe in Churchyards hands at this vprore witnes Master Ioseph and his brother Master Richard Candeler Churchyard Captaine of 30. thousand in this time at Antwerpe The Prince of Orange and Counte Nassaw departeth out of the troubled Low Countries in happie time Churchyard then fled to England in a Priests apparell and came to y e Queene The Protestants chuse Churchyard their Captaine The Duke of Alua sent as Gouernour ouer the Low Countries vnder King Philip Lib. 3. He made a general restraint of Englishmēs ships goods Historia Belgica lib. 4. Anno 1569. Certain Christian Princes assist y e Prince of Orange to fortifie the Low Countries Historia Belgica lib. 3. King Philip imprisoneth his owne son The Duchesse of Parma departeth into Italy
The King of Spaine proscribeth the Prince of Orange and two other estates Tergoas besieged Frederick the sonne of Ferdinando besiegeth Zutphen Harlem fortified by the Prince of Orange Captaine Barnabey Rich his notes The same besieged by Fredericke the Duke of Alua his sonne Anno 1573. The Duke of Alua departeth out of the Low Countries Don Lewis de Requisensius a Spaniard succeeded in that gouernment Anno 1574. Midleborow yeelded to the Prince of Orange Historia Belgica lib. 5. Leydon besieged by Spanish forces Lacke of looking to necessitie in time loseth all in fine Anno 1575. The Spanish kings Armado sent into the Low Countries cast away by tempest Ziricksea besieged Anno 1576. Historia Belgica lib. 6. Historia Belgica lib. 6. The offer made by the Prince and States vnto Don Iohn of Austrich The pretended contract of Don Iohn with y e Prince of Orange proueth in fine fraud in frendship Historia Belgica lib. 6. Don Iohn made Gouernour Generall for the Spanish King Anno 1577. Historia Belgica lib. 7. The double dealing of Don Iohn discouered and defeated The States write to the Spanish King of Don Iohns indirect dealing The Archduke Matthias sent for by the States Sir Iohn Norice his first comming into the Netherlands Captain Cripses note Enuie and slander euermore enemies to good enterprises Iohn Stow pages 1167.1168.1169 Historia Belgica lib. 7. Alexander Duke of Parma brought into the Low Countries by Don Iohn The States forces then at Gembleu ouerthrowne by Don Iohn Duke Iohn Casimire commeth into England Captaine Whitstocks note The battell on Lammas day betweene Louaine and the Leger Anno 1578. Historia Belgica lib. 8. A fierce fight for 7. houres Captain Cripses note Generall Norice hath the honour of the field Three Binghams brethreÌ„ Historia Belgica lib. 8. Sir Richard Bingham deceased in Anno 1598. Fiue hundred Spaniards slaine Historia Belgica lib. 9. The death of Don Iohn His birth and properties described Historia Belgica lib. 9. Anno 1580. Historia Belgica lib. 10. Historia Belgica lib. 10. The Garrison in Stenwick The Gouernours of Stenwick send to the States for supplie The first supplie sent surprised and set vpon Historia Belgica lib. 10. The second supplie sent also surprised by the enemie The States better aduising theÌ„selues send now thither Colonell Norice Historia Belgica lib. 10. The now Generall Norices victorie ouer the Renenbergers besieging Stenwick This affirmed by Captaine Strange The enemies bragging chalenge Historia Belgica lib. 10 The fight in S. Iohns Camp betweene Generall Norice and Countie Renenberg This affirmed by Captaine Strange Exod. 16.13 Historia Belgica lib. 10. Generall Norice relieueth Stenwick besieged with victuals the 20. day of Februarie 1580. Captaine Whitstocks note confirmed by Captaine Cripse The Lord Nienort his victorie ouer the Renenbergers the 9. day of Iuly 1580. Renenbergs death Historia Belgica lib. 11. Generall Norice marcheth to meete Verdugo Historia Belgica lib. 10. The battaile at Northorne The Archduke departeth the Netherlands the Prince of Orange succeedeth Historia Belgica lib. 11. Francis Duke of Aniow coÌ„meth into England Captaine Churchyard was with the Duke all that while The preparation of the Prince of Parma and Duke of Aniowes forces for the fight Lib. 11. Captaine Edward Stranges relation of the seruice at Gaunt The enemies forces discouered at hand Generall Norice and Sir W. Knowles foure english miles from Gaunt assailed by English Rebels Coronell Cotton and Coronell North. Generall Norice honoured by the French forces The offer of the French Nobles to the English Generall Norice Historia Belgica lib. 11. The Prince of Orange and Duke of Aniow behold the fight The Duke of Aniowes metamorphosed minde and manners The Citie of Antwerpe all on a tumult by the Dukes displeasure Historia Belgica lib. 11. Generall Norice sent to meete the Duke Historia Belgica lib. 11. Historia Belgica lib. 11. Comming into France he falleth sicke Practise of Queene Mother They prouide for their safetie His description and properties Historia Belgica lib. 11. His funerall Numb 22.5 Exod. 7.3.31 Prou. 28.15 The first messenger sent to murther the Prince of Orange 1582. The second 1583. one Peter Dordoigne Lib. 11. The third 1584 one Iohn Ianson Lib. 11. The fourth 1584. a French man Lib. 11. Historia Belgica lib. 12. The fift and last messenger which murthered the Prince of Orange Anno 15â—5 2. Cor. 11.14 Matth. 10.16 Lib. 12. The Caitiues deceitfull doings Virgil. Ecloga secunda The villanous murthering of the Prince of Orange Lib. 13 The execution of the villanous murtherer The funerall and solemne order of the Princes buriall The time of his life and description of his personage Lib. 12. His Stile His Matrimoniall estate His Issue His Progeniâ— His Brethren His Sisters Historia Belgica lib. 12. * Qui falsis subscriptionibus insinuatus Aulae * Quae promulgata A.C. M. D.XXC proposito percussori praemio 25000. coron * Andegauensis qui obierat eodem die mensis praecedentis Reuel 12. Lib. 13. Reu. 15.14.16 Historia Belgisa lib. 13. The articles contained the yeelding of certaine townes as pledges to the Queenes Maiestie Sir Philip Sydney sent ouer and made Lord Gouernour of Flusshing Lib. 13. His honourable actions in the Lowe countries this yeere 1585. Histor. Anglica Anno. 1585. The Prince of Parma marcheth to meet Generall Norice The battell bidden by the Prince but the Generall had the victorie Generall Notice made gouernour of Briel Captaine Thomas Louels note Historia Belgica lib. 13. Historia Belgica lib. 23. The Queenes Maiesties letters vnto the States of the Netherlands Historia Belgica lib. 10. Note here her Maiesties meaning and commandement The answere of the States to her Maiesties letters The word Absolute interpreted Exemplum Romanorum The Erle Generall receiueth contributions c. The Generall maketh orders for Militarie Discipline Captaine Iohn Pryse his relation of the seruice performed at the Citie of Graue Anno 1586. Generall Norice taketh counsell with Count Hollocke how to relieue Graue The Generall appoynteth Captatne Pryse to his charge Captaine Iohn Pryses good seruice against the enemies A view of the losse of men on both parts Historia Belgica lib. 13. Historia Belgica lib. 13. The Erle Generall marcheth to meet the Prince of Parma Historia Belgica lib. 13. The English forces suddenly assaile their enemies The enemies well beaten and scattered The English forces approching towards Zutphen Sir Philip Sydney mortally wounded Historia Belgica lib. 13. Anno 1586. Parma falleth sicke The Erle Generall assaileth the little wing neere Zutphen Master Edward Stanley Knighted The Erle taketh certaine Castles The Erle incurreth the States displeasure Lib. 13. 1586. Historia Belgica lib. 14. Sir William Russel Anno 1587. Lib. 14. Parmaes preparation to march towards Sluce Sir William Russel made Generall of Flushing Sir William Russels care for prouision Sir Roger Williams Lib. 14. Historia Belgica lib. 14. The Erle Generall returnes into the Netherlands The resistance of the Slucians The losse on both partes The Erle Generall prepareth forces to relieue Sluce The Erle assaulteth the fort of Blanckberg The yeelding vp of the Sluce The Erles last returne into England The death of the Erle Generall The Lord Willoughby his birth His seruices from time to to time His seruice in the absence of the Earle Generall His seruice at Zutphen He taketh an Albanoys Captiue He challengeth the Marques of Guasto Historia Belgica lib. 15. Parma marcheth toward Berghen opt Zome Colonel Drury Colonel Morgan Historia Belgica lib. 15. Outragious spoylers The Prince of Parma layeth siege to Berghen A pretie practise of two Englishmen to beguile Parma The politike deuise of Redhead and Grimston The enemies â—ntrapped slaine and drowned Historia Belgica lib. 15. Parma raiseth his siege and departeth from Berghen Count Maurice inaugurate the Marques of Der Vere Historia Belgica lib. 15. A sedition amongst the chiefest of the Spaniards Historia Belgica lib. 15. The Prince of Parma falleth into many griefes The Prince of Parma his death Aprill 11 28. 29. 30. 1591. May. 3. 12. 13. May. 14. 15. 19. May. 23. 24. May. 26 Iune 1. 10. 11. Iune 12. 13. 24 Iune 29. Iulie 2. Iuly 9. Iuly 26 30 August 1 August 3. 5. 7. 8. 21. 24. The 26. of August 27. 31. The second of September 3. 11. 24 28. The seauenth of October 15 The second of December 19 28. 29. Ianuary 8. 9. 10. 11. 28. Februarie 1. 18 21. March 1. October 2.3.4 5. 6. Sir Anthonie Wingfield slaine with a Cannon 7.8.9.10.11 24 Nouember 7. 1. March 1595. Generall Norice departeth for Ireland May. 5. He landeth at Waterford Iulie Sir William Russel Lord Deputie The Lord Deputie comming forwards Tyrone returned backe 1595. August September October Nouember Munster in good quiet 1596. Aprill Messengers appointed betweene the Commissioners and Tyrone May. 1596. Nouember Ianuarie Tyrones answere Sir Iohn Norices doubt of Tyrone 1597. Aprill 1597. May. Generall Norice conceiueth a griefe The good Generall Norice deceased in Ireland 1597. at his brothers house at Mayallo
said sonne Philip married with Mary Quéene of England on the 19. of Iuly 1554. and in the next yéere following 1555. he gaue this his said sonne Philip full possession and principalitie ouer the said Countries of the Netherlands which hee had himselfe so gouerned not without some seueritie 38. yeeres Finally omitting larger discourses of this Charles the 5. Emperour of his so many notable and memorable expeditions in in his life time performed let these few words suffice that he made nine into Germanie seuen into Spaine seuen into Italy tenne into the Netherlands foure into France and two into England which in all were nine and thirtie After all this to make an end of his memorials he resigning vp the Empire and iurisdiction thereof vnto the Princes Electors of the same in the yeere of our Lord 1557. and so leauing Germanie departed into Spaine where he finished the race of his mortall life on the 20. day of September in the yeere of our Lord 1558. hauing been Emperour for the full space of nine and thirtie yeeres The third circumstance is this That his aforesaid younger brother Ferdinando succeeding him in the Empire on the 18. day of March 1558. did so godly and so religiously gouerne the same from his first inauguration thereunto that he had much adoe to be confirmed in this Imperiall dignitie by Pope Paul the 4. of that name Bishop of Rome because he this good Emperour granting peace vnto the Churches of Germanie preferring the Gospell the same Pope Paul withstood him in Italy and thwarted him with warlike forces out of France to come of purpose to Rome there to disgrace and disanull his gouernment euen in that same very yeere 1558. aforesaid This good Emperour notwithstanding perseuering an Imperiall sincere Patrone of the sacred religion to his great comfort saw his sonne Maximilian also chosen and crowned King of Romanes in the moneth of Nouember 1564. And so he himselfe hauing been Emperour sixe yeeres and vpwards was by the God of peace called out of this troublesome world on the 25. of Iuly Anno 1565. The fourth and last circumstance yet not the least which I gather out of my Authors first booke is this That as the said King Philip of Spaine had been from the yeere of our Lord 1555. aforesaid possessed in his soueraigntie ouer the Netherlands vntill this yeere 1565. aforesaid so his father Charles the 5. Emperour in his time was not so seuere an Eagle but this his sonne now becomes as sore a Lion ioyning hands as it were with the Pope of Rome And whereas they two made other Christian Princes beléeue they became right restorers of Christian policie in processe of time they prooued themselues to be destroyers of the peace and weale publike of a good gouernment in sending foorth the Spanish Inquisition as the ground of al the griefe in the Netherlands and the originall cause of the ciuill warres there now following The originall ciuill Warres in the Netherlands vnder the Duchesse of Parma FOr first by the said Inquisition sent from the Pope and the Spanish King into the Netherlands against the professors of the Gospell or of the reformed religion thus it fell out That the King hauing chosen new Bishops for the purpose sent them thither to execute the said Inquisition amongst them They of the reformed religion hereupon exhibit to the Lady Margaret Duchesse of Parma and Placencia sent by the King thither for their Regent and Gouernesse vnder him a little printed booke wherein they craue mitigation of the Kings Decrée hoping as they alleaged that he would not infringe and frustrate their ancient priuiledges and franchises in those points and for that cause they were reputed and called Geusij viz. poore men Which thing being interpreted to the worst in Spaine and sore stomacked by the King they of the reformed religion perceiuing the same fire euery day more and more to burst foorth to quench or at least as it were to auoide the same by publike assemblies at Sermons and conuenient places doe prouide for their profession and for protection of their particular estates Hereupon on the other side began Idolatrie to outface and disanull their doings by the Papists yet for all this the said Ladie Margaret Duchesse of Parma then Regent was commaunded by the King to graunt securitie vnto the Nobilitie of the professors who had béen before suiters vnto her for the same that they might fréely haue their assemblies and Sermons till further order were taken therein Then they of the reformed religion laid away their weapons and some Idolatrous personages were put to death Meane while the Regent hauing gathered vnder her some forces began to sow discord and debate amongst the reformed Nobilitie whereof the lesser part being stirred vp or rather enforced by her menacings and threatnings doe againe take them to their weapons whereupon at Antwerpe did sedition and tumult arise To auoide future daunger William Prince of Orange and Counte Nassaw hereupon departeth out of the Netherlands in happie time Againe at Antwerpe was commandement giuen in certaine places that Sermons should be prohibited and so all things seeme to stand in vncertaintie though some hoped that the Kings displeasure would be pacified To conclude yet so many as were suspected of the reformed religion were taken and violently put to death many others taken endured long imprisonmēt many others fearing worse to come fled these Low Countries dispersing themselues into diuers parts of Europe And all this continued vnder the said Duchesse of Parma Regent for the space of twentie moneths In the time of these troubles and graunt of an Interim to haue frée libertie in preaching the Gospell there fell out a bloodie conflict neere Antwerpe at a place called Austeruile for one Monsieur de Toloze a Protestant suspecting bad practises of the Regent gathered and assembled two thousand souldiers in a fortification not fullie accomplished at the said Austeruile meaning with that force to aide them of Antwerpe if ill measure were offered them which the Regent went cunningly about for she in all secret manner raised a thousand horse and foure thousand footemen and gaue the charge of them to a gallant Captaine called Monsieur Beauvois albeit a cruell man who immediatly marched priuily towards this new fortification and before Monsieur Toloze could make himselfe strong to withstand his enemies the Regents power in the breake of day set vpon the vnreadie and féeble force of Toloze and charged them so furiously and hotly that they entred the weake fortifications ouerthrew the whole companie of Toloze sauing a few that escaped dangerously into Antwerpe among which souldiers Captaine Churchyard saued himselfe and entred Antwerpe Notwithstanding Toloze being slaine and almost all his men the enemie after the victorie gotten marched with all possible spéede towards Antwerpe where fortie Ensignes of the Regents power were in battell on the Market place readie to
receiue them and kept the Towne gates as open as they could for that purpose but the Protestants fearing mischiefe and miserie ran to the gates in all haste and shut them fast carying away the keyes into the hart of the towne The Prince of Orange the Counte de Horne and Counte Hostraet with Monsieur Decardes and many more Seigneurs and Noblemen beholding the daunger they were in knew not what to doe nor durst make any resistance for offending the Regent and losse of liues goods and lands and so refusing all charge against the Regent they left the common people in a great vprore and hazard to auoide which extremitie the Commoners began to clap on armour and made a most resolute mutinie crying Viue les gueulx that is to say liue poore men and beholding ouer the walles Monsieur Beauvois and his people proudly marching after so much bloodshed within a mile of Antwerpe the Protestants resolutely determined to encounter Beauvois in the fields but wanting a generall Captaine and horsemen to match against horsemen they fell in a great murmuring and knew not what was best to take in hand yet seeing all their gouernours refuse them called courage to themselues and so resolued to make a stranger their Captaine they being enterlarded with many valiant souldiers that came from the siege of Valenciana came suddenly to Captaine Churchyards lodging and burst open his doore commaunding him in all haste to come out and take the charge of those that would fight for the Gospell which attended his comming well armed in the stréetes Churchyard told them he would serue among them but was vnable to gouerne a multitude Whereon they bent their pikes on him and threatned to kill him if he did refuse their louing offer He thereupon gaue his promise to obey and so without any armour came into the stréet where was raised such a shout and noise of people and so many caps flung vp that it was a wonder to heare and see it he presently gessed their number was great and their quarell good so in a few words he desired that such as would not fight to depart to their wiues and children whereat all the people shouted and cried Goe forward and we will follow Then vnto the gates goes the assemblie of 25. thousand sauing the souldiers were left by direction to make head and beard the fortie Ensignes in the Market place so the Protestants breaking with barres of yron a posterne gate because the keyes were hidden their Leader still aduancing his Ensigne full in the enemies view their horsemen somewhat slacke for the rifling Tolozes Campe cast in the Reregard and not readie to charge the forefront of the Protestants made the Protestants vse the more aduantage both of shot and seruice whereby they gat so much blood and victorie that their Leader of some great consideration made his people retire into the towne againe the number that sallied were eight thousand They were no sooner entred but the Prince of Orange and Noblemen welcomed with embracings the Leader and all his followers promising great matter for their boldnes But the Captaine and his people hoping to rid the whole towne of Spaniards marched with the aduantage of the time the gates fast shut towards the Market place order being giuen that fiue thousand shot should enter at the backes of the enemies when one shot of Canon should be discharged against the Protestants from the Market place where 24. great pieces were rammed full of stones and chaines and resolutely the Protestants holding this course marching thorow Cooper strote in as great brauerie and terror as may be imagined they approched néere the enemies with such a thundring noise and crie as seemed marueilous The Prince and great Earles before named pitying the great slaughter that might follow this bold attempt on horsebacke as all the Nobilitie were the Prince presented peace to the Protestants who disdaining his offer cried kill him and so bent their pikes on him What what quoth the Captaine will you kill your gouernours fie for shame hold still your weapons but the Prince and the rest with him drew backe their bridles so hard and so disorderly that downe came the Prince and his companie all flat backward in the place The enemie then amazed at that sight besides regarding the priuie stratagem or practises at their backes neere the riuers side began after their musing and amaze to discourage themselues in so much that the Cannons they would haue shot off and the seruice they intended was vtterly forgotten so that suddenly they let fall their pikes and at the Protestants approch then at hand the enemies cried to saue their owne liues Viue le gueulx aloude and in such sort that they suffered all their Captaines and Leaders to the number of sixe score to be taken prisoners losing all their Cannons and Munition putting euery thing they had into the Leaders hands of the Protestants he vsing victorie in the great aduauntage of that season caused all their Cānons to be drawne with ropes from the Market place to the Méere brugge a great stréete néere the Burse and filling euery window full of shot to flanke each part and corner of the stréetes and Burse he chained carts together with shot in them and thereon pitched straight waies a Campe full vpon the Méere-brugge hauing then at commaund thirtie thousand resolute souldiers for the space of thrée daies and nights all which time the Generall appointed Captaines and officers for euery companie and all warlike orders set in stay he thought all had been well and in suretie but a vile cunning and vnchristian brute was raised that the Caluinists would cut the Martinists throtes on which false brute in one night the Protestants lost much more than ten thousand men who ioyned as they might with the Papists yet God mouing the mindes of good men made the Protestants and their Generall couragiously to plucke vp their hearts and the Generall with fiue hundred shot match fired in cocke marched to the Prince of Orange his presence and told him that this drift of the Martinists going from the Protestants smelled of two much suttle smoke the smoother thereof might set all Antwerpe on a flaming fire desiring him to see a quicke redresse herein or else presently the Protestants would giue all the enemies a battell to the whole spoyle and ouerthrow of the towne and therewithall he departed from the Prince and vsed his fiue hundred shot to house and driue in all the Martinists into their lodgings for as yet they had not ioyned with the enemies force they were so wearie with watching before and so glad of rest libertie and companie of their wiues and friends at that present The Prince then with great prudence and policie sent word to the Protestants that they should haue free accesse to Sermons and preachings which they sought for the which was a goodly preaching place built and further the Prince promised that the Martinises and all
succoured and made somewhat in strength and in hope of good fortune the armie meant to passe ouer a little riuer néere Tielmount but by the way were sharply encountred with the whole power of the Duke of Alua where in hazard the Count de Hostraet was shot in the legge of which wound he died andn after The Duke likewise a politike souldier and great gouernour bearded the Prince a while with hot and cruell countenance and so sent Iulian Romero to lie in ambush betwéene a bridge and passage full in the face of the Princes Campe marching to passe the water which Romero most like a rare great souldier in a fine warlike sort couched his force flat on the earth behinde the Forlorne hope sent from the Prince to view and make place for his armies passage Romero came before as one that knew the aduantage of time couching close as flat as they might and so the day consuming all was in rest and both parties in a great wood lay as close as they could The Duke maintaining skirmish followed still after the Réergard of the Prince Romero suffered both the Carriage Vaungard and Battell to passe the bridge and as the Reergard aduaunced themselues to march ouer the passage Romero descried his power of sixe thousand shot and so put al the Forlorne hope to flight or slew the most of them A noble Frenchman called Monsieur de Malberg and all his companie of foure thousand braue souldiers were there defeated with others to the number of eight thousand men which fight and slaughter endured in great and bloodie broyle till the very night approched and compelled both the Camps to lodge within Cannon shot one of another and in the night the Duke priuily stole away for some hidden cause and policie for the next morning Monsieur Ianlis and seuen thousand footemen with fiftéene hundred horse marched ful vpon the Dukes power in a faire plaine néere vnto Namur The Duke dreading Ianlis boldnes and the Princes Camp not farre off turned him backe another way and made his march very fast for feare of a blow then Ianlis and all his noble troupe ioyned with great ioy with the Princes power Immediatly the Prince prepared to besiege a towne called Chasteau Cambresi and marching thitherwards the Duke waited at hand but the towne was strongly besieged notwithstanding the Duke as the Prince had intelligence minded to disturbe him the espials of the Dukes Campe were by the Prince taken which declared in what disorder the Dukes Campe lay whereon without sound of Drumme most secretly the Prince marched to méete the Duke and the barking of dogs vnder the Ruitters waggons gaue warning how both the armies were almost mingled together the night being dark whereat a great alarme arose on both sides but the Dukes Campe within two houres was intrenched and so a great encounter of horsemen a long time passed out the morning in skirmishing with many slaine and hurt The Prince then departing from Flaunders came into France néere Guise and S. Quintins and marched after to disperse his armie towards Strasborogh in the which way Churchyard departing frō the Prince to England so leaues this true testimonie for a witnes that the author which wrote the other historie which Robinson translated left partially out of his booke whereas these matters at that season were worthie of memorie Written fom pag. 5. hitherto by Thomas Churchyard The ciuill Warres proceeding in the Netherlands vnder Don Ferdinando Aluares de Toledo Duke of Alua sent thither by the King of Spaine as Commander Generall AFter all this King Philip still prosecuting his former purpose with further extremities in the yeere of our Lorde 1567. sent thither Don Ferdinando Aluares Duke of Alua by the title of the Kings Commaunder Generall a noble personage no doubt but a notable cruell Tyrant tall of personage leane of bodie like vnto Brutus or Cassius whom Caesar censured to be feared strong of members vpright in stature long and leane faced hollow eyed of fierce and grim countenance with a long and gray beard haughtie of minde stoute of courage and as my Author saith Magnus Aulicus Insignis Dissimulator yet of surpassing skill and knowledge in feates and policies of warre excéeding therein all Spaniards of his time who as he exercised most seuere martiall discipline in his warres so vsed hee great iudgement in leading foorth his armies pitching his Tents and pointing out harbours for his souldiers because he was of long time a continuall practitioner in warres defensiue and offensiue and so bold he was and of such stout selfe-conceit as one fearing no daunger that he would take vpon him no charge of any armie except he might haue the chiefe place and prerogatiue of Commendator Generall as the Spaniards call it As certainly he serued both the father Charles the 5. Emperour before remembred and Philip the sonne now mentioned in chiefest place or calling of Martiall affaires and that in most important and difficult enterprises managing their warres in Italy Spaine France Hungary Germany Africk and the Netherlands who now entring there in person all armed found all things in peaceable state But within a yéere after he began to be stirre him in the ininoyned Inquisition afresh euery where grieuously vexing and persecuting the inhabitants with new impositions mutinies confiscation of goods imprisonment ciuill warres and vnmercifull death daily inueighing against them that they had broken their alleageance to the King and his supreame authoritie and that they had lost all priuiledge of libertie life and possessions therefore he calleth a generall new Councell of the States abrogating old and establishing new lawes quite contrarie to the ancient former customes of those countries vrging daily the new Bishops to be diligent in executing the said Inquisition Summo iure or rather Summa iniuria according to that saying Sic volo sic iubeo stet pro ratione voluntas he himselfe setting all things in order for ciuill wars fortifieth old and erecteth new fortresses Castles and muniments making prouision for prisons and other such preparations This being in the yéere 1569. our English Merchants and Marriners amongst whom my selfe a poore Clerke trauailing towards Antwerpe for my preferment they some in one place some in another I at Flushing vpon Christmas éeue were taken out of our beds and our ships and goods by the Kings commaundement imbargued so carried to the Geuarghen huise as they called it The cause whereof was that certaine ships with the Kings treasure driuen néere the coast of England by tempest of weather were taken by the Quéenes Maiesties ships brought into the Themes by meanes whereof both English Merchants and Marriners were detained in prison and their ships and goods restrained as well in all the Spanish Kings dominions as also on the other partie the King of Spaines subiects and goods were arested in the Quéenes Maiesties kingdomes of England Wales and Ireland which continued for the space of two yéeres following
till that order was then taken for the same when the Merchants Marriners and their ships were released and dismissed but the goods liable to the value of the Spanish Kings treasures was answered accordingly Thus the crueltie of the time and state in the Netherlands increasing most odious vnto other Christian princes it was Gods good pleasure to put into the mindes of the States of Germanie also of Charles the 9. King of France for mitigation of these calamities to enter a league with William Prince of Orange and Count Nassaw to leuie forces of men and munition vnder conduct of the Count Lodwicke of Nassaw brother to the said Prince being also associated with the two valiant Captaines Ienlisij and the Lord of Laxone who with their said forces part Germans part FrenchmeÌ„ part Dutchmen and part English voluntaries bending their endeuours to the surprising of the strong towne of Mounts in Henault on the 24. of May in the foresaid yéere obtained the towne by fight and possessed the same by strong fortification thereof In that yéere saith my author King Philip vpon suspition that he had of his only son Charles Prince of Spaine that hee should prepare himselfe with habiliments by sea to step away into the Netherlands and ioyne with the States vz. the Prince of Orange Count de Egmont Graue van Horne and others to manage ciuill warres against his father and his Commander before named for that cause cast his said sonne into prison where continuing a certain time he died yet as it was thought by bléeding The foresaid Gouernesse Duchesse of Parma and Placencia departed about the end of Iuly home into Italy being conducted vpon the way to the sea side by the Commander Generall who returning to his Court at Bruxels cited thither the said Prince of Orange Count de Egmont and Count Horne hauing before proscribed them to appeare vpon their alleageance to the King before him as his Lieutenant generall ouer all those Countries The Prince of Orange kept him aloofe out of his daunger the other were taken laid in prison and afterwards beheaded in the Market place at Bruxels In that yéere also was Tergoas besiged the second time by Tseratius for the Prince and the States who was afterwards made Gouernour of Flushing there at Tergoas hauing made his ditches and plotted his stations for his Ordinance to be discharged by and by made he a breach in two places of the walles At the which assault the French souldiers vnder Monsieur and the English stipendarie hired souldiers vnder Captaine Thomas Morgan and others néere vnto the chiefest gate of the towne being 25 paces broade about midnight made entrance into the Citie whilest Creitius the Colonell being by his Frenchmen greatly furthered therein bestirs him to scale the other side of the gate but being countermaunded by the souldiers within sufficiently defending that place both hée and they were repulsed and forced to giue back froÌ„ that assault Whereby Mondragon the Spanish Captaine newly thereupon come thither reserued Tâ—â—goas from any further siege himselfe and his souldiers wading thorow déepe waters sent thither in great oportunitie by the Commaunder Generall as it were to resist the assault and rescue the towne which was performed with the losse of two hundred English and French souldiers slaine and fallen into the waters there Frederick the sonne of the Duke of Alua hauing béen with his said father very forward in all actions about the 21. of Nouember 1572. with the forces which he had vnder him from his father besieged Zutphen in Gelderland and shortly after tooke it Thus the Duke of Alua hauing with great crueltie gouerned for the King making hauocke of all with little mercie wheresoeuer hée came casting downe strong holds and killing man woman and child to make an end of his mischiefes when now the citie of Harlem in Holland had for her own best safegard receiued the Garrison of the said Prince of Orange pitched there his Tents bringing thither his armie consisting of Wallons and Frenchmen vnder their Captaines also Englishmen and their Captaines by name Captaine Turner who serued there some 8. yéeres Captaine Cotton Captaine Christopher Hunter Captaine Candish Captaine George Gascoyne and others which were all voluntaries and of certaine Scottish Regiments sending thither also all kindes of necessarie victuals furniture and prouision for the said armie thither then came the said Frederick sonne to the said Duke of Alua and with his fresh forces of diuers countries sent thither by the King of Spaine laieth great and long siege vnto the same which enduring from the said yéere 1572. néere at ende till the 15. of August 1573. hée at length preuailed so farre that profligating the Princes armie and dispersing them here and there he entred the same citie and obtained and kept it in possession for the King vsing the inhabitants thereof with no little extremitie About the 20. of August in the said yéere 1573. his said father Don Ferdinando Duke of Alua partly his crueltie being by the King perceiued and partly by the States of the Netherlands complaiâ—â—d vpon leauing his said sonne to gouerne and beaâ—e armes for the King with a conuenient retinue departeth out of those Countries not without many a curse banning and exclamation made vpon him for his farewell wheÌ„ he had so there tyrannized about the space of 6. yéers little more or lesse Vide HieronymuÌ„ Connestagium in Historia Portugaliae The Warres in the Netherlands vnder Don Lewis Requisensius Gouernour for the Spanish King ABout the beginning of October 1573. succéeding the said Duke of Alua came thither sent by the King of Spaine another Noble man named Don Lewis Requisensius he taking gouernment vpon him smally enterprised to purpose in the latter end of that yéere In the next yéere following 1574. he bestirreth him by all meanes possible to leuy his forces to besiege diuers townes and to fortifie some others amongst which when the Zelanders had attempted to besiege Midleborow they so farre proceeded that the towne suffered great penurie and distresse of all things both by sea and by land and by meanes thereof was in the end yéelded vnto the said Zelanders for the Prince of Orange who supported their powers and forces therein What time in the yéere aforesaid 1574. this newcome Commaunder brought his forces to besiege the citie of Leyden one of the chiefest cities in Holland the said Prince of Orange sent thither for safegard thereof vnder Lieutenant Edward Chester an Englishman ten Ensignes or companies of English souldiers all voluntaries who appointing certaine of them for a garrison in the citie procureth the citizens to make speedie prouision of corne and graine for the necessarie sustentation of his souldiers But finding the want thereof at his comming and their slownes in preparing the same at that time he complaineth greatly y t they the lesse regarding or foreseeing the
same in time do not so spéedely prouide for the premisses and still he earnestly calleth vpon thē to looke well to the present necessitie in time so for their safetie and defense he doth the part of a good carefull Captaine that in the meane time they resisted and repelled the enemies forces for thrée moneths And he telleth them they should lack no helpe that he could performe or procure any way notwithstanding they of the citie being to too negligent and slow in following his aduice in time shortly after for want of better prouision in due time fiue Ensignes of those English souldiers were constrained to step aside to the enemie contrarie to their promise to the States This towne was rescued by cutting certaine bankes and letting in the sea which drowned many of the enemies troupes In the beginning of the next yéere 1575. the King of Spaine hauing victualles manned and rigged a Nauie of souldiers purposely sent to inuade the Netherlands a great part of the same Nauie ariued by contrary winde and weather vpon the coasts of England all for the most part of these ships were such as they call Assabres Pinasses so small as that they might passe thorow the narrow and deepe riuers of those countries who when they chanced vpon the coast of the I le of Wight in England such a friend was the Quéens Maiestie vnto them that by the helpe of certaine her Highnes and subiects ships they were wafted ouer to Dunkerke where after they had landed their souldiers and conueied their treasure which they brought to the Commaunder staying vpon those coasts the latter part of that winter these ships with those that were left in them by huge and terrible tempests there arising were one frushed with the other quite sunke and cast away a thing surely reputed for Gods wonderfull worke This yeere also the States of Holland and Zeland by the chiefe perswasion of the Prince of Orange after much and graue consultation with no lesse aduice and deliberation determined condescended and agreed to make suite vnto some forreine Prince to protect and defend them from the horrible furies and outragious tyrannies of the Spanish gouernment In that yeere 1575. was Ziricksea also besieged by the enemies forces which continued for nine moneths space where when the Prince of Orange had resisted the enemie what he could with men munition and money to his power it was afterwards sore against this good Princes will yeelded vp vnto the Spanish King and his forces in the next yeere following 1576. The same next yeere following 1576. what time the said Commaunder Generall with his Spaniards and others bent their forces to inuade Antwerpe there then the Marques of Hauery being General and Champigny another valiant Captaine for the States ioyned their forces to the full resisting of that inuasion and valiantly withstood the enemie But then the Earle Obersteyn making haste from the Offerlings house in Antwerpe being pursued by the Spaniards thinking by flight to escape that daunger rushed into a Flemmish ship in the riuer where by the way through the heauines of his armour borne downe he fell from that ships side and was drowned At that inuasion also were missing pursued by the Spaniards certaine others of the chiefest personages of authoritie and valour in Antwerpe There then also the young Count Egmont was taken prisoner in the Abbey of S. Michael and with him Capreyse and Gogneyse two Noble men and so caried captiues away Then the Spaniards thus inuading the noble citie of Antwerpe entring it with fire and sword most furiously sacked ransacked and spoyled the same citie in horrible manner so that they were Lords and conquerours of the same by the fourth day of Nouember in the yeere aforesaid 1576. where I note by the way that on the selfe same day when the noble citie of Antwerpe most tyrannously and most lamentably was thus taken burnt and spoyled by the Spaniards euen then the same day Don Iohn de Austria the bastard sonne of Charles the 5. Emperour before remembred and new sent Commander Generall for the King of Spaine came into the Netherlands to gouerne the same As for the late Commander Don Lewis Requisensius when he had so serued his Prince King Philip as Generall of the Netherlands foure yéeres he deceased at Bruxels vpon whose death by the author were written these verses following IN MORTEM LVDOVICI REquisens Regis Hispan Commendatoris magni praedicti in Belgia 1576. Carmen I Lle Requisensus Regi percharus ipsi Vrbis Quirini flaminis Nunc chlamydem quandoque togam quandoque cucullum Triplex Chymera gestitans Belgarum genti Rector datus ante faeraci Praefectus Insubriae Mitis Horrenaus turgens abdomine Praedo Prouinciarum subdolus Emunctor populi Procerum Calcator Asylum Rasis Piorum Carnifex Numen Iberorum Batauorum terror Iniquus Belli atque Pacis Arbiter Ad generum Caereris subito se contulit illuc Citatus à Vitellio O stupidos Belgas passi qui talia Monstra Adhuc supini stertitis FINIS The ciuill Warres there vnder Don Iohn de Austria IN Ianuary following the next yeere 1577. after he was there setled a certaine space the Prince of Orange and diuers of the chiefest of the States by a certaine humble endeuour to doe all things for the best doe offer him in friendly manner for his present intertainment vse and benefit the possession of Louaine and Machlin to the intent to haue some treatie of pacification confirmed by him The said Prince and States at his request first demaunding the same on their parts giuing for hostages the before named Marques of Haury the Burgraue of Gaunt and the Abbot of S. Gertrude He accepteth their proffer made receiueth the hostages and bearing them in hand if he might be beleeued he would remaine either at Machlin or at Louaine where he would further procéede in treatie according to their former request to him so made In so much as the same being on the 5. of Ianuary 1577. condescended confirmed published by the aforesaid Prince of Orange and the States at Bruxels Don Iohn then as it seemed being moued by many reasons to make vnitie with the States promised them first to send away and quite dismisse the Spanish Kings forces out of those Countries and after that maketh them many faire promises on his part to be performed to the number of 19. Articles which were on the other partie likewise by and for himselfe and his Councell on the 17. of February 1577. condescended confirmed exhibited and published But howsoeuer this appeared in outward shew as the Poet saith it fell out Exitus acta probat caret successibus opto For the Prince of Orange and the States looking into his water more iudicially and prudently preuenting the worst sought by al meanes to prouide in time for their owne securitie and safetie and like prospecting Patriotae for the protection of themselues
base birth what for stomacking and furiously fretting at his euill successe in gouernment tooke such extreame thought that it shortened his life so much the sooner This Don Iohn as my Author saith was a lustie young man of thirtie yéeres of age of meane stature hastle rash and proud yet at length manifesting his malicious minde and furious fierce outrage in vndeserued troubles which he brought vpon the inhabitants of those Low Countries because he saw he was despised of them for his base and vnlawfull birth For indeed the high and low Germanes doe most of all others despise and disdaine bastards and the rather for that his mother which bare him was a Germane at that time dwelling in the Low Countries whose report being not so good the Emperour Charles the 5. father bruited of this Don Iohn caused her to be the sooner conueyed thence into Spaine that she might there leade a new life and appointed her a Nurse there to attend vpon her and the childe where notwithstanding perhaps the mother afterwards growing malecontent would rather name another man to be Don Iohns father then that he was begotten by the said Emperour In the yéere following 1579. the said Colonell Norice with other English Captaines and their forces had many small skirmishes with the enemie in Brabant and Holland but neither part attempted any notable exploite for game or losse of that which they had hitherto gotten but watching their oportunitie from time to time passed forth this yéere without any memorable thing done In the winter of this yéere the before named Duke Iohn Cassimire for a certaine time before retained by the States as a worthie warriour came with his forces to Teene and Areschot and lay there in campe all that winter and now and then skirmished with the said Prince of Parmaes other forces But the Prince being too strong for him driue him to the worse so that with very little or no great glorie the Duke departed againe into high Germanie and left his owne souldiers in the Netherlands some vnder one Captaine some vnder another but in the end they followed their first Captaine with better contentment to goe then to stay any longer Anno Dom. 1580. when the Lord George Lelain Erle of Renenbergh so commōly called in times past a faithfull consort of the States and a valiant Leader but afterwards his fates so framing or rather frowning being taken prisoner by this Alexander Prince of Parma became a Reuolt or Apostata he thenceforth made Lieutenant generall vnder the same Duke of Parma when I say he should take his iourney on the 18. day of October this yéere 1580. towards the citie of Steenwick to besiege it then being vnder the States comming with his forces against the same he found the Citie of very little abilitie or strength to resist him and very slenderly manned with one small companie in garrison yet as he thought if he might winne this he perswaded himselfe it would be for his speciall aduantage seruing to strengthen Drent and so in his passage to Frizland fit him for the defence of Vallenhoue Therefore this Countie Renenbergh laid siege to Steenwick bringing to the field 28. Ensignes or companies of souldiers euery one hauing two hundred footemen seuered in this manner that is foureteene bands of Frizlanders nine bands of new Gelders and fiue bands of his owne prouince of Renenbergh all which 28. Ensignes or bands contained sixe thousand footmen and moe and he had moreouer of horsemen twelue hundred speciall chosen Lansiers There was for the States within this citie a man of good valour named Olthoff as chiefe gouernour hauing but one Ensigne or band of men lying there in the garrison There was also another worthie man and a notable good Leader named Corruput with his band or companie and with these were also two companies of Germanes vnder conduct of the Lord Hohenlo commonly called Countie Hollock whose vnder Captaines were Plat and Stuper with their Leader Iohn Berenbrooke gouernour of Gelders but the souldiers of these two last companies were in manner Nouices and vntrained to the warres There were ouer and besides these about thrée hundred citizens but yet amongst them scarse fiftie persons which a man might well trust vnto They had not as yet any Generall sent vnto them neither had they any great Ordenance nor any horse only the officers of the bands had some twelue or foureteene horses for thēselues All these adiuments or helpes thus here recited were the besieged citizens vtterly voide and destitute of wherewith they might the better resist and repulse their approching enemies Wherefore in this present distresse the Gouernours Captaines and Burghers sending spéedely Letters vnto the States doe humbly and earnestly entreate them to send them spéedie succour and rescue But yet onely the said couragious Corruput and prudent Leader before named was after a sort against this intendement for he conceiuing and pondring with himselfe another thing with great héede and foresight sheweth and seeketh other meanes otherwise how to defend the citie whose opinion the foresaid Captaine Plat and his souldiers doe also well allow of In the meane time notwithstanding while the Noblemen of Frizland sent thither for succour and rescue foure Ensignes or companies of footemen and a few horsemen Countie Renenbergh addresseth certaine of his souldiers against them They which were sent for rescue defending themselues what they could were by the way set vpon and slaine of the Renenbergers few or none escaping Once againe the graue counsell and aduice of the said Corruput the second time giuen in presence of the Gouernours Captaines and Burghers touching the cities safetie as aforesaid being still contemned or neglected certaine of the chiefest personages in the citie by writing make and dispatch another motion to the States to haue yet againe more helpe sent vnto them and that the citie with all possible spéede might be deliuered from the enemies siege But now Corruput and the said Berenbrook by their letters perswade the States to deale more aduisedly least they afterwards repent themselues againe as they had done once erst before The States then willing to satisfie the citizens expectation yet for all this send another fresh supplie of sixe Ensignes of footemen vnder Heighmans conduct and appoint them for S. Iohns Campe a place so called not farre from Stenwick But or euer these came thither they also were set vpon by the Renenbergers and although they manfully defended themselues yet were they by the enemies taken slaine and put to flight Hereupon the enemie seeing his aduantage marcheth with great courage to the citie fireth the suburbs and scaleth the walles The citizens seeing the fire fiercely flaming in diuers places as men out of their wits be stir them by all meanes yet little enough to quench the same and the souldiers resist the enemie here and there what they can and with their Ordenance beate the enemie backe from
his deaths wound whereof the said Frier died presently Confirmed also by Captaine Cripse that after the said Generall Norice with his forces had lien there fiftéene daies sacked the towne and taken the spoyle they were commanded by the States to deliuer the towne to Monsieur Famoise who then to take the charge of the towne with his Dutch souldiers and Monsieur Temples Wallons perceiuing the English forces to depart away very rich out of the towne fell vpon them suddenly for the spoyle where they killed moe of the English then were killed at the winning of the towne where Generall Norice himselfe was shot thorow the buttocke and had his horse killed vnder him and euen then Captaine Price a braue souldier forsooke his owne horse and mounted him vpon the same and so altogether they marched out of the towne toward Antwerpe The States againe send the Lord Nienort with his companie thither he in his owne person with the same companie of souldiers boldly assaileth Renenberg with often skirmishing he killeth a great number of the enemies putteth them to flight and as they were flying pursueth them hard at the héeles euen to the very walles of Groning giuing them a great ouerthrow where hée slew aboue sixe hundred of the Renenbergers so as there was left for the said General Norice foure of the enemies Brasse péeces of Ordenance a great number of fardels and very many horses This victorie by the Lord Nienort thus gotten the 9. of Iuly 1580. he pitcheth his Tents not farre from the towne of Groning there resting in better securitie for a season And so the citie of Stenwick after foure moneths siege was in this manner at length by Gods good prouidence deliuered And within a little while after namely on the 23. of the said moneth of Iuly Countie Renenberg himselfe after he had béen certaine daies sick deceased in his Campe as some suspect by poyson After all this on the 17. of September this yéere 1580. a consultation was had at Lewarden in Frizland where it was decréed on the behalfe of the States to send the said Generall Norice to resist the enemie Spéedie dispatch herein was made and an armie was furnished out against a Spanish Generall named Verdugo They I meane the States hauing leuied and armed certaine bands of horsemen and footemen also mustering their companies and paying them one moneths pay aforehand doe make the said Generall Norice chiefe Gouernour of them He with conuenient spéede hauing these his forces well fortified with sixe Brasse peeces marcheth manfully to méete the said enemie But it fell out so that in both armies the plague was very contagious whereby many officers of this armie died in their Tents Here for a certaine space while both armies were thus setled afterwards Verdugo pitcheth his Tents at Northorne Him pursueth hard the said Generall Norice vnto whom came eleuen Ensignes of Englishmen vnder the conduct of the valiant Colonell Sir Thomas Morgan he himselfe hauing vnder his charge ninetéene Ensignes of all these countries vz. foure of Nassawes Regiment nine of Monsieur Sannoy and sixe of Nienorts Regiment so being vnder them thirtie Ensignes which made in all scarsely thrée thousand footemen To these were ioyned the troupes of horsemen vnder their seuerall Captaines as the Colonell Gore Captaine Elenborne and Henry van Eky who were in number scarse fiue hundred So then with such a braue armie marcheth forwards the said worthy General Norice on the 30. day of September that yéere 1580. towards Newziel a place in Frizland Now Verdugo setting his forces in order and battell aray had got to his greatest aduantage for his station the vpper ground néere the ditches where the valiant worthie souldier Captaine Roger Williams before named with the English horsemen vnder his charge together also with Elenbornes horsemen aforesaid doe set vpon one great band of Verdugoes footemen of whom they killed many and put many to flight But as euen then one Wingard a Captaine companion of Verdugo made towards them with certaine especiall troupes while the horsemen of the States had the enemie in chace Verdugo with two troupes of Lansiers by maine force charged into the armie of the States and so assailing them not only found Munition prouision wagons and other necessaries but also caried them quite away and tooke also from them many Ensignes where many of the States souldiers were slaine and taken prisoners but few of Verdugoes company of any reputation were then either slaine or taken And so afterwards Verdugo himselfe confessed that if this armie of the States had forborne and prolonged a few daies more from this fight a great number of these enemies had departed determinately and would otherwise haue prouided for their safetie elsewhere without any field there fought at that time Here in this conflict had the said Generall Norice his right hand hurt with a bullet and many of his souldiers which escaped the enemies hands were for the most part spoyled of their armour and weapons very many of them leauing their armour in those places where necessitie compelled them either to leape or swimme ouer those ditches This also confirmed by Captaine Cripse who being there an actor was in eight seuerall places hurt at the least Thus much my author mentioneth of the conflict at Northorne and thus farre he writeth of the warres managed betwéene Alexander Prince of Parma for and in the behalfe of the Spanish King and the Archduke Matthias for and in the behalfe of the States of the Netherlands which Archduke by occasion of displeasure of the King departed shortly after towards Austrich leauing the gouernment of those Low Countries and the ordering of the warres vnto the Prince of Orange who by generall consent of all the States ordering all things with wisedome and prouident foresight held the enemie at the sword point for one whole yéere from the end of 1580. to the beginning of the second yéere after 1582. at what time Monsieur the Duke of Aniow and brother to Henry the 3. King of France was sent for and chosen to succéed in gouernment of those Countries and ordering of the warres in manner and forme following The Warres in the Netherlands vnder Francis Duke of Aniow against Alexander Pr. of Parma AFter that the said Monsieur with other Noblemen of France ariuing in Kent on the first of Nouember 1581. had beene honourably receiued at London and intertained at her Maiesties Court at Whitehall with princely feastings and banquettings all that Christmas and being accompanied with the Quéenes Maiestie of England she with her Nobles brought him on his way to Canterbury feasted him there also and each of them tooke leaue of other And after that the Quéenes Maiestie had sent with him in fiftéene shippes the Right Honourable Robert Erle of Leicester Henry Lord Hunsdon Charles Lord Howard Baron of Essingham Knights of the Garter the Lord Willowby the Lord Windsor the Lord Sheffield Master Philip
all things distressed he takes his way towards the Abbey of S. Bernard from thence purposing to passe ouer the riuer Schaldis and Dermonde the Citizens of Antwerpe with all festination sending their shippes of war against him doe stoppe the way at Macklin in Brabant Hereupon also forthwith was the noble Generall Norice addressed with 23 Ensignes of English men and Scots into the countrie of Waste to withstand his passage that way who out of hand drowneth a great part of the countrie néere vnto Dermond with the waters there abouts but the Duke necessitie so constrayning him with great hazard passeth at Duffle ouer the riuer Nete and so with no little shame returned home into Fraunce where he afterwards for very sorrow sore repenting him of these things ended his life in such manner as I shall declare truelie reported in the historie thus procéeding This Duke of Aniow and late Duke of Brabant by the Sates so created as before you haue heard thus being sore abashed at his owne indirect dealing and returning as he came first with his powers by Dunkerke into Fraunce when he was there ariued the Duke of Parma presentlie beséegeth the same towne of Dunkerke and taketh it with certaine other Cities left at all aduentures being therein aided by the Citizens of Gaunt and by the Prince of Chymay the Gouernour And the said Duke of Aniow then being in Fraunce notwithstanding all former inconueniences tolerated by the States they yet once againe séeke for mutuall reconciliation with him and offer their friendships to receiue him againe vpon good assurance of better expectation but he newlie returned with his souldiers dismissed scattered abroad and discouraged as well falling sicke in bodie as wearied in minde with thinking vpon his former great misfortunes saw in himselfe now y t which he loathed being laughed to scorne of his aduersaries and besids that little accounted of with manie others by reason he was at some discord and ods with the King his brother Againe the Quéene mother a woman of most subtill wit and perillous mind who had first fostered the discord betwéene these her two sonnes to the end shée might preuaile in her purpose otherwise then practized to reduce them to vnitie and brought the matter to that passe that the Duke as humble suter for fauour acknowledging his fault should craue pardon of the King his brother Being constrained so to doe that hée might againe insinuate a renued mind into the affections of the States to make the former breach a more firmer knot of amitie concord and league with them who had by experience well learned that the Duke without the king his brothers countenance and supportation could not well accomplish any thing answerable to their expectation for they hoped hereby only the French forces shuld the rather returne vnto them and by his more carefull consideration all should yet againe be amended which before was farre amisse And in this behalfe the States beforehand prudentlie prouiding for their securitie do send the Lord Schonwalley as their Ambassadour vnto the French king and the said Duke his brother but or euer this ambassage could take effect or once be solicited the said Duke of Aniow remouing himselfe to the Castle of Theodor incontinentlie fell most grieuouslie sicke the blood gushing out of all the pores of his bodie as if his veines had béene burst with too much vehement ryding So as at length refusing naturall sustenance after the fortieth day of his sicknes come gone he died on the 10. of Iune in the yéere of our Lord 1584. At his death being in good mind memory it is affirmed he would not haue anie Monke or such other person for his Confessor He acknowledged professed and protested to such as were present at his death That hee reposed all his hope in the bloodshedding of Iesus Christ onelie as his onelie and alone Sauiour which thing for certaine the author of this historie had related vnto him by credible persons then present which his death some say was not without suspition of poysoning His desire before he died was to be buried as Gouernour and Duke of Brabant with his coate armour shields of armes and such other appurtenances to the same dominions vsuall and accustomed but his brother the French kings Counsellors thought it not so conuenient for fauour that they bare to the king of Spaine He was somewhat aboue the meane stature of men well compact of bodie of a swart complexion blacke eyed blacke head curled of a hie forehead a greater nose then anie his ancestors had he was very fierce of nature wittie eloquent affable nobly minded bountifull ambitious nothing blood thirstie or desirous of reuenge but mercifull and curteous not contemning anie man for religion sake yet vnquiet quicke and hastie in his doings but for all this as his disposition sufficientlie well shewed a peaceable person as appeared by his indeuours when hee went vnto the king of Nauarre now king of Fraunce as then being his aduersarie the Ambassadors of the Low-countries then thither accompanying the said Duke Men say that he two dayes before his death sent a copie of his testament vnto the king his brother and therein declared the great sorrow of his heart in that he had offended his Maiestie with his doings and enterprises he requested of him manie things especiallie he humbly beséecheth him to bee gratious Soueraigne Lord vnto many his retained Nobles and Officers at armes lately seruing him in the Low-countries and there impouerishing themselues And further where he in conscience was touched with consideration of a certaine debt to the summe of 300000. Florens which he had not yet satisfied he humblie besought his Maiestie of all brotherly loue betwéene them to take some order for the payment thereof acknowledging touching his presentabilitie that he could not leaue behinde him sufficient restitution or satisfaction neither should he carrie away with him out of this world into his graue anie other riches but the teares and sighes of sorrowfull persons to conclude he desired neither sumptuous nor statelie funerall but wished the monument of his memorie to be founded and fixed in the mindes of his friends and vassals Whose funerall in decent and honourable maner the king his brother accordingly accomplished within the Citie of Paris in the month of August that yéere 1584. Thus much for the manner of the gouernment actions life and death of the said Duke of Aniow after he was Gouernour in the Low-countries being for the space of two yéeres and a halfe as before is declared You haue heard hitherto what interchange of Gouernours haue béene on both sides as well for and vnder the king of Spaine as for the States what wars what slaughters of men and what infinite charges and troubles it hath béene for all parts and yet no placart of peace purchased at the Pope and King of Spaines hands but rather the one more like blood thirstie
lyonlike force practised against the nobles and States of the Low Countries infringing their ancient priuiledges breaking fidelitie in contracts violating the bonds of amitie and violentlie oppressing al integritie of loyal subiects and faithfull seruants of God seeking to make hauocke of high and low rich and poore young and old with more then Turkish tyrrany in those dominions most vntollerable Neither rest these two there contented with the great effusion of innocent blood like conquerours preying on or spoyling euery sillie shéepe with their iawes imbrued waxing euer more hungrie neuer rest raging hither and thither casting down Bulles threatning silly lambs swift of foote and gréedie of tooth to teare in péeces the christian members and to quaffe vp their blood in their vnquenchable thirst in those Countries but this Anti-Christ and his adherent vniustlie without cause giuen them as the iust God iudge and reuenger of all wrongs knoweth doe now also bend all their forces euen in this yéere against the most lawfull naturall christian and religious Phenix of feminine sexe and the most peerelesse Paragon of true professing Princes Elizabeth Quéene of England her gratious Royall person her noble lawfull kingdomes naturall faithfull subiects and happie peaceable estate and gouernment This Antichrist I say this Romish seauen headed tenne horned and triple crowned Dragon whose taile draweth the third part of the starres from heauen and casteth them to the earth presumeth to approch néere the woman the Church of God the defender of the faith and watcheth wililie with inward and outward Serpentine malice to deuour the innocent harmelesse child whereupon although this Dragon send forth his angels to war with the woman though he send forth his Iesuits the English fugitiues whom he hath nuâ—led vp in Popish abhomination manie yéeres and though he againe likewise infect and enforce the Locusts and Scorpions of the bottomlesse pit with his infernall furie such as Francis Throgmorton and manie other vipers which would haue wrought intestine warres and ciuill bloodshed against their naturall most gracious Prince their countrie and friends by forraine confederacies of the Pope and Spanish King their abbetters subborners and supporters yet to the perpetuall glorie of God these wicked Angels Locusts and Scorpions hauing no power to hurt anie good or godlie member but such as themselues which haue not the seale of God in their forehead were ouertaken by Gods power and prouidence and cast out into the earth and so the Lord of hosts fought for our Quéene and vs in peace mercie to our comforts but in his iustice and iudgement against our inward and outward enimies for which God make vs thankefull to his glorie for euer After the death so sought for and procured of the aforesaid noble Prince of Orange by the said Pope and Spanish king as afore mentioned the ordering of the affaires both ciuill and politike rested in the wisedome of the Nobilitie and States of the Low Countries who seeing themselues like sheepe left without a Shepheard a nation without a Gouernour and a bodie without a head plucking vp their spirits vnto them taking heart and christian courage vnto them in their godlie iust and lawfull cause for defence of Gods true religion of their auncient priuiledges themselues their wiues children and countrie and for eschewing the horrible tyranny of the forraine vsurping Pope and Spaniard their Idolatrie vniust exactions oppressions vnmercifull vexations and horrible desolations doe with most carefull consideration take oportunitie of time and with mature deliberation to consult vpon some peculiar and speciall protection of themselues and their countries thus grieuouslie distressed Whereupon in the next yéere following 1585. after conference had amongst themselues in the month of May that yeere they dispacht into England an honourable Embassade which ariued at London on the 26. day of Iune being personages of great account in the Netherlands Namelie the Lord Iames Gryse the Lord Roger Harsellus in the behalfe of Gelderland Maister Noelus Caronus Lord of Schonwall who at this day is resiant in England Agent for the Estates and Iohn Dousta Lord of Nortwich for the south part of Holland with eight others men of great account which for breuitie I doe here omit whom they substitute as their deputies to sollicite their cause vnto the Queenes Maiestie of England these were lodged about the Tower street and had their diet in worshipfull manner appointed at Clothworkers hall in London vpon her Maiesties owne charges On the 29. of Iune they repaired to the Court at Greenewich where they presented vnto her Maiestie the Soueraignetie of those Countries which being ratified contained at large 31. seuerall Articles as to the Duch historie I referre the Reader With godlie and neighbourlie commiseration whereof her Maiestie being pittifullie moued to put forth her helping hand to saue that which was in extreme perill considering well by former accidents how sinister a minde the Spanish king by the Popes instigation had of long time vniustlie borne of late put in practise and would now likelie proceed further if God and good regard in due time were not her best friends her excellent Highnes therefore to preuent the worst prouideth first for her own safetie and her subiects at home trayning and mustering of able men in all places of the realme for necessarie domesticall defence whatsoeuer might befall and afterwardes in the month of Iulie presseth out of the Citie of London certaine conuenient companies of Souldiers furnished for the warres at the charges of the Fraternities or Societies of the same Citie and on the 13. of August following with certaine special braue Knights approued Captains and worthie Seruitors ouer them transporteth all these into Holland Zeland Brabant c. as other the like Souldiers had beene before time sent out of other parts and places of the realme Of these seuerall Companies at this time was sent the before named valorous Generall Norice chiefe Commaunder who comming from thence for that purpose a little before taking his leaue of her Maiestie and her Nobilitie embarked himselfe and his retinue on the 24. of August this yeere 1585. and with a prosperous winde ariued in Holland about the 26. of the same where his forces being before ariued he disposed of them as was most conuenient till time and opportunitie serued for their purpose About this time the Right noble by birth and for vertue renowmed Knight Sir Philip Sidney sonne and heire of that most noble Sir Henry Sidney Knight sometime Lord Deputie of Ireland and then Lord President of Wales was by her Maiestie sent ouer after the said Generall Norice on the tenth day of October in the yéere aforesaid who ariuing in safetie at Flushing was on the ninetéenth of that moneth by the States established Lord Gouernour of Flushing in Zeland where by his valour wisedome and great diligence he surprised the towne of Axel in Flaunders and at Doesburgh in Gelderland made manifest proofe of
their passage euery where againe planting his Ordenance and Munitions round about Heyl to besiege it so it happened that Parma was constrained winter comming on to dismisse his hoste and furnishing with conuenient forces of their Garrisons the Castles of Heymert and Heyl and other his defences he departed to the mouth of the Riuer Deynsa adioyning néere vnto the towne of Sherteghanbusch The Duke of Parma in this yéere 1589. was ouertaken by a grieuous disease or sicknes many were the causes supposed to be thereof namely and first that on the tenth day of Nouember 1588. as he was riding from Berghen to Machlin he fell off from a bridge into the water Vnto which chance happened many other euils such as were the sorrow which he conceiued by the euill successe of the Spanish Nauie in the inuasion of England a little before in that last yéere 1588. And the siege of Berghen from whence hee was enforced to depart without any thing done by him Also that by the Duke of Pastrana and the Prince of Ascoly many things were spoken and done to his reproch and disdaine And again because he vnderstood that certaine letters of Exchange as they call them sent by him into Spaine by the instigation of some euill willers which perchance he there had were neither receiued nor yet the money for them paid when those letters mentioned that the money amounted vnto 100000. Ducats wherefore he laboureth greatly by some meanes to satisfie the Italian Merchants and about the same time deceased his Vncle by his fathers side called the Great Cardinall Farnesius by whom he had great helpe and furtherance To be short therefore he falling sicke in the moneth of May 1589. all vnhealthie and heauie in plight then departed to Spada a Fountaine in the land of Luke there to vse the benefit of a Bath taking his lodging at Montfort or in the towne adioyning where he dranke the waters of Spada or Spau for his health sake and liued after that vntill the 12. day of Nouember 1592. and then died in the citie of Arras in Artoys one of the seuenteene Prouinces of the Netherlands Thus farre translated out of Emanuel Meteranus his Belgic Historie A BRIEF DISCOVRSE OF THE MEMORABLE VOYage to Portugall Anno 1589. by Sir Iohn Norice and Sir Francis Drake Knights with the English forces INprimis to the glory of God and honour of her Maiestie be it specially remembred that the two Generals aforesaid made certaine orders in number 14. for the Souldiers and Mariners going to sea and other 54. orders for the Captaines Souldiers and Sailers during the voyage to be by them and euery of them duly and dutifully obserued and performed Their Nauie consisting of Shippes great and small and of men set forward from Plimmouth the 17. of Aprill Anno 1589. to the sea The Admirall The Arke Sir Iohn Norice Sir Francis Drake two Generals The Vizadmirall The Golden Lyon Captaine Thomas Fenner The Rereadmirall The Dreadnot Captaine William Fenner The sixe principall Masters of the Quéenes Ships Thomas West Robert Wignald Iohn Bennet Robert Hart Roger Tallent Richard Burnet The fiue Colonels of the fiue Regiments in the Nauie and Armie Sir Iohn Norice Sir Francis Drake Sir Roger Williams Sir Edward Norice and Captaine George Fenner The fiue Lieutenants Colonels of the fiue Squadrons Captaine Thomas Drake Captaine Sachuile Captaine Garton Captaine Goring and Captaine Winter The fiue Captaines of the Watch of the fiue Squadrons and their Corporals Captaine Web of the Reuenge Captaine Champernoune of the Non per illa Captaine Gifford of the Dreadnought Captaine Norwood of the Foresight Captaine George Drake of the Swiftsure Corporals Captaine Young Captaine Seigar Captaine Thomas Baker Captaine Wilde Captaine Cripse The seuen Commissioners Iohn Sachuile William Winter Alexander Musgraue William Fenner Thomas Drake Iames Lancaster Iohn Goring The Secretary of the Nauie Master Anthony Ashly The Surueyor generall of the victuals Master Marmeduke Daryell The Treasurer of the Nauie The Viztreasurer Master Stalling The Surueyor of the Nauie Captaine Ro. Flicke The Lieutenant of the Ordenance of the Nauie Captaine Iames Lancaster Captaine generall of the Watch Captaine Bowyer The Master of the Discoueries and Lieutenant Colonell of the Pinnasses Captaine Foxcroft The Transport Master Captaine Alexander Musgraue aforesaid The Clerke of the store Master Aldridge The fiue Corporals of the fiue Squadrons Captaine Young of the squadron of the Reuenge Captaine Seigar of the Non perilla Captain Thomas Baker of the Dreadnought Captaine Wilde of the Swiftsure Captaine Peter Cripse of the Foresight A Journall of the Portugall Voyage Anno 1589. WEdnesday the 17. of Aprill 1589. they embarked at Plimmouth Tuesday the 23. of Aprill they fell with the Coast of Galizia Wednesday the 24. of Aprill they landed at a little Hermitage East side of the Corunna or Groyne supposed 12000. strong From thence to Andyas where they had a small skirmish with no losse to the English The 25. of Aprill being Thursday our men wasted and burned in the countrey what they could with fire and sword Saturday the 27. of Aprill they assaulted the base Towne of the Corunna and wonne it with small losse to them and the Enemie retired into the high Towne not aboue seuen Ensignes strong as was thought Sunday the 28. of Aprill they so battered a great Galeaz wherein Ricaldo serued the last yéere 1588. as Viz-admirall of that Nauie sent into England that the Spaniards now not able to kéepe her discharged her Ordenance fired her and ranne her on ground with no hurt to vs at all The same day they went from Andyas to the base Towne of the Corunna where they found much Béefe Salt Meale Wheate Oyle Fish and Wines as was thought to victuall 40000. men a quarter of a yéere besides Gables Hempe Rosen Waxe Pitch Tallow and other things for shipping store which was leuied for a new force to haue come into England this Summer But in fourtéene daies there was hardly one bit of bread wine or other victuals to be had in any quarter of the Towne except by some priuate officer or Captaine The same day the Enemie lying not farre off thence presented a Brauado before the Towne gates against whom when our men sallied foorth without more adoe or any encounter they fled and twelue of them were slaine Monday the 29. of Aprill our men summoned the high Towne who refused all parley There all the Spaniards that our men could gather after they had taken them they slew to the great amazing of the Enemie beholding the same That night the Spaniards desired parley and not long after fired certaine houses néere their vpper towne walles Wednesday the first of May 1589. our English laid their battery vnto la Corunna the great where through the weakenes of the Rampier betwéene our great Ordenance and the Enemie which fell downe with oft shaking they were driuen from their péeces by the enemies Musquet shot from the towne
wherewith we recouered the Haigue Thursday about ten of the clocke at night we anchored before the Castle of Gernsey and my Lord Generall and some other Gentlemen with him lay at the Castle that night Friday morning we set saile from thence and about fiue of the clocke in the euening we put into the road of Iarsey Monday my Lord Generall expecting the Companies out of the Low Countries were this daye ariued with Captaine Anthonie Wingfield Sergeant Maior of the Campe his Lordship went abord and lay at anchor in the road all that night Tuesday in the morning we loosed from thence and hauing a fine winde at North and by West about eight at night we anchored in the road of Pimpowle ariuing in the road called Lemoys de Guelle neere Pimpoule Wednesday y e 5. of May we discouered diuers shippings and botes that came from Brehake and made towards S. Malowes whereof we tooke one laden with salt and fish It is to be remembred that those of Brehake and of the Castle taking knowledge of our approch abandoned the Castle and yeelded themselues to the kings authoritie Not long after the enimie fled from the Castle of Lantegard which was fortified for the king by the Prince Dumbeez now Duke Mountpenser at this day My Lord dispatched letters into England from the Abbey of Beauport Thursday the 6. of May was spent in vnshipping the horses munition and souldiers This day also the Prince Dombeez sent 20. Moyles laden with bread to the Abbey for prouision of the souldiers Wednesday the army marched towardes Guyngamp and lodged in a small village in the way neere the Abbey and this night the Guyngampiers hearing of our approches set fire on their suburbes which we might plainelie discerne This night likewise my Lord Generall rode before to the Towne to take view and to saue as much as might be of the suburbs for the lodging of the troupes Thursday our troupes being with the French accompanied were lodged in such houses and other places of the suburbs as were left vnburned the same day the enimie sallyed out of the towne in pursuyng vs Captaine Wolfe an Englishmans colours were taken which we recouered againe at the winning of the towne and deliuered to him Fridaie those within the towne not beleeuing that we had any Cannon with vs sent out diuers spies to discouer which we tooke This day our Artillerie being a Cannon and two Culuerings came to vs. Saturday it pleased my Lord Generall to put them within the Towne out of doubt for the Artillerie being planted our first shot was so exceeding well made as that it dismounted a peece which the enimie played withall from a steeple the Prince Dombeez beeing present Sonday Monday and Tuesday were spent in drawing plat-formes and in planting the Ordinances Wednesday the Canons were readie to play being plāted in a Cloyster in the French quarter on the north side of the towne Thursday morning we hauing expected certaine Artillerie of the Princes to haue come from Brest which came not to vs we began the batterie with our owne 4. peeces continuing the same all that day and the next vntill three of the clocke in the afternoone to the number of 400. shot at which time notwithstanding that the breach was verie vnassaultable and small the wall being passing strong yet the French humour vrged my Lord Generall verie hotlie to an assault Which vpon so small a possibilitie of doing anie good his Lordship was hardlie drawne vnto onelie in regard of the honour of our nation he made choise of certaine out of diuers companies wherof Captaine Iackson Captaine Heron and Captaine Hayes to haue the leading and afterwards the dice being cast the chaunce fell to Captaine Iackson and Captaine Heron to haue the point of the assault and to be seconded by Captaine Hayes as occasion should serue who being accompanied with Captaine Catesby and manie other English gentlemen although the breach was very vnassaultable as before and exceeding troublesome by reason of the height thereof and the light falling of the moulder of the wall and the great number of the fetherbeds and such like which the Cannon had beaten downe yet a great part of our men perforce obtained the verie top of the breach where they endured a hot and long assault Captaine Heron receiuing a push with a pike vnder his gorget was there slaine and about some tenne or twelue of the common souldiers and besides thirtie hurt with stones the residue not being able to maintaine the assault any longer for the causes before remembred were driuen to retire The Baron Monluc hauing in this seruice the conduct of certaine French shewed himselfe verie couragious and gayned at that time vnto himselfe great reputation but the residue for the most part came forwards verie coldlie It was thought good that Captaine Hayes and his companie should not at this time come forwards but be reserued vntill the next day at what time the finishing of a Myne then in hand was appointed during this assault Captaine Dennis an English man offering a Scalado on the other side of the towne was shot with a Musket in the bellie whereof he died shortlie after Sonday next following being Whitsonday beginning againe to play after a three or foure tyer the enimie summoned a Parley which in fine grew to a capitulation in this sort viz. That the next day the horsemen in the towne should depart with their horses and Harquebusses leauing the Cornet behinde the footemen with their swords and the Townesmen to Fine 40000. crownes to the Prince Monday they came forth accordinglie to the number of 200. horse and 260. foote and the towne possest Mounsier de Cargamart being appointed Gouernour of the same There was found in the towne being yéelded vp foure Ensignes one Cornet one Cannon perier one demy Culuering sixe Sacres and of Mynions 2000. weight The towne was found to be verie strong defensible and sufficient able to haue kept the same for a far longer time if they within had bin honest men my Lord General doubted not but to haue drawen them of the towne to far strickter conditions then is said had not the Prince Dombeez seemed to be verie glad of this and that his hap sorted to so good successe and therefore would not further stand vpon it Wednesday then next following my Lord Generall dispatched letters to certaine the Lords of her Maiesties most Honourable priuie Counsell to my Lord Norice his father and to my Ladie his mother and other his friends in England Thursday the 27. dicto a Muster was taken of the Armie Tuesday the first of Iune anno dicto vpon the taking of Guyngamp it was purposed that we should haue gone for Morlayx but by certaine after Counsels that intent was altered for that it was said that the Duke Mercoeur was remoued from Pontiny where he ioyned with 4000. Spaniards vnder the
leading of Don Iohn de Laguna who was marching towards Morlayx by the way of Corlay Monday next following the Duke Mercoeur ariued at Corlay a Castle pretending to hold for the King but in the possession of Madam de Guyneny whose brother Mounsier de Bodolphin is the Dukes Lieuetenant so the partie being made before hand the Castle was rendered without one shot of the Cannon Tuesday we dislodged towards the enimie and lay at Chateau Lodune To this place the Duke sent a Trumpeter to the Prince with letters whereunto he answered vt patet per copias here likewise the Prince sent an other Sartell to the Duke wherewith he seemed so moued that he vowed to offer battell to the Prince Wednesday the Duke dislodged and encamped at Queremen a village distant a league and a halfe from Chateau Lodune scituate on the foote of a hill which by deepe ditches enclosures and hedges confronted a little heath of two miles compasse To which heath vpon discouerie of the approch of the enimie by my Lord Generall who then with the Prince was ridden to take view of a place conuenient our battell was drawen Thursday the enimie within one quarter of a league of the heath sheweth his whole Armie in order of battell vpon the top of a hill whereupon my Lord Generall disposed the troupes into three battailions whereof the infantry English made two and the Launce Knights the third This day was spent in some sleight skermishes Friday the enimie drew his Armie to the foote of the hill and placed his Artillerie vpon he sight of the heath in a place of such aduantage as it commaunded in the nature of a Caualier the whole heath where he bordered all the hedge with shot Now my Lord Generall sent out 200. footmen to see the countenance of the enimie who droue them to their strengths put them to their hedges and Baricadoes and slew diuers of them vpon the retreit to these the Duke put forth 500. French and 300. Spaniards to repossesse the place whom he followed with the Armie Which being perceiued by the Prince remouing in the heath with Mounsier de la Hunnaday commaunding the auantgard and hauing his regiment of horse in battell my L. Generall with Mounsier de Pogny de Pruneanx Momartin Bastinay order was giuen to put forward 300. foot commaunded by Captaine Anthony Wingfield Captaine Moreton the English horse led by Captaine Anthony Sherley this direction was valiantlie prosecuted by ours but speciallie by the English so as the enimies horse and foot which were in the playne were enforced to flee manie slaine and the rest driuen to saue themselues within their Artillery being taken in this charge Mounsier de Guybreun Colonell of the foot of the Armie and slaine Don Rodrigo chiefe Marshall of the Spaniards one Spanish Captaine also the number of 200. French and 60. Spaniards This resolute charge so amated the enimie as that they suffered within 200. paces of their Cannon to disarme the dead and to retire at their ease In this charge Captaine Anthonie Sherley gaue such an example to the French horse as was admired and the Companies on foote performed their parts with no lesse valour namelie the Sergeant Maior and Lieuetenant Long who receiued in his bodie fiue Harquebuz shot the rest of the day was spent in skirmishes Saturday the enimie made a great shew to come forth and sent out some number of shot against whom Captaine Anthonie Sherley with fifteene horse and some few foote made them quicklie take their heeles pursuing them to their Baricadoes where his horse was shot in the head and some small hurt done Sonday little was performed that day Monday being S. Iohns day as they write after the Roman Kalender with them it was thought somewhat would haue bin done in the honour of the day but in deed nothing at all for the Duke vsed it rather as a colour whereby to runne away hauing that night withdrawen his Cannon and retired himselfe to Queremen Wednesday the 16. of Iune Mounsier de la Noë with the troupe of the Counte Mongomery consisting of 100. Curaces and the Counte de Comburg came vnto Chateau Laudra whose ariuall promised some good successe to the kings affaires Thursday being Midsomer day the Natiuitie of S. Iohn Baptist we dislodged to Quintine This night the enimie being lodged at Corlay within 3 smal leagues of vs an enterprise was made vpon some of their light horse that lay wide of their Campe which for that it was not attempted by footmen as my Lord Generall earnestlie perswaded them vnto it tooke no great effect sauing that there were killed some 16. of a Corps du Guarde and their horse taken The rest might easily haue bin had as good cheape if the horsemen would haue lighted and forced their Baricadoes the French thought they had done wonderous well and so that seruice ended Mounsier Tremblay who had the commaund of the French Light horse was now sleightlie shot in the thigh other hurt we receiued none Friday the 25. day the Enemie attempted a reuenge and came forth with some horse and foote and gaue vs an alarme which was performed so fauourably as they neither hurt man nor beast Tuesday being S. Peters day my Lord Generall dispatcheth certaine letters by Peter Browne to certaine the Lords of her Maiesties most Honourable priuie Councell to my Lord Norice his father and to other his friends in England Friday the second of July Anno 1591. the armie dislodged to Pleu or Plessue Tuesday the sixt day we marched towards Lamball and lay in a small Village in the way Wednesday about ten of the clocke in the morning the towne of Lamball was entred at the West Southwest and by Captaine Symmes and Captaine Richard Wingfields Ensigne who led two hundred shot The Southside of the towne was entred by Captaine Hall and Captaine Guest with other two hundred shot Both these were seconded by Captaine Dolphin with one hundred Pikes whom Captaine Mayne was appointed to haue followed if occasion had so serued But the aforesaid Captaines Symmes and Hall with their troupes came so resolutely vpon the Baricadoes of the Towne that the enemie was forced to abandon the same and to make a hastie retreit into the Castle From whence Captaine Baynton and Barbar Lieutenant to Captaine Symmes were both shot and died that day Captaine Richard Wingfields Ensigne bearer hauing receiued from the walles of the Castle a shot through both his thighes at that time Thursday there were two of our Cannons mounted on the Southwest side of the Castle and that day the Enemie made some proffer of a sallie vpon Captaine Halles quarter Friday a Spurre which couered the Gate of the Castle was made assaultable by two of the clock in the afternoone two Frenchmen were sent to discouer the breach and it was appointed that other French should haue entred the same who should haue been
seconded by the Lieutenants one Guest and Braconbury But the first of the French performing but badly and the second flatly denying Monsieur de Mo Martin was enforced to aduance himselfe somewhat further then his place required whereby he receiued a Harquebuze shot in the thigh Being iudged by my Lord Generall and Monsieur de la Noë that the Spurre when it should haue beene taken was not assaultable it was thought good that certaine shot should be sent out in the smoke of the Cannon to lodge themselues directly vnder a Bulwarke vpon the right hand of the gate whereby the breach might in some sort be flanked Whiles Monsieur de la Noë stood behinde a Baricado to beholde how those that were sent performed this seruice he was shot in the head with a Musquet whereof he died soone after At the time of this seruice one Monsieur de Boa Captaine of a Companie of Light horse was slaine with a small shot My Lord well weighing the slow successe of this enterprise thought it best to deferre the seruice vpon the Spurre vntill the darknes of the night following His Lordships purpose was to assault with some thirtie shot and Pikes well armed if the height of the breach would haue béen taken whereof little doubt was made The leading of these men was committed to Lieutenant Guest it was further resolued that Captaine Hender with other thirtie shot and Pikes should lodge himselfe vnder the great Baricado on the right hand of the Gate and to assay by all meanes he could to worke himselfe further vnder the very foundation thereof In the darknes of the night my Lord Generall caused two with firelocke péeces and two Pikes to discouer the breach who made their way without any great difficultie Lieutenant Guest followed with two Pikes only and sixe Musquetiers who winding to the height of the breach besides many sore blowes with stones receiued two shot vpon his armour whereof one was a very daungerous wound and so retired from the place which was so flankered as it could not well be kept Sunday the 11. day of Iuly 1591. Master Danyel desirous to see out of the height of a Tower receiued a shot in the shoulder with a Harquebuz And in the same place one Master Pawlet was shot in the head whereof he died presently Vpon an assured intelligence that Duke Mercoeur with his whose force was come to Pleny Ingot with a resolution to raise our siege my Lord Generall at the instance of the Prince most of our French hauing at that time forsaken vs thought good to dislodge and to méete the Enemie We dislodged and that night the Armie came to Queymer where we continued vntill the last of Iuly present Monday fourtnight following my Lord Generall sent letters to the Lords of the Councell by Master Browning Tuesday the 27. Monsieur de la Verdune came to the Prince with 220. horse and 700. foote The Marques de Villeures did accompany him Friday the Armie dislodged and lay that night at Brehake Sunday the first of August the Prince Dombeez my Lord Generall Monsieur de la Verdune and the principall Commanders amongst the French being followed with twelue hundred shot whereof foure hundred were English twentie being taken out of euery Companie and all the Cauallerie did march from the armie at Brehake towards the Enemie encamped by Ingon The intention was to haue cut off thrée Cornets of the Enemies horse which lay at a little Village about a mile and a halfe off from the strength of the Armie But vpo an aduertisement taken it was found that they dislodged themselues that morning and had drawne themselues to another Village not fiue hundred paces from their Armie We comming to the first place and missing the Enemie sought them in the second from whence likewise vpon their alarme giuen by their Sentinels they had withdrawne themselues to the armie Yet in this second place some small resistance was made by French shot which being soone ouerthrowne and some 25. of the Enemies horse taken which in a hastie feare they left behinde Monsieur Tremblay seeing some thrée or foure score of the enemies horse begin to make a head and proffer to passe a Riuer determined to charge the first that would attempt the same In which charge being least of all the rest foure only excepted that charge with him his horse stumbling and so falling with him he was taken prisoner after a sleight hurt receiued in his face with the shot of a Pistoll Tuesday our Armie dislodged to Kerso Thursday to Monconter Saturday from thence to S. Brieux Sunday my Lord Generall dispatched letters into England by Peter Browne the Poste Saturday we remoued to Ville Rabel To this place place came Master Barker with my Lords horses out of the Low Countries At this place considerations were drawne by the Prince and his Councell which implied a necessitie for the marching of the Armie in the high parts of Britany whereunto my Lord Generall in writing answered his opinion Tuesday the 24. of August dicto the Armie came to Collinee Thursday the Armie dislodged and because the Prince was certainly enformed that Mounsier de Mercouer came to Benne it was certainly resolued that the Armie should that day march to S. Meyn but through the vnredines of all things apperteyning to the Cannon and distance of place that course was altered and for that night we lodged at Medrimak a reasonable faire village in the mid way betweene Collinee and S. Meyn Here the Prince Dombeez vnderstood that Mounsier de Mercoeur had in all secrecie dislodged that night before from Diuant and was come to Pleumalan with a resolution to preuent vs of our lodging at S. Meyn Pleumalan is two leagues from Diuant and foure from S. Meyn from Medrimak to S. Meyn but three leagues Whereupon it was concluded that Mounsier de la Verdune accompanied with 80. Curasses 300. Harquebuz a Cheuall and 400. English should dislodge about midnight and assay if by a speedie march towards S. Meyn they could before the enimie should inuest the towne with those forces Friday we dislodged verie timelie and in our march were certified that S. Meyn was inuested with those forces sent the night before with Mounsier de la Verdune and that it was not heard that the enimie had anie such intention as before Tuesday the thirty one and last of August we dislodged to Yfendit Here Mounsier de la Verdune left the Prince Thursday the second of September anno dict the Armie remoued to Breal Friday the third from thence to Moyal Saturday from Moyal to Chasteauieron Sonday my Lord Generall was inuited by the inhabitants of Rheyas to visite their Citie Thursday we dislodged to Chasteau burg Saturday from thence to S. Hulbin At this place lay the Armie when the Castle of Chastileon was taken in by assault Friday my Lord